I still have some abdominal pain and bad nausea. Today they took a stool sample (feel like the dog) and did a CT of my abdomen. My doctors think it might be the ear infection that is dragging me down so tomorrow I will have to go back up to the hospital to see the ENT.
They are keeping me on my clear liquid diet until they can figure out what is going on. This by far is the crappiest weight loss plan.
My liver counts look great but my other counts dropped a bit. Hopefully tomorrow will bring some answers from all the tests and appointments. I must admit my doctors are totally thorough so if there is something to find they will find it.
I will post tomorrow with any news.
A journal to keep everyone up to date with my Primary Refractory Hodgkin’s, radiation myelitis, and the little Z’s.
Followers
A QUICK TIMELINE
2006
January
Conceived our third child
Began to display symptoms of Hodgkin's - night sweats, itching, swelling, shortness of breath
March
Diagnosed with Hodgkin's and began 6 cycles of ABVD
Pregnant with cancer - what luck
August
Delivered Alex on August 28
PET Scan on August 31 - results that the ABVD did not reduce my tumor
re-diagnosed with Primary Refractory Hodgkin's
September
Consultation with NIH and Hopkins - recommended that I have 2 cycles of ICE then Stem Cell Transplant (SCT).
October
PET Scan results that I could get the SCT
November
Had another cycle of ICE while waiting for transplant (3rd) Began SCT process
December
Final cycle (4th) of ICE
Unable to mobilize stem cells and waiting for bone marrow harvest
2007
January
Harvest bone marrow from bones under twilight meds Admitted into hospital for SCT; new birthday Jan. 16
February
Released from hospital - 2 days later back with VOD
Final release on Feb. 14 (happy v-day)
April - May
Radiation treatments
June
PET scan to see if treatment & SCT worked - it did and I am cancer free!
July
Hospitalized for pneumonia and missed Charlotte Marie's 4th bday.
On oxygen support
August
Alex's first birthday - can you believe it!
September
Returned to work part time
Lee started kindergarten
October
Diagnosed with BOOP - out of work again
Back on oxygen support and steroids
Resigned from job to focus on health
2008
Jan.
1 year anniversary of SCT - still cancer free
April
Diagnosed with radiation myelitis
July/August
Lost moblity in lower extremities - wheelchair bound.
Using Avastin to try to stop progression of myelitis to my arms and hands
January
Conceived our third child
Began to display symptoms of Hodgkin's - night sweats, itching, swelling, shortness of breath
March
Diagnosed with Hodgkin's and began 6 cycles of ABVD
Pregnant with cancer - what luck
August
Delivered Alex on August 28
PET Scan on August 31 - results that the ABVD did not reduce my tumor
re-diagnosed with Primary Refractory Hodgkin's
September
Consultation with NIH and Hopkins - recommended that I have 2 cycles of ICE then Stem Cell Transplant (SCT).
October
PET Scan results that I could get the SCT
November
Had another cycle of ICE while waiting for transplant (3rd) Began SCT process
December
Final cycle (4th) of ICE
Unable to mobilize stem cells and waiting for bone marrow harvest
2007
January
Harvest bone marrow from bones under twilight meds Admitted into hospital for SCT; new birthday Jan. 16
February
Released from hospital - 2 days later back with VOD
Final release on Feb. 14 (happy v-day)
April - May
Radiation treatments
June
PET scan to see if treatment & SCT worked - it did and I am cancer free!
July
Hospitalized for pneumonia and missed Charlotte Marie's 4th bday.
On oxygen support
August
Alex's first birthday - can you believe it!
September
Returned to work part time
Lee started kindergarten
October
Diagnosed with BOOP - out of work again
Back on oxygen support and steroids
Resigned from job to focus on health
2008
Jan.
1 year anniversary of SCT - still cancer free
April
Diagnosed with radiation myelitis
July/August
Lost moblity in lower extremities - wheelchair bound.
Using Avastin to try to stop progression of myelitis to my arms and hands
Good Links
Maple
5 comments:
Dear Heather,
Every day, every step of the way you are in our prayers. God continue to guide you, give you the strength you need for each day, and shower you with blessings and hope for the wonderful future He has in store for you and your sweet family.
Michael & Mary Jordan (Matt & Jessica's parents)
Hi Friends and Family of Heather …
Just wanted to reiterate what Heather said in her update, that she does have great doctors, and nurses. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to Heather’s care.
They are kind and caring, and understanding. I've been with Heather on her IPOP visits, and she could not be in better hands.
I feel very positive when I go with Heather to IPOP, because I can see she's getting the best care possible.
We can all be proud of Heather, she’s a darn good fighter, and she continues to have an optimistic attitude, and looks to a future that is bright, healthy and happy with her wonderful friends, and family.
Please keep those prayers and a good wishes coming her way ... I believe they are truly working for her. :o)
Dear Heather,
Just wanted to say how wonderful to see the picture of you with your family - you all look so happy! Little Alex is adorable.
I am also glad to know you are in good hands and that the doctors are taking best possible care of you. I read your blog often and so happy to learn about your improvements. My husband and I are sending you our best thoughts!
Lyuda ( Michele's friend from Moscow)
Hey cousin, loved the new pictures. Hugs to all of the kids from me. I can't wait until school is over so I can come back for a visit and bring Matt this time. He would quickly become a favorite in the little Z's book of out of town fans. I think that Aunties Joyce and Jessica would quickly lose ranks as Portland front runners as soon as uncle Matt came on scene ... he is quite popular among the local munchkin crowd. I have come to accept my second place around here (whenever we walk in the door to our friends' homes together we only hear "Uncle Matt, Uncle Matt!"), but I don't think my mom will go down so easily, she might have to fight him for position -- :) just kidding. Luckily enough your kids (and Maple) have so much love, hugs, and giggles for all of us to share :). Anyhow, I hope they can pinpoint the source of this GI thing and clear it up so you can feel better. Thinking of you always, love, Jessica
Greetings! Jessica is right....I won't give up my position quietly. And MAPLE....Jessica's reference was the first I have heard our the poor dear pooch in a long time. Seems to have survived despite losing family position with each new kid! Matt and Jess are out looking at houses today (Mary and I can smile...they want one with a yard and in a good school district!) Your little Z's have definitely had an impact in this little corner of the world! Hey, Great Grandma Coons (Freda) had gall stones...and after her surgery she brought them home in a little pill bottle for all of us to see......Yuk! I think these days they just dissolve them with laser treatment...thank goodness. Anyway, follow Papa Lee's advice and keep smiling... Love you...Aunt Joyce
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