Thanks for your prayers.

Thank you for your posts.  And many thanks to Barb for keeping you all updated.

I am home.  I'm sorry for not updating sooner.  I must admit, I've been enjoying resting, relaxing, and soaking in our beautiful weather.  I promised myself (and my husband) that when I got out of the hospital I would just take it easy and give my body a chance to get strong and heal. No housework, no trips to the store.  It hasn't been all that difficult. I think I'm a bit worn out.

It's been a rough few weeks culminating in my week-long stay at the hospital.  That is with one shining exception.  The Benefit given for our family was absolutely incredible.  The love and support we felt that night was completely overwhelming.  Heartfelt thanks to all who were involved in bringing it together, and to those who graciously donated baskets and services.  The money that was raised will help to lift the financial burden that cancer inevitably brings.  One less thing to worry about.  Thank you so much.

So, they determined that I had a virus which resulted in fever, chills and major fatigue with a side of shortness of breath.. I'm sure the fatigue was exacerbated by the chemo as well.  As Barb said, while I was there, I developed some intestinal issues.  They did an xray and a CT scan and determined that I didn't have a bowel obstruction, but instead something called an illius.  An illius is a small section of bowel that decides to take a break and stop working essentially slowing everything down.  Of course, when I heard they were doing a CT scan, I knew they'd be looking at other things as well.  Sure enough, Dr. K. came into my room after looking at the scan and said things were a bit worse.  The tumor in my pelvic lining had gotten bigger and was actually butting up against my bowel probably causing the illius.  He said the tumors in my lungs hadn't changed too much.  Guess that's good.  Always have to find something positive in these reports, but it's getting harder and harder as time goes on.  He said we'd have stop the Adriamycin.  He didn't have much more to offer at that point.  The next day, he came in and said he wanted to set up an appointment to discuss our next step, most likely a clinical trial at another hospital.  I was told that because I bounced back so well from the virus and was still relatively strong, they're not ready to give up on me yet. We'll meet with him this coming Tuesday.  My options are running low.  Plan "Z" seems to be coming up a bit more quickly than I thought it would. I know that I have more that I'm meant to accomplish before leaving this world. Pray that we'll be led to an effective treatment very soon.

I was sent home with oxygen as my levels were borderline low in the hospital.  I wear it most of the day and at night.  Even with it off, the only time I tend to get short of breath is when I go up the stairs.  So, I'm finding that it's no big deal if I don't wear it all of the time.  Of course, it's just one more thing that makes me feel like I'm one step closer to my grave.  However, the respiratory therapist assures me that many times it's just temporary until they find the right treatment.  There's that darn hope again!  Guess I'd better hold on to it.  After all, it's better than the alternative.  Feeling hopeless isn't in my nature, thank goodness.  Actually, I have the Lord to thank for that.  I know that He has been with me and will continue to be with me every step of the way regardless of the outcome.  It's because of Him my hope shines bright.

Until next time . . .