9.19.2010
Greetings From St. Luke's
Hello friends and family. I'm writing this blog entry from my most fabulous hospital bed. Actually, it's kind of a sucky, old one that clicks and squeals when you move it up and down and there is an obvious hole that my bum keeps falling into that I can only guess was meant for a bed pan. I apologize if this blog post is incoherent. I am currently knocked up on some morphine. This time around I am much less groggy and nauseous, but in a bit more pain. The worst part was again the IV--they couldn't get it in the side arm vein because the last lady hacked it to death. They tried and failed and then went to the little veins in my arm/wrist. The IV wasn't in all the way, so it hurt all night long. Then, I was awakened at 5am for a blood draw to check calcium levels. Another unsuccessful poke. So, they sent in another lady at 6am to draw from my other arm/wrist veins. Ugh. I am happy to report that my calcium levels are good (thanks to good old TUMS) and sad to report I will now be living on a low iodine diet for a while. Iodine is in everything I like (salty foods, whole wheat foods, dairy products and green vegetables). So pretty much I have to eat crappy white bread and lots of fruit. It is starting to sink in that I have cancer and I will have to make some lifestyle changes to accommodate this. Prognosis is good but research only goes up to life expectancy of 20 years or so after a diagnosis is made. I'm sure people live longer, but that's as far as research goes. Not very reassuring. I am so thankful for the Gospel and the Spirit that tells me things are going to be O.K.
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10 comments:
Friend of Kevin's but I know Chad from when we were in preschool together. (not that I remember, but...)
In January I was told the white spot growing on my nose was skin cancer. I'm there with you. The tears, worry and stress. The knowledge of even though it's the "good" cancer, it's still CANCER! Knowing that older people have tons of cancer and how it starts here then goes there, next its found somewhere else... If I am 30 and have cancer now, Where is it going to be next? What type will it be next? How many more times until it takes my life? (knowing I will have spots forever, it's what happens growing up in So Cal being allergic to sunscreen.)
In the two weeks from when I was told it was cancer until it was removed I made it to the temple 5 times, crying 1/2 of each session. Not the best two weeks of my life. Every time I went in I was told everything will be ok. I look at my (victory) scar which most cant see and know that everything is ok. I made it through number 1. Life is still here, I have a family that still loves and stresses me out, and a knowledge that Heavenly Father does listen and comfort when we need Him more then anything.
I was at work yesterday and a lady called in who was at the Mayo Clinic. She lives in Cedar City but has made over 10 trips Minnesota to help with research. Each time she comes home with a new scar. This time it was for her 3rd brain tumor. She assured me that by the time my kids are in college, they will have a vaccination for cancer. They will draw blood from a baby, test it, then vaccinate each child for the types of cancer they are prone to get. (heck, they already have the STD cancer taken care of. I mean...) She told me to stand tall and hold my head up higher. I was one that made it and helped pave the way for the future.
Oh Amber, my heart goes out to you! I have been thinking so much about you. You are such an inspiring and amazing person. I know it is hard to be the one receiving other's help, but please let me know when family leaves so we can help where needed okay!?! We would love to help!!
Sorry about the diet. Bland food stinks!
Glad the surgery is over and you are alright. I hope you get feeling better soon and go home to hang out with your family. We love you!
Oh amber, My heart goes out to you as well...I think your post is so awesome that you can write about what you are going though. Many others might be more down. That's hard about your IV situation, and having them poke and prod.. I would say next time.. you would like them to poke you in the foot.. lol.. I had to say that when I was over them poking me..
Many prayers from all over the country are being said for you and your family. You are loved, keep your chin up and know how important you are.
( Ok.. I hope this does not sound like a cheesy speech that a mom or parent would say.. lol.. )
Andrea
Amber--I hope you can hold on to that "everything is going to be O.K." feeling and remember it when worries surface (cuz they will).
I'm wishing you a speedy recovery from the surgery (and heck, from the IV mess. again.).
Now go forth and find some yummy fresh peaches, pears, apples . . . fruit ain't so bad, right? :)
Isn't it such a blessing to have the gospel in our lives, especially in times like these? You are such a strong spirit! Hope you feel better soon.
We're thinking of you all the time, we often talk about what we would do if this happened to us. It would be devastating I'm sure, so I want to say thank you for being so uplifting in such a hard time, you are an inspiration and I know you were sent to us for a reason. You are an amazing example and we are so grateful to know you.
Thank you Chad for the beautiful music, I am listening to it right now, it really brings in the Spirit. Thank you, we love you!
P.S. I mentioned you on my blog, I hope you don't mind. If you do please let me know, and I will delete it.
Amber we love you over here, and wish a mango tree would spontaneously begin to grow in your backyard. uh, ya know-to feed you and all. Ya like mangos?
We're thinking of you, friend!
Amber - I just got your comment on my blog! Sorry! I'll email you with my phone number. Call me and we can chat thyroid and stuff.
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