On Wednesday night, my pulse started dropping, my blood pressure started going up and it was obvious I was retaining a lot of fluid. Chemotherapy does all sorts of things to your body, so it is hard for us (family members) to know what’s normal. On Thursday, I had zero appetite and I began to vomit periodically for the rest of the day. My memory of yesterday is very blurry because of all of the different medications they were giving me to stop the nausea/vomiting and to help me rest. I have vague memories of a chest x-ray, EKG and ultrasound of my liver. My liver function tests were skyrocketing, so we had to stop 2 of my chemo drugs completely. Of course, my liver response is something unusual (maybe less than 5% of the population – well, that’s par for my course – everything has to be unexpected and worthy of bringing in another specialist). So, currently hepatologists are running further tests and trying to see why my liver reacted so severely. I do feel better today. My swelling is down, I took a walk around the floor and even washed my hair (so far, I still have it) :).
Despite all of that, I do have good news! My eyes are nearly symmetrical and the majority of the swelling of my forehead has receded! The Lymphoma doctor said, “You will lose your hair, but you’ll have a beautiful forehead.” Okay, but I’m counting on some hair again one day too. 🙂
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:7)
Praying especially for your liver today. Great news about your forehead!
I hope things are going smoothly this weekend and you can enjoy being home with your family. We too are glad you have this blog to keep us all updated. Everyone is praying for your recovery.
BJ Martin has sent you something special. We hope this will bring you comfort.
Love to all there in Tenn.
You are doing great April! I love the fight in you! God is definitely leading this! Prayers are always coming! Love!
Only you can be so upbeat and positive. Not just 1 but 2 smiley faces on a post about liver problems and hair loss! Keep up the positive attitude!
Dear Little April, We are so very sorry for what ‘s happened with your chemo my heart just sank when your mom called to tell me.I just asked why, why is this happening? This is not the way it’s suppose to go, but we are not in charge He is , are we being tested is our faith being tested all I know He has given us prayer and that’s what we are doing every minute ,we go along with our everyday things but I find I’m praying all along. It’s hard to explain but you are there with me. And Jonathan do not for a minute think we have forgotten you, no way oh how we pray for you too.Much, much love.
So glad this treatment worked for you already – I’m sure the doctors will be able to tweak the dosage to something that you can tolerate better! I will be praying that you start to feel better soon.
Thinking of you every minute. Love this blog – so grateful you’ve created it. So meaningful to friends and family to hear your voice! We love you so!!
Dear April, Our trip last night from Atlanta to Nashville was covered in prayer as we experienced a downpour with high winds! As we traveled I was able to talk with several
prayer warriors who immediately prayed with me by cellphone( thank you Darlene, Len & Pattye) and to all those who prayed (even often at times through the night)! They prayed that your liver enzymes would come down, your oxygen level would go up and that God would sustain you through the night! GOD HEARD AND HE SPOKE!! Now “little one” you will be discharged tomorrow and we will be there along with your beautiful children to welcome you and Jonathan home!! Love, Mom
I have been praying all day. I am amazed at how out of 1% with this and 5% with that…you are always one of the ones. I know you have experienced this a lot with other things. But, maybe it just means nothing about your care will ever fall through the cracks. God is making sure they have to watch you closely! Praying for better days each day and looking forward to looking out my back window at your house and knowing you are in it. Prayers for a peaceful night!
We are praying for a good ending to this long week for you.