Monday, October 22, 2012

Pink run!

Last update, I was still hospitalized. I was realized a few days ago... I am feeling better slowly but will continue to be closely monitored... I spent last week sleeping a lot.

Yesterday Joel ran his first 5k. I am so proud of him. Princess really enjoyed it too! It's for a great cause too! Go team pink!!

Here are a few pictures... I wish I had more time to share more but, preschool awaits.

Continue to pray for healing and wisdom from the drs for myself. I need energy back.

Pray for continued provision and flexibility with Joel's work.

And pray for princess as this last year has been hard on her...


Here are the pictures! Go Joel!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Whats new?

So a quick update-

What's new with us? As I have previously posted, I have been having a great deal of difficulty breathing. I was hospitalized about 3 weeks ago for this. Yesterday, I earned myself yet another admission.

Initially the doctors felt this was strictly asthma. But thanks to a caring pulmonologist, he refused to accept this answer. It didn't add up. My labs were off, my lungs were quiet, not wheezy. The picture was off.

Back track a few moments with me.

I have a condition called PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome, (PCOS) This condition goes hand in hand with another condition called Insulin Resistance. Its not diabetic, but it is treated by a medication called glucophage. This medication is also used to treat diabetes.

This medication has been a part of my treatment plan for ten years. Though it took time to get used to the side effects, it benefited me greatly, and I tolerated it well. It helped me safely carry our daughter. As this medication reduces the risk of miscarriage for women with PCOS.

There is a rare side effect of this medication, its called Lactic Acidosis. This is extremely rare.
This happens when lactic acid builds up. Lactic acid is mainly produced in muscle cells and red blood cells. This forms when the body breaks down carbohydrates to use the energy during times of lower oxygen levels.

So, back to three weeks ago. When I was admitted three weeks ago my lactic acid was dangerously high. I had this condition called lactic acidosis. This occurs when the lactic acid builds up faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when the oxygen levels in the body drop. So asthma seemed to be the likely cause.

I was placed on high dose steroids and slowly began improving. Steroids not only reduce inflammation that can go along with asthma, but can reduce lactic acid. All I knew is, I was getting better.

My steroids began to be tapered, But this created symptoms again. Muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and the start of respiratory failure. Again.

Friday morning, my doctor sent me to the emergency room, I was readmitted promptly, initially for asthma. Labs came back. My lactate was again high.

Asthma vs Glucophage discussion entered the picture. My wonderful Dr.looked at the whole picture. Took me off steroids, only after I received a TON yesterday. and felt like we needed to see what my body could do, or would do.

My lactate is starting to drop! Yay! (I also recieved tons of steroids.)

I hurt from the high dosage steroids I received and had pulled out from under me...But we have to do this. No glucophage, no steroids. Did I mention I ache? Oh dear Lord I ache.I am so puffy as well.

So pending my echo report, labs and a few other consults, we are hoping this is what has made me so sick.
Its a viable thought, and we are optimistic I should get better soon. We do have to rule out a few other things.

Until then, I will be parked in the hospital until I can prove my lactate is dropping and my heart rate is more stable. As well as my breathing and muscle weakness improved.

I am still quite sick.I am tired and I ache. Did I mention I ache?

So please keep praying.

Pray I can sleep. This is not an easy task. Pray for Joel as this is quite stressful. Pray over princess as this is all quite a lot for her.

Continue to pray over my sister as she got her port placed for her chemo, and has been quite painful.


Thanks for following our journey. We know in deep faith that the best is yet to come. As we continue to to take this journey day by day. We remain joyful.





Wednesday, October 10, 2012

quite busy

What can I say? I keep busy. Our life moves quickly. Joel working, my attempting to work despite still recovering from asthma, and princess well being 4... Keeps us on our toes.

I had a birthday! We had a fun day. We got my wedding ring sized- yay! It's so nice after not being able to wear it for the last year, due to weight loss to have it back!

A photo I had on the blog in the start was from my birthday one year ago. BC as we sometimes reference it too. It's a bit odd to look at this photo. It reminds me of days of unknown bliss. A ticking bomb was growing in my hubby's obviously swollen head. I had no idea. Though I do see signs now.

BC a term and concept that is so foreign. Cancer a word my daughter knows all to well. Her love and concerns for not only her daddy, but her Auntie Hay, run so deep, sincere and beyond her years.

My princess should not know about cancer. Yet alone worry. But I can't isolate her and pretend life is BC. I answer questions that make my own head spin on a regular basis.

BC- we were blissfully unaware of how joyous and what an event a birthday truly is. I am determined to celebrate big each year. Birthdays. Holidays. Memories. I owe this to cancer. Yes, I still hate cancer, more than ever. Watching my family continue to fight and fight as hard as ever seems so wrong. But, we are strong, our God is strong and we fight with an army of friends, family and new friends. Thank you.

Please do continue to pray over my own healing. I am still having asthma problems and my body is still requiring high dose Steriods. My face has become quite puffy, and despite steriod fueled energy I remain fatigued. Yep awake at 4am.

Princess is struggling in this season. She adores Auntie Hay, and worries beyond her years for her cousins. She knows cancer, wishes they didn't have too as well. She is processing this season too. Pray we are patient with her in it.

Joel is doing well with returning to work. It's been very stressful. He is more tired then he expected but given he was off 9 months to the day, I am not surprised. He also is experiencing a plethora of emotions watching cancer instead of living it. And when you are missing a portion of your brain, processing can be a challenge. But he is honest in this. I love him so much because of that. New Joel is quite love able too... I can't begin to say how proud of him I am. He makes improvements daily. His lack of filter post brain injury makes us communicate differently, but honestly I love this!!

He is so thankful for all the love and support, and appropriate; help, care and thoughts that have and continue to surround us. Its been so great to be surrounded by positive stories, and encouragements. Again to my parents we don't know how we would have survived and continued to survive without you. Your positive encouragement has been our backbone.

Thank you for continuing to pray and support us. Brain cancer will always be a part of our life and on our mind... Ha...life will never be the same, we will never be the same. We know with God all things are possible as we embrace the days ahead.



Monday, October 1, 2012

Ready or not...

We made it! Where!? To Portland.. My Sis in love, her mama and myself face a day of tests scans and appointments...

Pray for Hayley- as these are her first mris cts and bone scans. Pray for rest...


Pray over my family as this is a lot for Joel and princess to be apart from me!


Love this picture of my hubby and sis !!