I really want to say gooder and gooder - but I know that is not correct English - regardless - it's a fact! Her doctor's appointment yesterday with the hematologist went well - she was very pleased with all of Carla's results and will be watching her for a couple of weeks before making a decision regarding the bone marrow extraction.................so, all in all - it's been a good week for Carla.
They have taken her off more steroids - she has gone from 4 a day to one and a half now! Hopefully, she will start seeing some of the swelling go down - she does one and a half for a week and then she will go to one - then (fingers crossed), when she sees the doctor on September 30th - she will be taken off all of them!!! They seem to be working on her liver - and the pain medication/antibiotic is working on the infection in her leg - so, there should be a big difference in the next 2/3 weeks.
All is well in the household - we haven't strangled each other yet!!! LOL.
I started going to a bible study this past week - it's hosted at the 1st Baptist church in Humble. It's not the Beth Moore study - it's called bible study fellowship - headquartered in San Antonio. I love the format - you study a book of the bible as a group - denominations are not allowed (i.e. you can't get into fights about your personal belief's - it's purely what is in the bible). We break out into small groups to discuss our homework and then meet back in the main sanctuary for a lecture. I'm very excited! This is a new thing for me - I'm kind of stepping out of my box because I only know one other person going to the study - but I wanted to learn more and learn how to study without being bored out of my mind! I know that sounds so non-spiritual -but I'm so honest - that when I say I get bored reading the bible - I truly mean it!!! So, I get different versions and try to attend meetings so that I can understand it better.......I have to have plain English - I can't do the KJV - too much old speech. Please know I'm not knocking the bible - just stating a fact that it's too deep for me to get - I need plain English! I'm excited about my journey for the next 32 weeks.
Jake is getting ready to start Karate. He is so excited. Of course, we are going to try it out 2 times before we sign up because I am not sure whether he will like it. His school teacher wants us to involve him in other things besides music so he can build up some different skills and not just focus on music. I'm so nervous about this because I know his limitations - my feelings are purely at the mother level and not wanting him to fail or be made fun of for his limitations - but she thinks this will help him in the long run and overall - I do too! I mean - he can't be my baby for long - I have to let him grow up - right? Mark tells me that he is not the preemie baby anymore - he needs to expand his horizons!! OK - if I have too!!!!! Pity the little kid that makes fun of him or picks on him because he can't keep up!!! I hope their mother is not around when I knock them down!!!!! Just joking......I think.....ROFL
I am so ready for Fall!!! The weather here has been so nice lately (ok - it's gross that we think low 80's is nice - but it's reality for us in Texas isn't it!). As soon as the first day of fall hits - I'm decorating my house! I love this time - it's my favorite! I'm going to have to start checking out Tracie's charming hospitality site again because she always has the best things! If you haven't seen the site - there is a link to it on my page. Before we know it - it will be Christmas!!!! (I know - shut my mouth!).
I've started back on weight watchers and I'm doing good. It's helping Carla too because she is suppose to be watching her carbs/sugar while on all this medication - so i'ts helping her and Mark as I'm trying to cook better and cook smaller portions so there is not the temptation to overeat. I'm working out 5 days a week and I'm loving it!!! I go to 24 hour fitness with my friend Debbie and I'm doing spinning, kickboxing, cardio and some weight training. I've been consistent for the last two weeks and I'm ready for results!!! I know it takes time - it's harder to come off than it is to put it back on isn't it!!!
Ok - I've rattled enough - Carla is resting - Jake is playing and I need to do my bible study homework - so, I'll check back in later. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and I'll update you as we go along.
Love to all'
karen
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
it's amazing
what prescribed drugs will do for you!!!!! LOL....
The pain medication that Carla took last night and this morning finally kicked in today while she was at the doctor's office (post below). She was able to have the doctor look at her leg, draw on it and walk from the car to my house without PAIN - which was huge considering that the past 24 hours has been spent in tears and agony!! We are staying on the pills as recommended - every 12 hours until the infection has gone away........it's a little funny too as she doesn't take many drugs (ok - let me clarify - I'm talking prescription drugs people~!! LOL).....and so, she has the whole thick tongue - talking loud - talking alot - etc....very funny! She loves how she feels because she feels no pain. it's a hoot!
The doctor's visit went very well - once they saw the doctor. She was there at 8:00 and I think she saw the doctor at 4:00.....but, she stayed there determined to see her and she did. Carla had a great visit with Dr. Fisher - she answered all of Carla's questions and told her the medication should really start clearing up the infection in about a day or two. The best thing is that she can walk and get herself up and down - that was our biggest concern this morning and last night (see previous post) because she was in so much pain that she couldn't lift her leg to stand or walk and I thought we were going to have to hire an in house nurse because I was freaking out that I wasn't going to be able to take care of her....however, God is good and he has worked it out according to his plan!!! (and his timing......which isn't always ours is it!! LOL). Her spirits are much better since she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, for the best part - drum roll please........her bone scan and her cat scan both came back clear as a bell!!!!! Nothing out of the ordinary!!!! Praise God - no lymphoma!!!!! The doctor told her the only thing that showed on her bone scan was arthritis in her knees - which Carla told her she could have saved her a bunch of money and just told her that! LOL. The urine test came back clear - all the blood levels that are suppose to be up are up and the ones that are suppose to be down are down! That's what I'm talking about!!! Who says prayer doesn't work - just because it doesn't work in our timeframe - doesn't mean our prayers are getting through....
She still has to go see the Hematologist on Wednesday - she was the doctor that was concerned with the proteins in her blood and if she is still concerned and wants to go ahead and do the bone marrow extraction - then the two doctors and Carla will consult and decide what to do - but we are believing that all is well!!
She goes back the following Monday for a thorough blood test to check her sugar - it is spiking - mainly from the steroids - but they want to make sure she isn't becoming diabetic through all this - isn't it amazing what sparks in your body when one thing is wrong - a multitude of things can go wrong at the same time. The doctor isn't concerned - just checking all basis.
Then, she goes a whole month without a doctor's appointment. Looks like she will be with me through September and part of October.....I think I'll survive!!! I may have to get some sitters and have a couple of date nights with my honey - he has been such a trooper through all this..........it's hard to have someone in your home all the time and he has not said one word.
Jake thinks it's cool that Aunt Carla is using a walker right now - he uses it to walk around the house - he wants to be "sick" like Aunt Carla because she gets all the special treatment! LOL - what he doesn't understand is he was a sick little boy for such a very long time!!!
Carla will have an awesome testimony once this trial is over. God is using this for his glory - that which we will see in the very near future.
Hope everyone has a great week
Karen
The pain medication that Carla took last night and this morning finally kicked in today while she was at the doctor's office (post below). She was able to have the doctor look at her leg, draw on it and walk from the car to my house without PAIN - which was huge considering that the past 24 hours has been spent in tears and agony!! We are staying on the pills as recommended - every 12 hours until the infection has gone away........it's a little funny too as she doesn't take many drugs (ok - let me clarify - I'm talking prescription drugs people~!! LOL).....and so, she has the whole thick tongue - talking loud - talking alot - etc....very funny! She loves how she feels because she feels no pain. it's a hoot!
The doctor's visit went very well - once they saw the doctor. She was there at 8:00 and I think she saw the doctor at 4:00.....but, she stayed there determined to see her and she did. Carla had a great visit with Dr. Fisher - she answered all of Carla's questions and told her the medication should really start clearing up the infection in about a day or two. The best thing is that she can walk and get herself up and down - that was our biggest concern this morning and last night (see previous post) because she was in so much pain that she couldn't lift her leg to stand or walk and I thought we were going to have to hire an in house nurse because I was freaking out that I wasn't going to be able to take care of her....however, God is good and he has worked it out according to his plan!!! (and his timing......which isn't always ours is it!! LOL). Her spirits are much better since she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, for the best part - drum roll please........her bone scan and her cat scan both came back clear as a bell!!!!! Nothing out of the ordinary!!!! Praise God - no lymphoma!!!!! The doctor told her the only thing that showed on her bone scan was arthritis in her knees - which Carla told her she could have saved her a bunch of money and just told her that! LOL. The urine test came back clear - all the blood levels that are suppose to be up are up and the ones that are suppose to be down are down! That's what I'm talking about!!! Who says prayer doesn't work - just because it doesn't work in our timeframe - doesn't mean our prayers are getting through....
She still has to go see the Hematologist on Wednesday - she was the doctor that was concerned with the proteins in her blood and if she is still concerned and wants to go ahead and do the bone marrow extraction - then the two doctors and Carla will consult and decide what to do - but we are believing that all is well!!
She goes back the following Monday for a thorough blood test to check her sugar - it is spiking - mainly from the steroids - but they want to make sure she isn't becoming diabetic through all this - isn't it amazing what sparks in your body when one thing is wrong - a multitude of things can go wrong at the same time. The doctor isn't concerned - just checking all basis.
Then, she goes a whole month without a doctor's appointment. Looks like she will be with me through September and part of October.....I think I'll survive!!! I may have to get some sitters and have a couple of date nights with my honey - he has been such a trooper through all this..........it's hard to have someone in your home all the time and he has not said one word.
Jake thinks it's cool that Aunt Carla is using a walker right now - he uses it to walk around the house - he wants to be "sick" like Aunt Carla because she gets all the special treatment! LOL - what he doesn't understand is he was a sick little boy for such a very long time!!!
Carla will have an awesome testimony once this trial is over. God is using this for his glory - that which we will see in the very near future.
Hope everyone has a great week
Karen
Yesterday was a long day!
The day started at 5:30 AM - had to get up and get dressed for church before getting Jake up....I have to be at the church at 8:00 for choir practice prior to our 9:00 and 11:00 services - taking Jake that early can tend to be a chore - so it goes easier if I get dressed prior to him waking up!!! My husband comes at 9;00 - but Jake has to go with me so he can "practice" with the band......LOL
Off to church we went - and we had some church! It was amazing. The praise and worship was off the chain and the sermon was awesome as well.....however, during the 9:00 service - I receive a panic call from my sister Carla, who is staying at my house during her sickness. She can't move!!! One of her legs is completely swollen and on fire (or that is how it feels!). She is crying and very upset and needing someone to come back home. So, I get my husband and child out of the sanctuary and send them home - call my sister Deniese, who is on her way to the 11:00 service to swing by my house to see what the problem is. Once she arrives - they determine that Carla needs to go to the emergency room. Her leg is swollen above and beyond the normal for steroids and it's beet red!!! She can't lift her leg, move it or walk............Houston, we have a problem.
Meantime, I have to stay and sing at the 11:00 service, then I travel to Daisetta Texas were some very dear friends of ours are celebrating their 26th year anniversary at their church in Daisetta. Daisetta is a very special place for me. My dad pastored there when i was a "snotty brat" as he called me (LOL) and I spent all my summers there during my teenage years. Had my first real crush there and everything!! LOL - so, I was very excited to return and help them celebrate......Paulette went with me - we left my church at 12:00 noon to be there at 2:00 for their service. Dad and Shirley were there as well - Dad was MC'ing the service - he did a great job....and the Jordans were gracious host. Saw several really good friends from our childhood - overall - it was a great service.
Once the service was over, I had to rush back to my church for a vision meeting with the Music and Media team - it lasted until 9:30 PM - so I had a very long day!!!! I was so tired when I got home - but Carla was still not back from the hospital - so I had to wait up to make sure everything was ok and that they made it back and got settled......while we are in Daisetta - my husband is hosting his parents to dinner - Deniese and Sandy (a good friend of ours) - is at the hospital with Carla - just waiting................and waiting..................and waiting................it's always hurry up and wait at the hospital isn't it.....
Carla had an ultrasound and blood work done while there. It seems that the steroids are causing her leg to pool the liquid that is in her body and since there is no where for the liquid to go - it's just hanging out in her leg and causing bacteria and now, a full blown infection!!! She is limited to what she can take for pain because of her liver not being able to digest the medication - so the medicine they put her on doesn't really do anything for her..............we really wanted them to keep her over night because she can't walk on her leg - she is having to basically drag it behind her - and she is in intense pain......however, because they didn't deem her a medical crisis - they sent her home at 10:00 PM - where she then had to find a 24 hour pharmacy to fill her meds and I think they made it back to my house around 12:00 Midnight. After a very painful entrance into the house - she had to sleep on the couch sitting up because she was afraid she wasn't going to be able to move her leg to get up off the bed since she had to be back at the hospital at 7:00 AM this morning!!!!!!! The medical system sometimes is very frustrating and confusing - but we are thankful for them at the same time!
Carla is at the hospital right now - she is waiting to see her doctor - we are hoping they admit her and figure out what is going on!!! They should also know the results of her cat scan and bone scan from last week...........God is good - all the time -regardless of what man says!
Specific prayers are needed - that they find out what is causing all these issues in her body. That they figure out where and what needs to be addressed and provides medication for her.
That her body begins to line up with the word of God. That her leg becomes functional where she can get around and do things by herself. It is very hard to be a caretaker 24/7 when you have a small child and a life of responsibilities. We are going to have to figure something out in terms of additional help if things don't change.........
Pray that her body begins to respond to the steroids and that her liver and spleen begin to function properly. That her blood pressure returns to normal and her sugar as well. It seems everything is being affected by whatever is going on in her body and we need some answers soon!
Thanks to all of you who read and continue to keep her and our family in your prayers. It's very frustrating to not know what is causing the problems and to not be able to fix her. As you know - I'm not the most sympathetic person on the planet and I tend to push through pain and want her to do the same - but sometimes it's not that easy!
Hope everyone has a great week.
Karen
Off to church we went - and we had some church! It was amazing. The praise and worship was off the chain and the sermon was awesome as well.....however, during the 9:00 service - I receive a panic call from my sister Carla, who is staying at my house during her sickness. She can't move!!! One of her legs is completely swollen and on fire (or that is how it feels!). She is crying and very upset and needing someone to come back home. So, I get my husband and child out of the sanctuary and send them home - call my sister Deniese, who is on her way to the 11:00 service to swing by my house to see what the problem is. Once she arrives - they determine that Carla needs to go to the emergency room. Her leg is swollen above and beyond the normal for steroids and it's beet red!!! She can't lift her leg, move it or walk............Houston, we have a problem.
Meantime, I have to stay and sing at the 11:00 service, then I travel to Daisetta Texas were some very dear friends of ours are celebrating their 26th year anniversary at their church in Daisetta. Daisetta is a very special place for me. My dad pastored there when i was a "snotty brat" as he called me (LOL) and I spent all my summers there during my teenage years. Had my first real crush there and everything!! LOL - so, I was very excited to return and help them celebrate......Paulette went with me - we left my church at 12:00 noon to be there at 2:00 for their service. Dad and Shirley were there as well - Dad was MC'ing the service - he did a great job....and the Jordans were gracious host. Saw several really good friends from our childhood - overall - it was a great service.
Once the service was over, I had to rush back to my church for a vision meeting with the Music and Media team - it lasted until 9:30 PM - so I had a very long day!!!! I was so tired when I got home - but Carla was still not back from the hospital - so I had to wait up to make sure everything was ok and that they made it back and got settled......while we are in Daisetta - my husband is hosting his parents to dinner - Deniese and Sandy (a good friend of ours) - is at the hospital with Carla - just waiting................and waiting..................and waiting................it's always hurry up and wait at the hospital isn't it.....
Carla had an ultrasound and blood work done while there. It seems that the steroids are causing her leg to pool the liquid that is in her body and since there is no where for the liquid to go - it's just hanging out in her leg and causing bacteria and now, a full blown infection!!! She is limited to what she can take for pain because of her liver not being able to digest the medication - so the medicine they put her on doesn't really do anything for her..............we really wanted them to keep her over night because she can't walk on her leg - she is having to basically drag it behind her - and she is in intense pain......however, because they didn't deem her a medical crisis - they sent her home at 10:00 PM - where she then had to find a 24 hour pharmacy to fill her meds and I think they made it back to my house around 12:00 Midnight. After a very painful entrance into the house - she had to sleep on the couch sitting up because she was afraid she wasn't going to be able to move her leg to get up off the bed since she had to be back at the hospital at 7:00 AM this morning!!!!!!! The medical system sometimes is very frustrating and confusing - but we are thankful for them at the same time!
Carla is at the hospital right now - she is waiting to see her doctor - we are hoping they admit her and figure out what is going on!!! They should also know the results of her cat scan and bone scan from last week...........God is good - all the time -regardless of what man says!
Specific prayers are needed - that they find out what is causing all these issues in her body. That they figure out where and what needs to be addressed and provides medication for her.
That her body begins to line up with the word of God. That her leg becomes functional where she can get around and do things by herself. It is very hard to be a caretaker 24/7 when you have a small child and a life of responsibilities. We are going to have to figure something out in terms of additional help if things don't change.........
Pray that her body begins to respond to the steroids and that her liver and spleen begin to function properly. That her blood pressure returns to normal and her sugar as well. It seems everything is being affected by whatever is going on in her body and we need some answers soon!
Thanks to all of you who read and continue to keep her and our family in your prayers. It's very frustrating to not know what is causing the problems and to not be able to fix her. As you know - I'm not the most sympathetic person on the planet and I tend to push through pain and want her to do the same - but sometimes it's not that easy!
Hope everyone has a great week.
Karen
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Updates on Pop and Carla
Yesterday was a busy day!!!! Pop had his colonoscopy and I'm happy to report that he has nothing serious going on in his body!!!! We were a little concerned because during his double pneumonia - he had some internal bleeding - but it looks like he is clear...........so thank God for that!
Carla had 3 appointments at the doctor's yesterday. Dad and Shirley took her to Ben Taub - thank you both very much for helping out with this!!! She had to be there at 10:40 for lab work and to turn in a urine sample - they are checking her urine for protein as that seems to be the foreign thing in her body - trying to rule out as much as they can. She then had the skeleton scan (bone scan) and then off to drink some lovely (nasty) stuff for her cat scan.....of course, this all sounds fine - but it was an all day process!!! She has to be in a wheel chair for most of the day and unfortunately, her steroids have caused her to swell so much that the chair is causing blisters on her legs......so, we are going to have to work on that for her next visit. She is black and blue (and red) today - but keeping a good spirit! She is also very sore because she had to raise up off of all the tables from a flat position and she is normally propped up because it's easier for her - so you can imagine all day of trying to pull yourself up off the flat tables when you can't bend at all because you are so swollen that your stomach is as hard as a rock!!!!! - it wasn't fun....she is very sore today! We have laughed each time she tries to sit up - she grabs her stomach and winces - and I ask her if her baby is moving (because she said she feels like she is 10 months pregnant!!!)...LOL
She has two appointments next week - Monday and Wednesday - and hopefully by then - we will know the results of these tests. We are expecting good news!! We know that God is up to something with Carla and he is working out his plan for her life. God is good - he never makes a mistake and he is NOT surprised at what is going on in her body right now - we just have to believe that he is in control and we are to walk out that which is dealt to us.
We are all fine. I'm making sure that I take some time for myself everyday - going to the gym and working out.......it's a must or else - no one would want to be around me....LOL. I ain't lying - this is not easy - but it is my cross to bear for a reason - and I'm going to pass the test....I may kick and scream a little (ok - sometimes a lot) but I'm going to do it! (Suzy - I know your laughing at my transparency!!! LOL)
Ok - will post later.
Karen
Carla had 3 appointments at the doctor's yesterday. Dad and Shirley took her to Ben Taub - thank you both very much for helping out with this!!! She had to be there at 10:40 for lab work and to turn in a urine sample - they are checking her urine for protein as that seems to be the foreign thing in her body - trying to rule out as much as they can. She then had the skeleton scan (bone scan) and then off to drink some lovely (nasty) stuff for her cat scan.....of course, this all sounds fine - but it was an all day process!!! She has to be in a wheel chair for most of the day and unfortunately, her steroids have caused her to swell so much that the chair is causing blisters on her legs......so, we are going to have to work on that for her next visit. She is black and blue (and red) today - but keeping a good spirit! She is also very sore because she had to raise up off of all the tables from a flat position and she is normally propped up because it's easier for her - so you can imagine all day of trying to pull yourself up off the flat tables when you can't bend at all because you are so swollen that your stomach is as hard as a rock!!!!! - it wasn't fun....she is very sore today! We have laughed each time she tries to sit up - she grabs her stomach and winces - and I ask her if her baby is moving (because she said she feels like she is 10 months pregnant!!!)...LOL
She has two appointments next week - Monday and Wednesday - and hopefully by then - we will know the results of these tests. We are expecting good news!! We know that God is up to something with Carla and he is working out his plan for her life. God is good - he never makes a mistake and he is NOT surprised at what is going on in her body right now - we just have to believe that he is in control and we are to walk out that which is dealt to us.
We are all fine. I'm making sure that I take some time for myself everyday - going to the gym and working out.......it's a must or else - no one would want to be around me....LOL. I ain't lying - this is not easy - but it is my cross to bear for a reason - and I'm going to pass the test....I may kick and scream a little (ok - sometimes a lot) but I'm going to do it! (Suzy - I know your laughing at my transparency!!! LOL)
Ok - will post later.
Karen
Friday, September 4, 2009
well, let's see....what has happened
In the last week since I've blogged.........my sister-n-law Gayla Patrick had a birthday! We love her - hope her day was special. I'm sure my brother did something special (or he better had!!! LOL)
Carla has been home a week trying to adjust to being at my house and taking all the medications. It's a transition for both of us - I'm use to being on my own schedule - doing my own thing - working, etc.......it's been a little hard getting use to having someone in my house all the time that I am responsible for.....I've had to go in my room several times and pray over myself (not for any reason except that I'm selfish and I was trying to get angry). I'm a very transparent person - I say what I think - what I feel - what I don't like.........and I'm here to report that I haven't done any of the above with Carla......LOL. It's not that I don't do the caretaker part well - I've taken care of many - Paulette - my other sister went through breast cancer last year - I was with her the majority of the time through most of her chemo and her surgeries and was her driver most times - my mother-in-law just went through breast cancer as well and my father-in law just had a bout with double pneumonia and I am their driver as well - the difference is - having someone in your house all the time. Get me? I'm not in anyway complaining because I know that I'm going through this test for a reason - maybe to instill some kindness in me?? ROFL!!!!!
Carla has been taking a LOT of steroids - she has swollen up unbelievable............she has been miserable.....she had a doctor's appointment on Monday - so her friend, Pastor Brenda took her to Ben Taub at 12:00 Noon. At 3:00 - they sent her home telling her they couldn't see her........she was VERY upset!!! It's very tiring for her to get up, take a shower and get dressed. Between showering and dressing - she has to lay down for about 1 hour because her anemia is so bad - she has no energy. When she came home - she was visibly upset. Well, as you can imagine - I don't do sympathy well.....nor tears - they make me nervous! So, I called my sister's Paulette and Deniese and told them to please call her on her phone (as she was in her room with the door shut) and talk to her........lol - I need prayer - I know!!! LOL
Let me give you a brief background on why I'm like this - - I walked through my little boy being 3 months premature - born with neuroblastoma cancer - I know what it's like to be in the pit of the valley - however, I know what it's like to come out victorious and what you have to do to get there. You have to pray the word over yourself - his word doesn't return void. You have to be positive in your thinking and pull yourself up out of the gutter. If you allow your thoughts to take over - the enemy will use whatever he can to destroy you. When people would ask me how Jake was doing - even if he was losing weight (from 1 pound to a mere 10 ounces) I would always respond - he is great - God is healing him. It wasn't always easy and my flesh always wanted to take over - but I knew that God was testing me - he was seeing if I trusted him. My personality is that whatever is handed you - you handle it - you deal with it - you walk through it - you don't feel sorry for yourself. It's just the way I am and it's hard for me not to understand why other's aren't like me....see - now you know why I need prayer!!! LOL
Ok - back to Carla - so, she recovered from that disappointment and went back to the doctor with my father (thank you Dad for being able to help with the appointments - it's hard when I have to get Jake from school) on Wednesday and was able to see the doctor. Good news is that they took her off of 2 of her steroids - which is helping her tremendously - bad news is that she has some foreign protein in her blood and they need to do a cat scan/bone scan and potentially a bone marrow test to determine if Lymphoma is in her body...........now, this is a big scare for Carla who is a baby and will tell you that herself!!! The C word has hit our family from our Mother, who passed away in 83 to my step sister's father in '82 (I think that was the year) - and my sister last year - so we are not strangers to this.......however, when you are hit with it yourself - I can only imagine....she came home very discouraged. I was at church - and I thought - ok this is it!!!! I'm done with this. I came home and told her the pity party was over - I was tired of tip toeing around her and I was about to lay down the law. As of that day - she was not to complain about her medication - she was to thank god everytime she took it that it was helping her to recover. I told her that all the stuff she preached to me about walking in faith and praying the word over myself and Jake when he was diagnosed with Cancer needed to come out of her mouth - that she needed to practice what she preached. I didn't want to hear any more complaining - I wanted to hear positive things. I told her when people call her - she needs to tell them she is good - that she is waiting on her healing...(I should preach or something!!!! LOL). Anyway - she went went to bed that night and when she woke up - she was like a total different person!!!!!!! I think she realized that she was allowing her self to slowly sink into this big hole of self pity and why me.....I mean - why not her? Jesus didn't say there wouldn't be suffering on this earth - look what he suffered! But, he did tell us that he would be with us during our trials and that he is still a healer!!! I know that God is in control of this situation and this is Carla's trial to walk and she will come through this victorious!!!!!
She has two appointments next week - her cat scan and her bone scan....that is Wednesday the 9th. The next Monday and Wednesday she has two more appointments and they should have the results of the scan by then and will determine if the actual bone marrow extraction needs to be done. Please keep praying that she will continue to be uplifted in her moods and her mind will not wonder in the pit.....I know it's hard - but I just keeping making jokes and keeping the mood light and when I see her slipping - I'll say something funny or remind her of the alternative and that always makes her smile.
I will keep you guys posted on her and let you know each step.......she is able to eat a regular diet - she doesn't eat much because her liver and spleen are very swollen and her stomach is kind of hidden in between - which is uncomfortable - but she is making progress.
My husband is a trooper - he is helping when I can't be here and taking care of Jake at night for me as much as Jake will allow (LOL) - Jake is a mommies baby!!!
Jake is doing well in school - he loves his teacher. Right now - until we have our follow up ARD in two weeks - he is doing 1 3o minute session of occupational therapy on Monday's - two sessions of speech on Tuesday and Thursday and everyday - he gets pulled out for 30 minutes for one on one work (Karen B - I'm working on classroom inclusion!). We hope in our meeting - we will get a few more services as the Neuropsychologist (spelling is probably not right!) recommended a more intense speech and OT schedule....so we will see. If not - we'll have to look at private to balance it out.
I hope that everyone has a blessed Labor Day. I always have good intentions of updating daily - but I'm doing good to do weekly with my household the way it is - but all is good!!!
Love to all
Karen
Carla has been home a week trying to adjust to being at my house and taking all the medications. It's a transition for both of us - I'm use to being on my own schedule - doing my own thing - working, etc.......it's been a little hard getting use to having someone in my house all the time that I am responsible for.....I've had to go in my room several times and pray over myself (not for any reason except that I'm selfish and I was trying to get angry). I'm a very transparent person - I say what I think - what I feel - what I don't like.........and I'm here to report that I haven't done any of the above with Carla......LOL. It's not that I don't do the caretaker part well - I've taken care of many - Paulette - my other sister went through breast cancer last year - I was with her the majority of the time through most of her chemo and her surgeries and was her driver most times - my mother-in-law just went through breast cancer as well and my father-in law just had a bout with double pneumonia and I am their driver as well - the difference is - having someone in your house all the time. Get me? I'm not in anyway complaining because I know that I'm going through this test for a reason - maybe to instill some kindness in me?? ROFL!!!!!
Carla has been taking a LOT of steroids - she has swollen up unbelievable............she has been miserable.....she had a doctor's appointment on Monday - so her friend, Pastor Brenda took her to Ben Taub at 12:00 Noon. At 3:00 - they sent her home telling her they couldn't see her........she was VERY upset!!! It's very tiring for her to get up, take a shower and get dressed. Between showering and dressing - she has to lay down for about 1 hour because her anemia is so bad - she has no energy. When she came home - she was visibly upset. Well, as you can imagine - I don't do sympathy well.....nor tears - they make me nervous! So, I called my sister's Paulette and Deniese and told them to please call her on her phone (as she was in her room with the door shut) and talk to her........lol - I need prayer - I know!!! LOL
Let me give you a brief background on why I'm like this - - I walked through my little boy being 3 months premature - born with neuroblastoma cancer - I know what it's like to be in the pit of the valley - however, I know what it's like to come out victorious and what you have to do to get there. You have to pray the word over yourself - his word doesn't return void. You have to be positive in your thinking and pull yourself up out of the gutter. If you allow your thoughts to take over - the enemy will use whatever he can to destroy you. When people would ask me how Jake was doing - even if he was losing weight (from 1 pound to a mere 10 ounces) I would always respond - he is great - God is healing him. It wasn't always easy and my flesh always wanted to take over - but I knew that God was testing me - he was seeing if I trusted him. My personality is that whatever is handed you - you handle it - you deal with it - you walk through it - you don't feel sorry for yourself. It's just the way I am and it's hard for me not to understand why other's aren't like me....see - now you know why I need prayer!!! LOL
Ok - back to Carla - so, she recovered from that disappointment and went back to the doctor with my father (thank you Dad for being able to help with the appointments - it's hard when I have to get Jake from school) on Wednesday and was able to see the doctor. Good news is that they took her off of 2 of her steroids - which is helping her tremendously - bad news is that she has some foreign protein in her blood and they need to do a cat scan/bone scan and potentially a bone marrow test to determine if Lymphoma is in her body...........now, this is a big scare for Carla who is a baby and will tell you that herself!!! The C word has hit our family from our Mother, who passed away in 83 to my step sister's father in '82 (I think that was the year) - and my sister last year - so we are not strangers to this.......however, when you are hit with it yourself - I can only imagine....she came home very discouraged. I was at church - and I thought - ok this is it!!!! I'm done with this. I came home and told her the pity party was over - I was tired of tip toeing around her and I was about to lay down the law. As of that day - she was not to complain about her medication - she was to thank god everytime she took it that it was helping her to recover. I told her that all the stuff she preached to me about walking in faith and praying the word over myself and Jake when he was diagnosed with Cancer needed to come out of her mouth - that she needed to practice what she preached. I didn't want to hear any more complaining - I wanted to hear positive things. I told her when people call her - she needs to tell them she is good - that she is waiting on her healing...(I should preach or something!!!! LOL). Anyway - she went went to bed that night and when she woke up - she was like a total different person!!!!!!! I think she realized that she was allowing her self to slowly sink into this big hole of self pity and why me.....I mean - why not her? Jesus didn't say there wouldn't be suffering on this earth - look what he suffered! But, he did tell us that he would be with us during our trials and that he is still a healer!!! I know that God is in control of this situation and this is Carla's trial to walk and she will come through this victorious!!!!!
She has two appointments next week - her cat scan and her bone scan....that is Wednesday the 9th. The next Monday and Wednesday she has two more appointments and they should have the results of the scan by then and will determine if the actual bone marrow extraction needs to be done. Please keep praying that she will continue to be uplifted in her moods and her mind will not wonder in the pit.....I know it's hard - but I just keeping making jokes and keeping the mood light and when I see her slipping - I'll say something funny or remind her of the alternative and that always makes her smile.
I will keep you guys posted on her and let you know each step.......she is able to eat a regular diet - she doesn't eat much because her liver and spleen are very swollen and her stomach is kind of hidden in between - which is uncomfortable - but she is making progress.
My husband is a trooper - he is helping when I can't be here and taking care of Jake at night for me as much as Jake will allow (LOL) - Jake is a mommies baby!!!
Jake is doing well in school - he loves his teacher. Right now - until we have our follow up ARD in two weeks - he is doing 1 3o minute session of occupational therapy on Monday's - two sessions of speech on Tuesday and Thursday and everyday - he gets pulled out for 30 minutes for one on one work (Karen B - I'm working on classroom inclusion!). We hope in our meeting - we will get a few more services as the Neuropsychologist (spelling is probably not right!) recommended a more intense speech and OT schedule....so we will see. If not - we'll have to look at private to balance it out.
I hope that everyone has a blessed Labor Day. I always have good intentions of updating daily - but I'm doing good to do weekly with my household the way it is - but all is good!!!
Love to all
Karen
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