The morning of Day Three…
I’m tired of feeling so sick. I can’t eat. I have a headache. My legs are sore and I’m so very tired. I feel extra weepy this morning because I had to say goodbye to Reagan who is going up to San Diego with Grandma, Pop, and Vann to visit the zoo and Legoland.
Dr. Andrade came to my side this morning and asked how I felt. He could see in my eyes how bad I was feeling and he came in closer and said, “I don’t want you to worry. Today it’s going to get better. You are in good hands.” I showed him the scripture I was holding close to my heart today: Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Andrade read that and said, “Amen!”
I pray today that the fear and worry that have crept into my heart will be once again replaced with confident hope. This is the day that I will start to feel better. Big things are happening. I am currently being infused with super high doses of amino acids which will wake up my cells so that the stems will secure themselves. I am already tingling a little.
4PM UPDATE: Not feeling so yucky anymore. The other client here this week is in the room having her procedure done right now. I'm next. So far, I hear no screaming or crying. All is good. I've waited so long for this moment. Woah. I'm on deck.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Day # 2
Pretty much the same routine as Day #1 minus the Urifron interferon (chemo). Dawn once again had a rough night. Headache and nausea. She didn’t sleep well. We found out yesterday that Day #3 is the big one. On Day #3 the stem cells will be harvested and put back in via a spinal.
It will be from this point forward that we’ll start to see some progress.
Stay tuned.
It will be from this point forward that we’ll start to see some progress.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day #1 Protocol
Monday June 28, 2010
• Arrived at 10:00am.
• Began Chelation I.V. at 10:30 - EDTA (human-made protein) 11grams (to clean)
• Nuprogen (filgrastim) injection (anti-clotting) to the stomach at 11:00
• Injection in stomach at 11:30 – Erlan (Bioyetin) Erythropoietin 4000 UI
• Changed I.V. at 12:30 – Cytoxan – 500mg (stabilizing immune system)
• Injection in rear at 2:15 – Somatropina 4UI (hormone)
• Changed I.V. at 2:45 – Viatmin C – 2 grams
• Spoke with Neurologist – Dr Hugo Navarrete - from 2:45 to 3:15
• Injection in left arm at 3:20 – Urifron (interferon) Interferon alfa 2b - 3 millon UI (very mild form of chemo)
• Injection thru the I.V. at 4:00 – Ondansetron
• Injection in rear at 4:20 – Choline (B vitamin) Inositol (anti-inflammatory)
We arrived back to the hotel around 5:30pm. Dawn was told that it might be a rough night. And it was. By 6pm she was extremely shaky with a horrible case of the chills. She eventually got to sleep and slept over 12 hours. She was a bit better in the morning, but still had a headache.
Again… Dr. Andrade told her in advance that the first night might be a bit rough.
• Arrived at 10:00am.
• Began Chelation I.V. at 10:30 - EDTA (human-made protein) 11grams (to clean)
• Nuprogen (filgrastim) injection (anti-clotting) to the stomach at 11:00
• Injection in stomach at 11:30 – Erlan (Bioyetin) Erythropoietin 4000 UI
• Changed I.V. at 12:30 – Cytoxan – 500mg (stabilizing immune system)
• Injection in rear at 2:15 – Somatropina 4UI (hormone)
• Changed I.V. at 2:45 – Viatmin C – 2 grams
• Spoke with Neurologist – Dr Hugo Navarrete - from 2:45 to 3:15
• Injection in left arm at 3:20 – Urifron (interferon) Interferon alfa 2b - 3 millon UI (very mild form of chemo)
• Injection thru the I.V. at 4:00 – Ondansetron
• Injection in rear at 4:20 – Choline (B vitamin) Inositol (anti-inflammatory)
We arrived back to the hotel around 5:30pm. Dawn was told that it might be a rough night. And it was. By 6pm she was extremely shaky with a horrible case of the chills. She eventually got to sleep and slept over 12 hours. She was a bit better in the morning, but still had a headache.
Again… Dr. Andrade told her in advance that the first night might be a bit rough.
From Nashville to Tijuana
Greetings. “John-the-Husband” here. I’ll be joining Dawn in updating this site along the way. Late last night, after day #1, I was able to put together a small video montage of our journey from Nashville to Mexico.
Enjoy
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day One Done.
I'm keeping this short because I need to lay and be still. Here's what happened today.
1 - IV bag of chelation to remove heavy metals and toxins
2 - shot in my tummy (John has details on this.)
3 - IV bag of chemo to wear down immune system.
4 - shot in my tummy
5 - shot in my booty
6 - shot in my arm
7 - IV bag of vitamins
8 - shot in my booty again
The clinic is immaculate and classy. The staff are amazing and lovable. The doctors were caring and so knowledgeable.
I am feeling sick, cold, and wiped out right now. The doctors said this may heppen. But I have my parents and my dear John to take care of me.
Written on the wall of the clinic:
"Your faith has healed you" Matthew 9:22
I have more faith than ever. So thankful to be here.
1 - IV bag of chelation to remove heavy metals and toxins
2 - shot in my tummy (John has details on this.)
3 - IV bag of chemo to wear down immune system.
4 - shot in my tummy
5 - shot in my booty
6 - shot in my arm
7 - IV bag of vitamins
8 - shot in my booty again
The clinic is immaculate and classy. The staff are amazing and lovable. The doctors were caring and so knowledgeable.
I am feeling sick, cold, and wiped out right now. The doctors said this may heppen. But I have my parents and my dear John to take care of me.
Written on the wall of the clinic:
"Your faith has healed you" Matthew 9:22
I have more faith than ever. So thankful to be here.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Before Videos #1
Here's how hard it is to walk without any assistance. Reagan thinks it's pretty funny.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Documenting Begins.
I wrote this journal to document for myself how I feel before the treatment. I honestly didn't write it to share on the blog. But I've promised to keep this blog updated through this entire process so I'm sharing it. As we get closer, we will post videos of before and after the treatment to demonstrate how well it works. Watch what happens...
May 19, 2010
I don’t ever want to forget how I feel right now. I’ve said it before, “I’ve never been this bad.” And yet I seem to say that quite a bit. Now I’m worse than I ever thought I’d be. I’m worse than I was one month ago! What does that mean? I know someday this will just be a memory and I don’t want to forget how bad it was. I can’t get a deep breath into my lungs which is very uncomfortable. My ankles are tight and numb. I’m so exhausted, I can’t sit up and do anything at all. I dread the feeling of having to go to the bathroom. That means I have to drag my heavy, weak body up and get it somewhere else. My left leg droops behind. My arms burn from straining to hold myself up on my walker. I can’t stand upright for more than 1 second. I’m so tired that I feel nauseous. I’m so uncomfortable with my legs half numb and sore and stiff but I can’t bring myself to sit up and stretch. I want to give up until we go to Tijuana then I expect my life to change.
I’m going to be healthier than I’ve ever been in my life. I will consume alcohol, caffeine, and sugar ONLY in severe moderation. I will continue juicing and eating as many fresh vegetables as I can. I will cut down on dairy. I will exercise every day. I will do yoga, I will get to the gym. I will rebuild the lost muscle. The flesh just hangs off of my bones.
I will paint again. But first and foremost, more than anything else, I will help others. I will volunteer more. So often, I have to say “no”. Not much longer…
June 13, 2010
Only 2 more weeks. This just went through my head and I don’t want to forget it:
When I am tired and in pain, it affects my mood and how I treat my family. I hate that. I know that when I have some relief, my mood will change. I can’t imagine how happy I’ll be.
Yet even in this pain and exhaustion, I still find great joy in my life. More and more, I’m getting to know the God who loves me. I have a great church, a great house, a great dog, a great community and great friends. I have a phenomenal husband who loves me madly. I have a step-son who makes me laugh and I love his company. And I have Reagan. Sweet sweet Reagan.
So much joy already! Imagine how that will overflow when the relief comes!!
The heat has hurt. A lot. It has knocked me (almost) over. It has made me change my plans. All of my energy is gone.
I have had to take muscle relaxers every night in order to sleep. They also relieve the morning pain and stiffness. I wish I could “clean my body” before I go but I don’t think I have it in me. I’m going to do my best. This is so worth it.
June 14, 2010
Sweet Bill Garrison and his daughter Jean prayed for me tonight over the phone. He so graciously referenced scripture. He talked about, “this wonderful mother and her son” He talked about how God promises to take care of us and if we ask, He will listen. He brought me to tears on the phone. I know, as sure as I have ever felt, that God is at work within me. I know that I am in store for a miracle. There is no doubt that He is with me and this is the answer to my prayer. I am overwhelmed by His promise.
The heat is an obstacle for me right now. I’m having to change plans and cancel things. I’ve never felt so limited by this. I’m thankful that I can recognize my limitations right now but I feel terrible because we are missing out on things. Reagan loses because we can’t finish his Jumpstart class. But there are still many things to be grateful for. I’ve done a lot. Now it’s okay to just wait two weeks.
June 16, 2010
I have given up trying. I know that relief is in sight so I don’t feel like I have to try anymore. The symptoms have been so bad lately that all I want to do is sit still. My sister-in-law told me that it's okay. She reminded me that I've worked so hard at living when things were challenging. It's okay to stop trying so hard. However, since it’s worse than ever, I feel more selfish than ever. The pain and fatigue cause me to mistreat my family.
I depend on two people the most – my sweet husband and step-son. Unfortunately, when they have needs, I don’t have anything left to give them. It’s hard for me to have sympathy for anyone else. It’s not fair. But I promise I’ll make up for it.
May 19, 2010
I don’t ever want to forget how I feel right now. I’ve said it before, “I’ve never been this bad.” And yet I seem to say that quite a bit. Now I’m worse than I ever thought I’d be. I’m worse than I was one month ago! What does that mean? I know someday this will just be a memory and I don’t want to forget how bad it was. I can’t get a deep breath into my lungs which is very uncomfortable. My ankles are tight and numb. I’m so exhausted, I can’t sit up and do anything at all. I dread the feeling of having to go to the bathroom. That means I have to drag my heavy, weak body up and get it somewhere else. My left leg droops behind. My arms burn from straining to hold myself up on my walker. I can’t stand upright for more than 1 second. I’m so tired that I feel nauseous. I’m so uncomfortable with my legs half numb and sore and stiff but I can’t bring myself to sit up and stretch. I want to give up until we go to Tijuana then I expect my life to change.
I’m going to be healthier than I’ve ever been in my life. I will consume alcohol, caffeine, and sugar ONLY in severe moderation. I will continue juicing and eating as many fresh vegetables as I can. I will cut down on dairy. I will exercise every day. I will do yoga, I will get to the gym. I will rebuild the lost muscle. The flesh just hangs off of my bones.
I will paint again. But first and foremost, more than anything else, I will help others. I will volunteer more. So often, I have to say “no”. Not much longer…
June 13, 2010
Only 2 more weeks. This just went through my head and I don’t want to forget it:
When I am tired and in pain, it affects my mood and how I treat my family. I hate that. I know that when I have some relief, my mood will change. I can’t imagine how happy I’ll be.
Yet even in this pain and exhaustion, I still find great joy in my life. More and more, I’m getting to know the God who loves me. I have a great church, a great house, a great dog, a great community and great friends. I have a phenomenal husband who loves me madly. I have a step-son who makes me laugh and I love his company. And I have Reagan. Sweet sweet Reagan.
So much joy already! Imagine how that will overflow when the relief comes!!
The heat has hurt. A lot. It has knocked me (almost) over. It has made me change my plans. All of my energy is gone.
I have had to take muscle relaxers every night in order to sleep. They also relieve the morning pain and stiffness. I wish I could “clean my body” before I go but I don’t think I have it in me. I’m going to do my best. This is so worth it.
June 14, 2010
Sweet Bill Garrison and his daughter Jean prayed for me tonight over the phone. He so graciously referenced scripture. He talked about, “this wonderful mother and her son” He talked about how God promises to take care of us and if we ask, He will listen. He brought me to tears on the phone. I know, as sure as I have ever felt, that God is at work within me. I know that I am in store for a miracle. There is no doubt that He is with me and this is the answer to my prayer. I am overwhelmed by His promise.
The heat is an obstacle for me right now. I’m having to change plans and cancel things. I’ve never felt so limited by this. I’m thankful that I can recognize my limitations right now but I feel terrible because we are missing out on things. Reagan loses because we can’t finish his Jumpstart class. But there are still many things to be grateful for. I’ve done a lot. Now it’s okay to just wait two weeks.
June 16, 2010
I have given up trying. I know that relief is in sight so I don’t feel like I have to try anymore. The symptoms have been so bad lately that all I want to do is sit still. My sister-in-law told me that it's okay. She reminded me that I've worked so hard at living when things were challenging. It's okay to stop trying so hard. However, since it’s worse than ever, I feel more selfish than ever. The pain and fatigue cause me to mistreat my family.
I depend on two people the most – my sweet husband and step-son. Unfortunately, when they have needs, I don’t have anything left to give them. It’s hard for me to have sympathy for anyone else. It’s not fair. But I promise I’ll make up for it.
Monday, June 7, 2010
On our way
3 months.
230+ donations.
Countless prayers.
We most definitely have our answer – this is what we should be doing.
I’m humbled by all of those who have donated and sent their encouragement. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude. I can’t even begin to express how good it feels to know that so many of my friends and family and a large number of perfect strangers want to see me get well.
I prayed for years for God to heal me. When we found out about this opportunity, we prayed that God would bring us the money and open the door if it was the right thing to do. There is no doubt in my mind that this was His answer. God will be holding me close in His hands until I can walk again. It is a truly awesome feeling.
As I’ve said to many of you in the thank you notes I’ve written (if you haven’t received yours yet, it’s on the way, sorry), I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. But to go through this process has been a precious gift. I’ve received notes and emails that are so touching, they have made me cry. I’ve received checks in the mail from people who have never met me. I’ve received donations from people I haven’t spoken to in 20 years. There are some who have known me since birth, there are high school friends, ex-boyfriends, long lost college friends, friends of friends, and super-extended family members. You all hold a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful.
We leave on June 27. Watch what happens…
230+ donations.
Countless prayers.
We most definitely have our answer – this is what we should be doing.
I’m humbled by all of those who have donated and sent their encouragement. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude. I can’t even begin to express how good it feels to know that so many of my friends and family and a large number of perfect strangers want to see me get well.
I prayed for years for God to heal me. When we found out about this opportunity, we prayed that God would bring us the money and open the door if it was the right thing to do. There is no doubt in my mind that this was His answer. God will be holding me close in His hands until I can walk again. It is a truly awesome feeling.
As I’ve said to many of you in the thank you notes I’ve written (if you haven’t received yours yet, it’s on the way, sorry), I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. But to go through this process has been a precious gift. I’ve received notes and emails that are so touching, they have made me cry. I’ve received checks in the mail from people who have never met me. I’ve received donations from people I haven’t spoken to in 20 years. There are some who have known me since birth, there are high school friends, ex-boyfriends, long lost college friends, friends of friends, and super-extended family members. You all hold a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful.
We leave on June 27. Watch what happens…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)