The latest

Hi there. Right now, I am sitting in a very comfortable chair that my Grandparents are letting me borrow for a while until I get one of my own! (Amy, it is just like Eric's chair!) I have not been able to sleep for large blocks of time in the middle of the night (like 12-4!) But, last night, I decided to sleep in the chair and...I did not wake up! Yea:)

Also, some more good news. Sunday and Monday morning were particularly hard. I could not keep anything down and I felt like I was chocking and coughing. Although I had spoken with my doctor's nurse three times about the same symptoms, I insisted that I be seen this morning when I called. I have only been to see doctor Hayley two times for a sick visit in my almost three years of treatment. One ended up being a blood clot, and the other was today.

Dr Hayley, once she examined me, knew without issue, that I had much more than acid reflux. She said my throat was very red and further down, it was predominately red on the left side. She knew then that the radiation I just had on my left clavicle the week before chemo was causing a bad reaction coupled with the chemo to cause esophagitis. She know also that I was again dehydrated and needed more fluids. She took me by the arm (which she has never done) and led me to a chemo room where she remained until the nurses started the fluids fast enough for her liking (immediately).

I received 2 liters of fluid and additional bags of potassium, tagment, and anti-nausea medications. Then she gave me a prescription for two medicines that will help my throat--one numbs it! Yea! I am still having sips of only Gatorade. But, I go back tomorrow for the same IV regimen and might be able to eat a little more soft or liquid foods soon.

Dr. Hayley mentioned that her interim nurse does not have an oncology background and I should have been seen earlier. It just makes me more encouraged and be my own advocate if I think I should talk or see my doctors directly. Unless I have a rapid turnaround, my next chemo round will be pushed back a little so I can have a chance to recover more. She said that it will be much easier next time. I am grateful for a doctor that cares so much to get me well!

I already feel a lot better, but I am taking it easy. Jake already had the week off for a trip we were supposed to take this week, just the two of us. We had to cancel at the last minute because I knew I could not go feeling so bad. We were all very disappointed, but, he has been able to be at the doctor with me all day and is taking such good care of me too! I am grateful for our time together, even if it is at home!

Everyone else is being well taken care of. My great family and friends have made sure that the girls get picked up, fed, and taken to various events (tonight alone, we had 4 between them!!) I am again, so grateful.

More to come later,
Jess