Successful move!

Well, the move is DONE!! And I am so sore. I didn't do much but after my day yesterday and moving today, I am hurting so bad. A nice soak in the tub is going to feel wonderful!! Thank you to those that helped move! I'm sure you're all sore and tired too! It is much appreciated!! I can never thank everyone enough for everything everyone is doing for me!! Tomorrow will be unpacking and cleaning. I'd really like to hit up the fair tomorrow night. I want some more fries and an elephant ear!! Hopefully, I can get all rested up tonight so I can walk around a bit tomorrow evening. Tuesday is going to be a long day of double treatment plus I get my bone marrow tested for remission. I know God has healed me and put me in remission and I am so thankful to Him for that. So, keep me in your prayers! I'll need them for Tuesday!

Again, I want to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped, came, participated, everything and anything you did yesterday at the benefit. It was so successful and I am SO GRATEFUL! I can never thank everyone enough!

THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL BENEFIT!!

Just a quick blog to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who came and helped, participated, whatever at the benefit yesterday! I know it was a long, tiring day but it was well worth it as you all raised over $1000 for me!!! I can never express how thankful I am to all of you for that! It is going to help SO MUCH with paying off medical bills!! Thank you to all the businesses who donated for the silent auction. You generosity is greatly appreciated. To Steve and Norma Earle, who ran the grill ALL day in the hot sun! Texas Roadhouse on me next Saturday!! To my sister, Keith, and your friends who pulled this together. Thank you! I can not say it enough!!

Now-MOVING DAY!! Anyone who can come help, PLEASE DO!! I thought I was going to have a lot of helpers but so far, not so much! Anyone that can come over, I would be so thankful!! I'll blog more later this evening, after the move!!

Tomorrow..

Well, I still haven't felt well today. I've spent the majority of the day in bed with a bad stomach ache. Thankfully, my mom stayed home with me and called the nurse. It turns out that one of the prescriptions I'm on is giving me stomach ulcers so the nurse called in a prescription to get rid of them. So, I'm praying that I feel better tomorrow for the benefit as I really want to go for a little bit. So, please pray that I feel well enough to go. Sunday is moving day and I haven't even felt well enough to start packing, which I know isn't good. So, all you helpers may have to help with some packing too. I really appreciate everyone who has volunteered to help out. If you want to help, be at my place around 2:30. All trucks are appreciated and men as we have to move a heavy piano!

God has been so great to me through this all and He has blessed me even more with how great my mom's boss is. He's given her permission to only come into the once a week which means she gets to stay here with me 4 days a week!! She'll still be working on her laptop but it'll be from my house, with me, that way if I need her, she's here. I want to say a BIG thank you to my mom's boss and how MUCH I appreciate their generosity and kindness. It means so much to me to know they care and I don't know what I'd do without my mom here with me. You are truly awesome people and may God bless you!

Good luck to my Cavs tonight! I know you'll bring home a victory over Kokomo. I wish I could be there to cheer you on but know I'm cheering from home!!

Blah........

Well, I woke up this morning again feeling sick and haven't felt the best all day. I feel better now than before, thankfully, and not as bad as the past fews days but I'm definitely ready to feel 100% better tomorrow!! Which, I am positive that I will. God is good and has been so great to me through this all. My mom stayed home with me today, which I am so greatful for. I know tomorrow will be a better day =) I'm already slowly starting to feel better and I think we're going to try to hit Wal-Mart later as I need to get a few things. Otherwise, we'll go tomorrow.

So, the benefit on Saturday starts at 9:00am. Come out and watch some great softball, bid on some great prizes, and eat some great food!! I plan on being there for the middle of it at least. I'm positive and have complete faith in God that the weather will be awesome and I'll be feeling wonderful. Can't wait to see everyone! Thank you so much for all your help, support and donations!! It means so much!!

Thank you all for your continued cards of concern and prayers. They mean alot and I enjoy getting them. Once I've moved, I'll be sure to give everyone my new address. I'll be moving Sunday and Monday of this weekend so if you want to help, give me a call! =)

One more treatment.....

Well, I have one more scheduled treatment next Tuesday along with another bone marrow biopsy to check for remission. The results from last weeks biopsy were good. The doctor said they showed that the treatment had worked and erraticated all the leukimia cells, which is good. So, next week, we pray for remission from the biopsy. Once I'm in remission, I start some hard core treatment, it sounds like. The first week, I have treatment 4 days in a row. Not looking forward to that but you gotta do what you gotta do. So.... I'm still praying to get back to work soon. Please pray with me that I am able to go back mid September. I miss it so much and I just can't be off any longer than that.....I know God will work this out. He is such a great God...I have my complete faith in him.

So, I'm moving Sunday and Monday. Anyone wanting to help, let me know!! We'd like to try to get it all done on Sunday, that way we can have Monday as the unpacking day since I have a long day of treatment on Tuesday.

Well, I know this is short but its been a very rough, long day. I haven't been feeling well for the past few so I'm hoping tomorrow is a better day.

Sort of a rough day...

Well, today has been sort of a rough day. I just haven't been feeling the best which is to be expected. Usually, 7-10 days after chemo is when you start to feel the worst. Which can suck because I start to feel better by the weekend and then Monday comes, and it's back to feeling rough with treatment on Tuesday. But, I'm getting through and I'm almost done with treatments which is awesome. I have this week and I think next week, then hopefully, God willing, I'll be in remission and we'll just do maintanance chemo. Not sure what all that entails but it'll be better than once a week! I should get my bone marrow results this week too so I'm praying for good results. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. It means so much knowing how many people are out there who are about me. It's overwelming at times!! God is so great and just continues to bless me through all of this.

It appears the softball tournament planning is going well. I logged onto the Parkwayindependent today and what do I see? My face! haha. There's a small article with my picture. Just caught me off guard. But, I appreciate so much what my sister and brother-in-law are doing. I pray for nice weather so everyone can enjoy the day and I can be there for most of the day. The Van Wert fair starts this week too. I'm so excited about fair food!! French fries with vinegar, corn dogs, breadsticks. Gonna have to stop at least one day for food!! =) Making me hungry now!

I should be moving in the next 2 weeks. I'll let everyone know once I do so you know my new address and where to find me =) Love and miss you all!!

Good weekend

So, overall, it's been a pretty good weekend. Went out to Bella's last night for dinner which was so good. Ate to much and came home with a belly ache but just lounged around the rest of the evening which was nice. Today has been a nice day. My dad made is infamous chicken that is SO good and brought it over for lunch. I made egg salad and corn on the cob. It was yummy =) My Aunt Betty came over to visit and brought me butterscotch rice krispie treats which are my favorite. I've already ate like 5 of them. I have a good appetite, which is good cause I need to put weight back on. I'm not sure if I have or not. As of last week, I hadn't. They said the chemo makes it hard to put weight on. I get another treatment 0n Tuesday and I'm sure they'll weigh me so we'll see. I so wish I could go back to school tomorrow but I have to wait a few more weeks. Have to make sure I'm in remission and back to my normal strength. I'm doing better and better each day. I look forward to waking up each morning.....life is such a blessing. Never take it for granted. I'm looking forward to the benefit on Saturday. I hope to see everyone there!! Hopefully, it's not to hot and humid so I can last the whole day but I at least plan on being there for some. Can't wait to see you all!! Thank you all so much for your help and support. God is truly blessing me through all of this and I can't thank Him or you enough. Til tomorrow......=)

First Saturday

Well, today was my first Saturday at home and it was so nice. It's been so great sleeping in my town bed (new, king size mattress-Thank you Jeff and Karen!!) and I've been sleeping so good. Mom and I ran some errands today-went to Aldi's and Wal-Mart. It was tiring though so I was glad to get back home. So many people, it made mom and I both crabby but it was also nice to get out. Tonight, I'm eating at Bella's-yummy! So, its been a pretty good day. I've been so blessed to have been feeling so great. I get the bone marrow test results back next week so I'm praying for positive news. Next Saturday is the first benefit, which I am so excited for. Praying for nice weather-not to hot and humid so I can be outside for it. I'm so thankful for everyone who is participating and also planning other fundraisers and benefits for me. The hospital bill is not small by any means and I know insurance will pick up some but I still know it's going to be very costly. But, I have no worries as I know God is in control and will provide completely. I'm still looking for a new, nice, cheaper apartment. Hoping to have something squared away in the next couple of weeks.

Congratulations Cavs, on your win last night!! I wish I could have been there! But, I will be soon enough! I miss everyone and can't wait to get back!

Hope to see everyone in Van Wert at Smiley Park on Sat. the 30th!!

Good Luck Cavs!!

Good luck tonight, Cavs, as you travel to Kenton. I pray God gives you all safe travel and keeps you call safe as you play on the field. This includes my cheerleaders (cheer hard!) and the marching band (play loud and strong!). I so wish I could be there to cheer you on and watch the game but I'll be cheering from my house. Bring home a VICTORY!!!

I feel ok today. This morning was a little rough, just with some nausea but I made it through. It's amazing how much showering can take out of you but I was beat by time I was done so I've been lounging around on the couch most of the day. Nothing wrong with that though. Gotta get my rest! My dad came over for a bit to visit and I sent him to DQ for chicken tenders. All this food in my house and I'm craving that =) Oh well....it was good!!

I wanted to let everyone know about a co-ed softball tournament my sister and her husband are planning for me in Van Wert next Saturday, Aug. 30th. Time is still to follow but if you are interested in forming a team to play, let me know and I'll let my sister know. There will be silent auctions as well and all money raised will go towards my medical bills and whatever else I need. It means so much to have so many people supporting me and wanting to help me out. God is truly blessing me during this time and I couldn't thank Him enough for His wonderful grace and mercy. So, let me know if you want to help or just come out for a good cause! I'm praying I feel good that day to come out and visit with everyone!! So, I hope to see you all next saturday!!

Bone Marrow Testing

Well, today was the dreaded bone marrow testing. This is by far the worst test ever, in my opinion. Very uncomfortable. But, the good news is, when they did the test, they were able to pull liquid aspiration!! Meaning, my marrow is once again liquid which is wonderful news. When they did the first 2 tests, my marrow was all dried up due to the leukemia. So, the fact that it is once again liquid means the chemo is working. It will take 3-4 days to get the results back. But, I am claiming by the blood and power of our awesome God, I am already in remission! So, keep those prayers and positivity flowing with me! =) I am so ready to go back to work, school, band, cheer! I miss it all so much!! I hate that I'm missing the first game tomorrow....marching through the halls......the excitement. But, I know I need to get 100% healthy before I can come back and mark my words, I WILL be back in September!!! But, until then, cheer hard girls, play strong band, and KICK BUTT CAVS!!! I'll be cheering from my house. =)

CJ's

I just wanted to say how GREAT it was to see everyone at CJ's tonight!! I have missed you guys SO MUCH!! I'm sorry I didn't get to see all of you but for those I did see, it was so wonderful to see you!! And my golfers-It was SUPER GREAT to see you guys!! I have definitely missed seeing you every week so it was awesome to surprise you all! =) And before we went to CJ's, we stopped at Wal-Mart and I saw the Ruckman's cominig out. Great to see you guys too!! I can't wait to get back to school! All in all, it was a pretty great day. Needless to say, I'm exhausted after my day but it was a good day and I thank God for that. Tomorrow is the bone marrow testing......I really hate this test as it is so painful but I know God will get me through. So, keep praying. The results will take a couple days but I know with God's awesome power and grace, I will be healed. Talk to you soon!!

More prayers please!

Today has been a good day. I woke up feeling great and have felt pretty good the entire day. The visiting nurses lady came today to show me how to flush my port daily (it's the tubing that comes out of my chest). Then, we heard from the doctor and apparently, they forgot to test my bone marrow before I was released from the hospital. Which, I thought they did but I'm just the patient. So, we have to back to Ft. Wayne tomorrow to get it tested. So, prayers are needed! This test will show if the chemo is working and/or if I am in remission. And I am stating with God's grace that I AM IN REMISSION!!!!! This is a pretty painful test too so please pray for comfort for me during it. I'm not looking forward to it.

Thank you to all the people who have sent cards, flowers, thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it so much! Continue to stop by and visit me at my apartment. The place I was going to move in to the first of the month fell through so I've got to get to looking for something. I know I'll find some place, I just need it to be before the first of the month. But, God provides and I know he will =)

Hope to see you all soon! Miss you and love you all!

First night

Well, my first night at home was wonderful. It felt so great just to be out of the hospital. And some friends of mine brought me over a king size, pillow top mattress that they put in my room. Then they set up my old bed in the spare room for my mom. So, we both got an awesome nights sleep. I haven't slept that good in I don't even know how long!! It was great!! I woke up this morning and felt ok until I took my morning meds then it kinda went down hill from there. We had to get to Ft. Wayne for a chemo treatment so I slept most of the way. Chemo wasn't too bad and the ride home was ok......and I'm home again now which is great. I have one more treatment which is next Tuesday then hopefully we'll check and be in remission!!! I know God is healing me and this disease is already out of me. I also found out today that I do NOT need a bone marrow transplant which is good. So, keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming that this thing is dead and gone for good!!! I'm so ready to get my strenght back and get back to school. Today was the first day and I hate that I wasn't there. I especially hate that I'm going to be missing some football games but I can't afford to get sick. And I know I'll be back before ya know it.....better than ever!!

Thank you all for everything you've done. I appreciate anything and everything everyone has done and you will never know how much it all means to me. I'm so thankful to be home!! Continue to come visit! Love you and miss you all!!

Home!!!

Praise the Lord, I am HOME!!! And it has never felt so good!!! I still have to go back tomorrow for bloodwork and a chemo treatment and I'll have another treatment next week as well but I'm home which is wonderful. Next week, I think they'll test my marrow and with God's grace, I'll be in remission. But, I am so HAPPY to be home!! And home for now is still West Bank. I'll be here until the first of the month then I'll need help moving. There's no way I'll be able to do any of it. It was all I could do to get up my stairs!! So, come visit me at home!! I miss everyone and am so blessed to me home and doing well. HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!!

Ready...

Hello again from Lutheran Hospital. The doctor came in this morning with even more good news. I may be able to go home tomorrow!!! He said everything is looking really good and he thinks I'm responding well to the treatment. He said he had to check my blood work tomorrow and what my next treatment is and so on but I am SO hoping to be released tomorrow!! But, even if not, I'm still hoping for Weds which is better than 2 weeks!!! So, God is truly wonderful and helping me live up to me saying I would NOT be here the full time. I am kicking this thing out of me so fast, it doesn't know what hit it! I am so ready to start school and get back to my band kids and cheerleaders! I know I'll probably have to wait a couple of weeks and start on half days but I can't wait. And I'll have to be extra careful with football season and getting sick but I am stronger than I have ever been and I have God's protection wrapped all around me. This expierience has taught me so much and I thank God for bringing me through it. I especially want to thank my mom for being here every day and night with me. I know it's been hard being away from her husband and putting up with me on occasion but I couldn't of done this without her and I thank you mama. To my church family-thank you for fighting the fight with me. It's not over but we're winning so let's keep praying and fighting together. To all my friends, family, co-workers, anyone and everyone-thank you! Keep praying and thinking positive because with God, I AM winning and beating this. Our God truly is an awesome God.

So, let's pray for a return home tomorrow!! I've already started a grocery list as my mom is going to stay with me for awhile to help get me back on my feet. I only weight 111 pds which is not good. She's going to cook for me for awhile, get some meat back on my bones, which I desperately need. I've been eating good but the chemo takes it out of you. So, hopefully my next post will be from my own home! Keep praying and sending those positive thoughts! I appreciate it all so much! Don't forget to still come visit when I'm home! I know quite a few of my friends are planning events/fundraisers of some kind so hopefully info will go out and everyone can make it! Miss you and love you all!

Apologies for the late blog!

Hi all! I apologize for it taking me so long to blog but it has been a rough week. My treatments really got me down, totally exhausted and nauseated. My white blood cell count dropped severely low which meant if I left the room, I have to wear a mask and I just couldn't handle that mask so I chose to rest instead. I'm feeling much better today and my counts are gradually coming back up, which is good. With them being low, it means that the chemo is killing off the bad which I'm so thankful for. On Weds, the doctor came in to check on me and asked me if my hair had started to fall out.....I guess deep down I knew that it would but was hoping it wouldn't. He said give it a week and it would start. Apparently, if it doesn't fall out, that typically means the treatment isn't working so it's good for it to c'ome out. But everyone knows how much my hair means to me so it was difficult to hear. So, rather than wake up to long locks on my pillow, I called my friend Raeh and she came up and cut it very, very short. I'm getting used to it. Everyone says it looks great on me, which they may just be being nice, but it's not that bad. Easier to manage for now, thats for sure. And it'll make it easier once it does start to fall out (which it hasn't yet but they said probably by next week). It's still hard to think about it but I know that it's only temporary and will grow back better than ever. And I've been looking at some wigs so I maybe I could have some fun with it =) So, trying to keep a positive attitude still about it.

Today has been a pretty good day. The dr came in this morning and said I could be taken off the PCA unit, which is the unit with fluids and stuff so I can walk around freely without a machine which is awesome. He also said I could take a walk outside which I did with my mom and it was so wonderful!!! You don't realize how great the sun is until you haven't been in it for over 3 weeks. It was totally great. Then, the best news is, they may let me go home on Weds!! I'm not completely done with treatments but the dr said I'm doing well, and am very strong that he may let me go home and I'd just have to come back up the next week for my final chemo treatment and some testing. And, with God's grace, the testing will show I'm in remission and will be able to just do maintanance chemo for about 2 years. So, I've felt pretty good all day. I am SOOOOOO ready to go home and so greatful and thankful to God for taking such good care of me and for providing such wonderful nurses and doctors to look after me. So, keep thinking positive and praying that I get to come home Weds!!! I'll try to keep everyone posted. And, once I'm home, I'll still take visitors!!I'll still be at West Bank until the 1st of Sept then moving. I can take all the help with packing and moving as I can as my mom said she doesn't want me doing any of it....which is probably better so I don't get run down. And until then, come visit me here! I miss everyone so much!! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I never even realized or would have imagined this much just for me.....it's overwelhming.....and I appreciate it so much. We truly serve an awesome God and I'm so thankful for him and to him for surrounding me with such amazing people. I love you and miss you all!!

short update

This is going to be a short update as I had 2 rounds of chemo today and am not feeling all that well. I had another chemo shot in my back as well as the dose through my IV. It's just been a really rough week so far. Please keep praying and thinking positive thoughts for me =) I'm so ready to go home but I have at least about 2 weeks left. I'm halfway through the treatments they said so we'll see. The dr asked this morning if I'd started to lose my hair yet.....I guess I had been thinking and praying that I wouldn't but dr said losing it means the treatment is working so I'm trying to prepare myself. For those of you that know me well, know how much I love my hair so this is really rough on me. My friend Raeh is coming up tomorrow morning to cut it. There's no way I'll be able to wake up one morning with chunks on my pillow so I'm going to get a head start. That way, it's less to lose, but definitely not easier. I know it's just hair and will grow back but it's still rough and depressing to me.......The song "Sara Beth" by Rascal Flatts keeps running through my head....so anyways, I guess all in all I'm doing ok. Not feeling the best today due to treatment and ready to go home but progressing good from what I'm told. So, keep those prayers coming and positive thoughts. I'm so ready to kick this and head home. You can still visit but I'd leave any kids at home. And, if you've been sick or think you're getting sick, it's best to wait a well. My white blood counts are starting to go down which means once they hit 0, I'm very open to sickness so within the next few days I'll be there. Hopefully not for long but you'll just have to sanitize your hands when you come in and possibly wear masks, depending on what the counts are. Don't let this scare you away =) I stll love company. It lifts my spirits. Well, I'm not feeling the best due to treatment so I'm going to go. Keep those prayers coming! God is listening and is working in me. Miss you and love you all!

Wow...

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I started my day with a nurse coming in around 8ish to change the dressing on my port.....my skin is very sensitive to tape so it didn't want to come off and hurt pretty bad. So, needless to say, I wasn't in the best moods to start the day. I spent the whole day in my room, mostly in bed.....just not a good day. Had a few family visitors though, which was great to see them, just sucks its under these circumstances.

So, today has been nothing but boring. Everyone was working so I've been in my room, alone, most of the day, just being bored and watching TV. Had some visitors and think some people are coming tonight, which will be nice. Today has been so boring, I'm about going out of my mind. Still trying to stay as positive as can be but this is just so boring and frustrating. The past few years, I've been being told that "One of these day, God's going to bring you to your knees". And to be honest, I've been through so much at only 25, I thought he already had. But, I'm learning a whole new meaning of just what that meant and a whole new definition of being a Christian and staying close to God. He has definitely brought me to my knees, and I know now, more than ever just how great of a wonderful God we serve. Believe me, this is the HARDEST thing I have ever been through in my 25 years (and I've been through things that most don't know about) and yet, through it all, there He stands......just waiting for me to look up and be the Christian he wants me to be. And, here I am......ready. Ready to do whatever it is he wants me to do and I know he has a great ministry for me to share with people. And, I'm finally ready. I know I'm a strong person...I've been told by many lately that I'm one of the strongest people know. But, I must tell you just how hard this is getting for me. But, as in Philippians 4:4-7 says: " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So, as I sit here on my knees, Rejoicing to the Lord-I know He WILL get me through this and I will be stronger for it and better for it and will have nothing to do but Rejoice. I will be out of here soon.....I'm so ready to go home and be with my friends and family and go back to school. Keep praying.....keep thinking positive. Our God is an awesome God and is getting me back on my feet.....stronger than ever.

If this has made absolutely no sense, I apologize. I've just been so thrown and moved by this whole experience......and once I'm out.....I'll have such an awesome testimony that, if it doesn't already, will make perfect sense.

So, in closing for today, again keep praying, thinking and staying positive. I'm coming round the curve.....ready to head home, better than before. I miss you and love you all.

Saturday...

Hello again from Lutheran Hospital. Today wasn't too bad of a day. Weekends seem to be un-eventful with testing and what not which is fine with me. I'm getting my strenght back up slowly but surely and I'm SO ready to go home. Dr said this morning things look as good as can be expected but I say I'm kicking its butt. Tuesday I get another treatment and then a few days after that, I'll have another bone marrow byopsy from my hip to see if the treatment is being affective. Dr said its too soon to tell if I'll be in remission by this time or not but I say God's going to grant me a miracle and I will be. If not, I'll have a few more treatments then anothe check. At that point, it will be time to see if I'm in remission or not. Please keep with me in thinking and praying positive that I'll be in early remission, ready to head home!!!! I miss everyone and just doing everyday things. Thanks to all my visitors! Keep coming to visit. It makes my day brighter and smiling and laughter are the best medicine. To my CJ's crew-come visit!!! It seems like forever since I've seen any of you or spoken to you! To my family who are here every day, I'm sorry if I'm driving you crazy.....! Thank you for being here...it really helps. And thank you SO MUCH to everyone else who has been doing so much for me. I plan on paying all of you back when I get out. So, keep thinking positive, praying positive. I KNOW God is doing great things in my life right now. I know I'm going to have such a testimony once I'm out (which will be SOON!!) So, come visit! Love you and miss you all!

August, 8, 2008

Hi all,

This is going to be a short blog as I'm tired and it's very dry and hot in the lobby. Today wasn't too bad. Didn't sleep well last night due to my mother and her snoring (sorry mama....I still love ya!) The dr. came in and said I needed blood then would be getting a chemo shot in each hip. Apparently, the chemo hip shots last longer so they tend to kill off more of the bad stuff. Shots weren't fun and I'm still getting blood(this started at 1:00) but I don't feel to bad. Definately ready to go home. Next treatment is Tuesday, Aug. 12th. Still staying positive and going to be home by Sept!! Only change is, I'll be in a new apartment so you may get drafted to help move since I can't really help! =) Thank you again for all of your prayers and support. Please keep them coming! And I love having the visitors! Sorry I don't mention your names in my posts but I do love seeing you and hanging out! If you are uneasy about how I'm feeling, just call my cell or the hospital and ask for my room . I'll let you know if I'm up for it or not. Most likely, I am. Love you all!!

Hi all

Hey all! Someone told me about this webpage and since I've been doing all my blogging and updating on MySpace, I thought I would do it this way so everyone can read. To make is slightly easier on myself, I'm going to post my MySpace blogs so people can get caught up, then I'll do today's update.


Thursday, July 03, 2008

The truth about what’s going on with me
Current mood: annoyed

Considering that I just heard an awesome rumor about me (yes I'm being sarcastic), I figured I would take the time to fill everyone in on what's going on with me. I have a protruding (or bulging) disc in the L-5 of my spine. This is the last disc in your spine so it's at the very bottom. This disc is hitting nerves in my lower back and both hips, therefore causing severe pain and making it hard to do pretty much anything involving lifting, carrying, walking, exercising, sitting, sleeping, etc, etc. On top of that, I have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is is a non-life-threatening, chronic disorder of the muscles and related soft tissue, including ligaments and tendons. The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch. Other symptoms can include moderate to severe fatigue, a heightened and painful response to gentle touch, needle-like tingling of the skin, muscle aches, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, nerve pain, functional bowel disturbances, and chronic sleep disturbances. I myself do not have all of these symptoms just a few. The main one being sever muscle spasms. These happen at least once a day and last at least 2 hours. They are so bad that it is hard to breathe. Not fun. So, I am undergoing treatment for my protruding disc that hopefully will also help reduce the muscle spasms. I am also doing treatment to try to manage the fibromyalgia as well. All in all, this has NOT been a very fun first half of the summer. Thankfully though, we caught it now and I'm getting started on treatment before I get fully into cheer and marching band. So, that's what's going on with me. That is why I've been to so many doctors and in so much pain and unhappy at times. This should clear up any rumors that you may or may not have heard. Rather than start rumors about me, if you want to do anything for me, I would appreciate prayers. I know God is healing me but I could still use all the prayers I can get.


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Update on me
Current mood: miserable


I wanted to update everyone on how I'm doing. I think most of you know about my bulging disc in my lower back (the L-5) but there's been more development's. I went to see a neurologist who scheduled my for an epidural in my lower spine, as this would take care of the lower back pain I've been having. He also said that I may have fibromyalgia, as I've been having severe pain in my arms and legs and severe upper back spasms to the point where I can't breathe. I went for my epidural on Friday, July 11. Not a fun experience. It seemed to help my lower back but I was still in severe pain everywhere else. I ended up in the ER (for the 3rd time in 2 weeks) on saturday evening. I was having severe upper back pain and chest pain to where I couldn't catch my breathe. They took more x-rays and gave me more pain killers and sent me home. I followed up with my family doctor yesterday which brings me to more bad news. On the newest x-ray, they found a compression fracture in my upper spine (the L-2). This is whats been causing me my leg pain and the breathing problems. I have to get another MRI tonight then going to see another specialist on Thursday. Most likely I'll need surgery where they'll put cement in the fracture. I'm a little freaked out, ok I'm seriously scared and in a lot of pain but I could really use everyone's prayers. I've been very thankful that for the past 3 weekends my mom has come down to take care of me as it's very difficult to do a whole lot of anything right now. So, that's the update. I would appreciate all your prayers as I know our awesome God can get me through this.

Oh, and the dr's nor myself have no idea how I got the fracture. I've done nothing for the past 3-4 months due to the disc. I have to get my bone density checked on Friday. Plus, with all the pain that I've been in, I've barely been eating. When they weighed me yesterday, I only weighed 120 pounds, which means I've lost 18 pounds in less than 2 months without even working out. They also drew some blood and found that I have a small infection so I'm on an antibiotic. So, yea.....this has not been fun.


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Home from the hospital...update on me
Current mood: thankful


Hi all,

I my sister updated you on my status but I thought I would update everyone as well.

I was admitted to Lutheran Hospital on Friday the 18th with a severe compression fracture in my L2, abnormalities in L3&4, and bulging disc between L5 & S1. They gave me IV's for pain meds as well as pills to take as well. When I first got there, I was immediately taken for another MRI for my up spine. After that, I had to prep for a CT scan. Which for that, you have to drink this stuff that tasts like bathroom cleaner...no joke it was nasty. They also drew blood for blood tests. The MRI came back with more abnormalities in my upper spine, CT came back fine and blood tests came back as slightly anemic. The dr was able to determine that all the abnormalities in my spine are from malnutrition. I've lost 18 pounds in less that 2 months.....I weigh 120...not good. So, I have to start eating more and healthier. So, on Monday, I had a bone scan done which was very painful. They take a needle, well more like a screwdrive to chip bone off your spine. Very uncomfortable. After that, I have the procedure know as vertioplasty done on the fracure. This is where they place cement in it to heal it and set it back into place. Not the greatest expierience either. So, I was able to be sent home Tuesday but had to stay with my parents for a couple nights as the dr didn't want me staying alone. It was a rough couple of days. My back is good for the most part, it's now my legs. They're so weak, they get very sore after trying to walk on them. But, I'm getting better each day. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, and flowers. I appreciate it so much. If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it and that is just what He did.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Not much more I can take
Current mood: optimistic


UPDATE:



I won't be on here much anymore as I will be stuck in the hospital for awhile. I wanted tp update everyone on my status. I have been diagnosed with one of two different types of lymphoma. I will find out what kind in a couple of days where they will then start chemo. Please, please, PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND THEY MUST BE POSITIVE THOUGHTS!!!!!! I know God will get me through this and I WILL KICK THIS THINGS BUTT I PROMISE YOU!!! I'm at Ft. Wayne Lutheran. You can call for my room number.


Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that they have found another compression fracture in my upper spine, in the T-7. That means theres only one disc between the old fracture and the new. So, another surgery and more tests to try and figure out why this is happening. I'm trying to be brave and strong with God by my side but it's hard so please pray for me........



Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Another update.......staying positive
Current mood: optimistic


Hi all,

Just a quick update since the last update said I had a chance of 2 different kinds. I have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL for short. I had my first round of therapy today and so far, I'm feeling ok, just tired which is an every day thing. The littlest things get my tired but I get through it. I am strong and am going to kick this things ass so far away it won't ever come back. I plan on being ready to head to work by Sept. So, keep praying because I know God's listening. He is an awesome God and will help me fight this to to end.

Today, Weds. Aug, 6th I'm doing ok. I woke up this morning feeling still prety tired. I got the hick ups pretty bad right away which let me tell you how bad they feel when you have a sore back. I fell back to sleep til 12 where I remained nauseated the entire day and exhausted but all in all, not to bad, Thank the Lord. I'll try to get on here every day to update everyone on how I'm doing and feeling. I have treatments about every 7-8 days. I'm staying positive and praying and saying I will be OUT of this hospital and back at home and back to work at school with my kids, WHO I MISS!!! by September. I miss band and cheer and do not want to miss anything so I will be back by September. GO CAVS!!! Thank you for all you coninued support and prayers. Please keep them coming! I love you all!


And, finally, today, August 7th, I woke up again feeling heavily nauseated. The nurses gave me some drugs which helped and I was able to go back to sleep. It wasn't to bad of a day. I had some visitors (I get some every day which I LOVE! Come visit!) and ended up with the hick-ups AGAIN! Not sure where these are coming from but I hope they stop!! The Dr's said this morning that things already look really good. All my counts/levels look very good which is great news. They started me on Physical Therapy today for upper body and tomorrow for my lower. I'm still sticking to my guns and have full in tenti0ns on being out of here by September and back to my kids. I miss them and don't want to miss a thing of school or football season!!! So, keep those prayers coming and remember-POSITIVE THINKING!!!!