Hi All,
Well, even with my platelets and white blood count low, it was decided that I could get my 7th chemo treatment. I had not been feeling well, so I assumed that something was off. I came home with my chemo pack on Friday.
On Saturday, the weather was absolutely beautiful (70's)and I thought it would be nice to go outside and putz around the yard. Turns out that wasn't such a good idea. Without any warning, I noticed that I was gasping for air. My lungs had shut down. I was having another breathing episode they had warned me about. But this time, it was way worse and much scarier. I yelled for Jay, but I was gasping for breath so he didn't hear me right away. When Jay got to me, he tried to carry me back to the house, but I collapsed half-way there. He then ran into the house to get warm water. Since it worked last time, he thought it would work again. It did work, but it took much longer. Sorry... no pictures...HA!!
The doctors and nurses insist that these episodes only seem like you can't breathe. I can tell you from now having two experiences, YOU CANNOT BREATHE!! Maybe I would eventually pass out and my brain would take over, not sure. But there is definitely no air getting to my lungs when this happens. They said that there is only one in a hundred chance that I would have this side effect... lucky me ;). They assured me that nobody has ever died from this...hmmmm.
On Sunday, they disconnected the chemo pack and because of the low white blood cells, I had to get an injection in my stomach. They said that the medicine will cause my bone marrow to go into overdrive to produce more white blood cells. This will cause me to feel like I have the flu; fatigue, nauseous and my bones will get very achy. Sounds like fun, huh? That should kick in over the next couple of days.
On Monday I spent the entire day in bed just plain exhausted... scared of over-doing things and having another breathing episode. Jay was here working from home, so that was a great comfort.
I continue to keep my head up and count down to when the chemo will end and I can get on with my life. This is simply a bump in the road of life and has made me much stronger as a person, mother and wife
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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Gidget - There is no doubt about your strength in all parts of your life. You have been dealt a very tough hand and you have dealt with it with great courage. We are all very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteYou, Jay and Acey make a great team.
We will continue to pray for you to have strength, for complete healing and the continued spirit to combat this illness.
We Love you very much - Ed and Joyce
Hi, Gidge
ReplyDeleteI know this must have been so scary for both you and Jay. Thank goodness you came through it ok.
I enjoyed our visit last night and the chance to catch up with you and Acey. I sure love you three! Hang in there- you have a ton of love and support behind all of you- from a vast array of friends and family.
Love, Michelle
P.S. NO MORE yard work! :-)
Wow, this one was very scary indeed. I'm glad Jay was there to help you. I get kidney stones and I am always afraid I will have an attack and collapse in front of Zane ;-(
ReplyDeleteStay strong, you are very inspiring!
W
I love you, my wonderful Aunt! It truly amazes me how strong you are and how you have kept such a great attitude through this. We are all very lucky to have you in our lives. Love you lots!
ReplyDeleteHey Gidge:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. It sounds like losing your breath was awful, truly awful for both of you! Did your Doc give you an inhaler? I know how hard the two of you are having to work right now but please take it easy any chance that you have. Even if it just to sit down for ten minutes. That amount of time is not going to make or break your move.
Hopefully once you have moved into your beautiful new home and the stress of moving and remodeling are behind you the next few treatments will be easier on you. I am really hoping that is the case. I love you guys!
Merd/Auntie Nerd
Gidget! Wow - how scary! I'm so glad the episode passed and that you were able to rest and recover. As others have said, your strength and positivity are truly inspiring. We can't control all that happens in life, but we can choose meet whatever comes with grace and courage. And that's what you are doing. Lots of love to you, I will call soon because I'd really like to see you one of the times you come to Seattle.....
ReplyDeleteLisette
Gidget! Wow - how scary. I'm so glad you are OK, and as others have said, your strength and positivity are truly inspiring. We can't control all that happens in life, but we can choose meet whatever comes with grace and courage. And that's what you are doing. Lots of love to you, I will call soon because I'd really like to see you one of the times you come to Seattle....
ReplyDeleteHi Gidg-
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how much we just take for granted things like breathing easily - but might not even really appreciate it until we hear your story - thank you so much for sharing your experience with us...I find myself taking extra time to appreciate family, and friends, and life, with all its little and big miracles! I sure do love you and am so proud of your dignity and grace - no matter how scary things get. Can't wait to see you, Jay, and Acey this weekend - and your new house!! Just think - round 7 is done - yes!!
Oh Gidge, I'm so sorry!!!! How scary I'm sure............just can't imagine.
ReplyDeleteAdam was in the hospital the last 3 days with pneumonia and had a hard time breathing. It was scary for him. Not half as bad as what you experienced. I hope it never happens again to you.
Thinking of you,
Heidi