Hello Everyone,
It's Adam (Mary's son) and I'm sitting here next to Mom while she is getting some rest after a pretty tough night. Julie, Dad, David and myself were here all day yesterday and Mom had an awesome day. It wasn't until last night about 11:00 that she started to spike a fever that continued throughout the night. When we all arrived here this morning Mom still had a fever of about 103 but since then it has dropped to closer to 100 and she's starting to rest much more comfortably.
Today she's got some more visitors besides Dad and I...Amy, Brian and their three girls are here; Joe (my Mom's brother who was her stem cell donor and may be called upon again) and his wife Cheryl, daughter Sarah and her husband Adam (II). Mom's happy to have people in the room even though she is napping pretty good now and catching up on some rest from what she missed last night.
It's been a very nice weekend with Mom...I arrived on Friday morning and spent the day here with her, Amy and her daughter Emma "Lou-do-poo-poo". It's been fun to watch Emma bring laughter and smiles to Grammy's face, she's up here often with Amy and I know Mom really enjoys having her here. Earlier in the week I mentioned something to Suzanne and Amy about seeing if we could get some home videos up here with a VCR and they had it ready to go on Friday. After getting things set up on the flatscreen we started watching some of the old classics! One of the videos was from 1975 - 1980, no sound but we got to see Mom's and Dad's wedding, several Christmas Eve celebrations, and a few videos from when Amy and I were little and she was feeding us. For several hours each day on Friday and Saturday she got "lost in time" and the days went by fas,t which was our main goal. There are plenty more tapes up here and when she starts feeling better then hopefully she can enjoy more of those.
I'll be taking off in a little while to head back to Pittsburgh but Bre and the kids and I will be coming back for Christmas on the 18th. We are truly praying that Mom will be home to celebrate her upcoming birthday (20th) and Christmas with the entire family. She's showing great signs of making that become a reality but we'll know a lot more over the next few days or so. What a blessing it would be to have her home to celebrate Jesus' birth in her own home with the entire family around. She tells us that she's NOT going to celebrate Christmas in the hospital so we'll be ready to have that time as a family no matter when she comes home.
Thank you for the continued prayers and support from all of you. Please write Mom a message when you get a chance, she's checking in on the blog and always loves hearing from her family and friends. Love to you all, off to the Burgh!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
A Holy Fast
My aunt Sue asked me to let everyone know that we are going to do a fast day, each Tuesday, so we can pray for Mary particularly that day. If you'd like to participate, fasting can be done in many ways. It involves giving up something (food or anything that would be a sacrifice) for that day and when you miss that thing you've given up, you say a prayer for Mary.
Joel 1:14 says:
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.
***************
Mom is still doing fine. She has an upset stomach and doesn't feel right, but hasn't had pain or any major problems. Her blood pressure has been on the low side, so they've been giving her fluid to help it go up. We anticipate her hardest days being over this weekend but the doctors can never tell us how things will go for sure. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We love you all.
Joel 1:14 says:
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.
***************
Mom is still doing fine. She has an upset stomach and doesn't feel right, but hasn't had pain or any major problems. Her blood pressure has been on the low side, so they've been giving her fluid to help it go up. We anticipate her hardest days being over this weekend but the doctors can never tell us how things will go for sure. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We love you all.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday
Hi everyone. I'm sitting up here with mom tonight after a nice slow weekend. Mom is still feeling well aside from fatigue (from her blood levels dropping and the medicine they give her) and some nausea. She's DONE with her chemo as of last night, so that's definitely exciting. The chemo hasn't taken full effect, and probably won't have moved through her system fully until a couple weeks from now. For now we just wait and keep her company as the medicine does its work. It gets hard for her being closed into a hospital room for weeks at a time, but she knows she has to fight this sickness and get home as soon as she can.
Today is day 6 on Mom's schedule. Day 1 was when she started chemo and Day 21 (which is December 17th) they will do a bone marrow biopsy. We're unsure of when she'll be able to go home. It depends on lots of things such as how she's feeling, how her counts are coming back, and if her doctor wants her to stay here til they get the results of the biopsy back. We'll keep you updated as we get more information but so much of it is up in the air at this point.
Mom is asking for prayer for patience in this waiting period. Also that she gets through this tougher week well. And finally that this new chemo gets rid of her cancer for good! We also pray for each of you, our family and friends, that you trust in the Lord through any trials you may have going on in your lives today. He is the One who will get us through!
Mom's address:
Prentice Women's Hospital
250 E. Superior
Room 1570
Chicago, IL 60611
Today is day 6 on Mom's schedule. Day 1 was when she started chemo and Day 21 (which is December 17th) they will do a bone marrow biopsy. We're unsure of when she'll be able to go home. It depends on lots of things such as how she's feeling, how her counts are coming back, and if her doctor wants her to stay here til they get the results of the biopsy back. We'll keep you updated as we get more information but so much of it is up in the air at this point.
Mom is asking for prayer for patience in this waiting period. Also that she gets through this tougher week well. And finally that this new chemo gets rid of her cancer for good! We also pray for each of you, our family and friends, that you trust in the Lord through any trials you may have going on in your lives today. He is the One who will get us through!
Mom's address:
Prentice Women's Hospital
250 E. Superior
Room 1570
Chicago, IL 60611
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday
Mom has now had 2 full days of chemo. She's doing great and a few of us are up visiting her tonight. She looks great and doesn't feel any of the effects of the chemo yet. Her blood count has gone down some, so in addition to the chemo, she's also getting blood tonight. That is very common and they expect that she'll need it throughout her stay. She usually starts to feel the effects of the medicine after day 10 so we are enjoying these days and just keeping her company. I have some Christmas music going here in the hospital room, we can see some Christmas trees lit outside her window, and nurses file in and out checking different things here and there.
It's been nice for Mom to see some of the nurses here on the 15th floor. She was on this floor 3 years ago when she first was diagnosed and developed good friendships with some of the women who took care of her for those months. One nurse specifically, Peggy, was very dear to Mom's heart and she caught up with her yesterday. Although they don't want to see each other (because that means Mom is sick), it's good to have familiar faces around.
Thanks for reading. We'll write again in the next couple days.
It's been nice for Mom to see some of the nurses here on the 15th floor. She was on this floor 3 years ago when she first was diagnosed and developed good friendships with some of the women who took care of her for those months. One nurse specifically, Peggy, was very dear to Mom's heart and she caught up with her yesterday. Although they don't want to see each other (because that means Mom is sick), it's good to have familiar faces around.
Thanks for reading. We'll write again in the next couple days.
Monday, November 26, 2012
We have been CHOSEN!
Mary feels God working already..feeling good and at peace.
The PIC line is in and all went well.
Dental result came back good, with no infections (because you cannot start chemo with any infections) as well as the in the scan of her sinus cavity.
So, because of everything going SO well today, chemo was started this evening at 7 pm. The good news with this..is that the sooner the chemo starts, the sooner Mary will go home :)
Also, we got word that Mary has been chosen to participate in the Clinical Trial with Elacytarabine chemotherapy..
This Nationwide Clinical Study (that has been going on for 2 1/2 years) was presented to us as the best option for Mary's (new) treatment plan.
They have followed roughly 150 people with this trial and have found tremendous results!
Last Wednesday, there were 12 spots left in the Clinical Study, and as of today, there are only 7 spots left in the nation...and Mary has been, in her words...BLESSED..to be qualified & chosen to participate in this clinical trial.
It is being given to patients whose AML keeps coming back..and as Dr. Altman's 1st choice of treatment plans, my family is so very thankful for the opportunity to try a new route since the last "tries" have not been successful in preventing the AML's return. We have been successful in getting it into remission, but this will hopefully keep it from coming back..for good!
This Clinical Trial is nearing the end of its "trial" phase and we are exited to be part of the research to help other patients in the future!
From the book, Jesus Calling, wanted to share what we just read..it's fitting:
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE! As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training. Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.
To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians. They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds. How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. Rejoice in this day that I have made, for I am your steadfast Companion."
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
The PIC line is in and all went well.
Dental result came back good, with no infections (because you cannot start chemo with any infections) as well as the in the scan of her sinus cavity.
So, because of everything going SO well today, chemo was started this evening at 7 pm. The good news with this..is that the sooner the chemo starts, the sooner Mary will go home :)
Also, we got word that Mary has been chosen to participate in the Clinical Trial with Elacytarabine chemotherapy..
This Nationwide Clinical Study (that has been going on for 2 1/2 years) was presented to us as the best option for Mary's (new) treatment plan.
They have followed roughly 150 people with this trial and have found tremendous results!
Last Wednesday, there were 12 spots left in the Clinical Study, and as of today, there are only 7 spots left in the nation...and Mary has been, in her words...BLESSED..to be qualified & chosen to participate in this clinical trial.
It is being given to patients whose AML keeps coming back..and as Dr. Altman's 1st choice of treatment plans, my family is so very thankful for the opportunity to try a new route since the last "tries" have not been successful in preventing the AML's return. We have been successful in getting it into remission, but this will hopefully keep it from coming back..for good!
This Clinical Trial is nearing the end of its "trial" phase and we are exited to be part of the research to help other patients in the future!
From the book, Jesus Calling, wanted to share what we just read..it's fitting:
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE! As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training. Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.
To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians. They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds. How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. Rejoice in this day that I have made, for I am your steadfast Companion."
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
-Psalm116:17
We rejoice today!
We'll keep you posted as the week goes on. As always, thank you for your ongoing prayers..Mary feels them!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday Check In
Hi there. Thanks for checking in on our Mom today. Mom is now up in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as of 7 o'clock tonight. She and my Dad are settling in tonight for a busy day tomorrow. They will put Mom through the ringer with all sorts of tests, check ups, and getting her pic line put in. In order to start a chemo regimen like she is about to have (and has had in the past), her body has to be thoroughly checked to make sure she's strong and will have no problems outside of the effects of the medicine. It's going to be a tiring and frustrating day for her, but we're thankful they take all the precautions they do in order to keep her safe. Thankfully in the past her body has checked out well, and we're praying that it's as strong as ever now.
Mom had a good Thanksgiving week at home. She was completely surrounded by family and friends who love her more than words can say. I believe it was a bittersweet week for her because she loves having us all with her but was also mentally preparing herself for her stay in the hospital. There's no question, though, that that was just how she wanted it. We hope you all felt blessed by family and friends during your Thanksgiving, too!
Please pray for Mom's strength- both for her body and for her spirit.
Also, feel free to post a comment below and we'll make sure Mom reads it!
Also, feel free to post a comment below and we'll make sure Mom reads it!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Plan
Mom had her doctor's appointment this afternoon with her wonderful doctor, Jessica, and great assistant, Donna. My Dad and brother, Adam, joined Mom to hear the plan. Mom will be heading into Northwestern on Sunday evening to check in and start the process of treatment. On Monday they will run her routine tests and get her set up. On Tuesday they will start the chemo.
It's hard to be starting over with this horrible disease, but Jessica says it is possible to get Mom into remission again. They're trying new chemo and a new plan to try to get the leukemia to stay away...for good.
So this weekend we are going to enjoy some quality family time and build Mom up to prepare for battle. Her counts are still good and she's feeling normal, so she's going to do all of our normal Thanksgiving festivities. She's even talking about getting her Christmas shopping done on Saturday!
Please pray with us. We still believe God can do a miracle in my Mom and we are praying that she goes into remission and the cancer stays away forever.
It's hard to be starting over with this horrible disease, but Jessica says it is possible to get Mom into remission again. They're trying new chemo and a new plan to try to get the leukemia to stay away...for good.
So this weekend we are going to enjoy some quality family time and build Mom up to prepare for battle. Her counts are still good and she's feeling normal, so she's going to do all of our normal Thanksgiving festivities. She's even talking about getting her Christmas shopping done on Saturday!
Please pray with us. We still believe God can do a miracle in my Mom and we are praying that she goes into remission and the cancer stays away forever.
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