Hungry Like a Wolf!
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Sorry for not updating everyone sooner. No, it is not me who is ravenous, but Kristin's got an appetite like none other. We are finding the yin and yang between the powerful appetite brought on by the steroids and controlling the"situational diabetes" as a result of the steroids. She fights the urge to make Cup Of Noodles at 3 a.m.. Although, I think she has made some while sleep walking last night or maybe that was just a dream of hers. She has had some crazy dreams since we got here. Since she cannot eat before having her blood sugar checked now, they will not bring in her food. It is left at the nurses station. So, when she does emerge from our "penthouse on the 5th" everyone knows she is looking for food.
We are gearing up for another heavy round of chemo today. The side effects are kicking in. Since chemo kills all rapidly growing cells, this includes the lining of the mouth and esphagus. Not fun! Her mouth is staring to get sore so we are on guard for the detoriation of these cells. I really worry about this. Hopefully,since they are rapidly growing cells, they will regenerate rapidly also. Kristin has lost 10 pounds, she has grown paler and hates the dark circles under her eyes.The headaches are not in the migrain category anymore, but still seem to persist. I still think she looks beautiful and I tell her she has earned the right to look a little "leukemia-ish." We had a good cry over the lose of her hair as she can still pull out a small handful at a time now. So, today she is trying to do her hair and put on some makeup. She keeps on getting tired and needs to stop and rest, but she is determined. I think she is wanting to feel normal instead of sick. Who wouldn't!
We had numerous teaching sessions yesterday preparing us to go home. Dealing with insulin monitoring and injections, lab draws, broviac care, reading lab reports and calculating her ANC, fevers, complications, emergencies, and more. The ANC is important to us because it tells us her absolute neutrophil count. Neutrophils are important, disease fighting, white blood cells. Infection can occur quickly and become serious. Since this is her ability to fight infections, we will be taking lots of precautions at home.
Grandma Joy smuggled in an animal style In and Out Burger, protein style and a fruit only smoothie from Jamba Juice. This made Kristin's day. Right at lunch, a nurse came in and tried to go through an hour long power point presentation with us. There was absolutely no way that she was going to let that lunch sit there and go cold. To be honest, I wasn't either. So grabbed her burger and every time the nurse looked away, she would bite it and make a face that showed pure satisfaction. It was hard not to laugh!
Again, we want to thank you all for your calls,letters, packages, support,prayers, and kindness. We are so very grateful for good friends, family and the tender mercies that have been sent our way. Again, for Kristin, LIVE HAPPY!
Warmly, Leslie
We are gearing up for another heavy round of chemo today. The side effects are kicking in. Since chemo kills all rapidly growing cells, this includes the lining of the mouth and esphagus. Not fun! Her mouth is staring to get sore so we are on guard for the detoriation of these cells. I really worry about this. Hopefully,since they are rapidly growing cells, they will regenerate rapidly also. Kristin has lost 10 pounds, she has grown paler and hates the dark circles under her eyes.The headaches are not in the migrain category anymore, but still seem to persist. I still think she looks beautiful and I tell her she has earned the right to look a little "leukemia-ish." We had a good cry over the lose of her hair as she can still pull out a small handful at a time now. So, today she is trying to do her hair and put on some makeup. She keeps on getting tired and needs to stop and rest, but she is determined. I think she is wanting to feel normal instead of sick. Who wouldn't!
We had numerous teaching sessions yesterday preparing us to go home. Dealing with insulin monitoring and injections, lab draws, broviac care, reading lab reports and calculating her ANC, fevers, complications, emergencies, and more. The ANC is important to us because it tells us her absolute neutrophil count. Neutrophils are important, disease fighting, white blood cells. Infection can occur quickly and become serious. Since this is her ability to fight infections, we will be taking lots of precautions at home.
Grandma Joy smuggled in an animal style In and Out Burger, protein style and a fruit only smoothie from Jamba Juice. This made Kristin's day. Right at lunch, a nurse came in and tried to go through an hour long power point presentation with us. There was absolutely no way that she was going to let that lunch sit there and go cold. To be honest, I wasn't either. So grabbed her burger and every time the nurse looked away, she would bite it and make a face that showed pure satisfaction. It was hard not to laugh!
Again, we want to thank you all for your calls,letters, packages, support,prayers, and kindness. We are so very grateful for good friends, family and the tender mercies that have been sent our way. Again, for Kristin, LIVE HAPPY!
Warmly, Leslie
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Comments
Love, Hailey, Jeramy and Parks(with a tooth)!
Love, Kathy & Pete
and Ryan, Eric & 3 westies
P.S. I saw Cooper on our way back from Utah when we hooked up with the Gunters in Elko and Lovelock. He is such a good puppy! He and Lucy will be glad when they get to see you again! :-)
I am so happy you set up a blog. I love to blog. If you are ever in need of some fun ones to read just let me know - I will set you up!
I'm liking the Duran Duran title to your post. Kristin do you even know who Duran Duran is?
Since Phil's mom was diagnosed with cancer last summer our prayers have included big words like "tancer & temoferapy". Now we remember Kristin and grandmama together in our prayers.
Ella is always happy to remember (her boyfriend) Cody's sister in her prayers. Leslie, she still carries around the piture you sent.
We pray for your continued successful progress. And please know that we love you and consider your freindship & example a blessing in our lives!