Well I couldn't be more thankful that Friday has arrived...2 days off from treatments! I also feel the best I have felt all week! I keep telling myself not to over do it though. I hope to continue to feel this well throughout the weekend as we have a big weekend ahead of us. Jerrid's sisters, Jina and Jessica, got in from Texas yesterday and the rest of the fam, Jill, Russ, Jaci and the kids are coming into town tonight! Brayden has been keeping Jina and Jessica very busy; playing baseball, painting pictures, farming, and now at the Children's Museum. Jerrid (or Butts as Brayden calls him) has gotten a little break, and even got to spend some time with just me. This time was spent sleeping of course, as we are both exhausted! Jina and Jessica have been doing a great job of making sure that I do NOTHING, and it's great to have them here...even if Jina drives us crazy! Then again...at least it's not Jill! :) (Isn't it great that cancer didn't take my sense of humor?!)
Not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store for us. I guess Nebraska has a big game or something, so we'll probably have to watch that. Since the Hawks don't play this weekend, I suppose I'll wear red and support my boys (now that my own son has turned on me.) My brother's fiance, Linsey's, bachelorette party is also this weekend, so I'm hoping to be able to join them for supper. Other than that, some quality time with the Johansen clan!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Meighan
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Curable
Today after my radiation treatment, I met with my radiologist, Dr. Duckert. He will check in with me once a week. While talking with him he kept using the word, "curable" when talking about my cancer. This was very reassuring and great to hear! He also sent me in for a pelvic MRI this afternoon. This was strictly for radiation planning, specifically planning for my upcoming implant radiation. He stressed that he didn't want this to concern me in any way that he was getting this MRI, and it was strictly for planning purposes. He needs a clear picture of where my tumors are, so he knows where to place the implant radiation. Remember, implant radiation is like radiation on steroids and is placed directly at the site of the tumors. My implant radiation could be done in a couple of weeks or at the end of my treatment. The type of implant radiation I'm going to have is still up in the air. It can be done during my daily radiation treatments, through a pelvic procedure, or a laparoscopic procedure. In a couple of weeks I will have a pelvic exam and another MRI to see how well I am responding to treatment. These will help in planning for where the implant radiation will be targeted and what type will be used.
As for today's MRI, Dr. Duckert just called a little while ago (yes at 6:30...how many of you were still at work at 6:30?) He said the MRI didn't tell him anything that he already didn't know, we are on the right track, he will probably order another one in a couple of weeks, and to keep fighting!
The more time I spend with my doctor's the more I fall in love with them. They are amazing people, and make me feel as if I'm amazing (not that we didn't already know this...but everyone needs a reminder every now and then!) Seriously though, everyone has told me that I couldn't ask for better doctor's and they were right! I have no idea how many patients my doctor's are currently treating, and quite frankly I don't even want to think about it. (There are way too many people battling cancer right now.) BUT...my doctor's (and nurses) make me feel as if I'm their only patient. They have spent a lot of time getting to know my family and me, they are always calling to check on me, they spend quality time with me when I'm in their office, and they treat me as if my case is most important to them at this point. (Which I know isn't the case.) They look me in the eye and tell me, "You have to keep fighting." "This is curable." "We are here for you." These men and women met me a month ago, but the way they treat me you would think I would have known them all my life. They treat me just like all of you, my friends and family, do. Today, I'm very thankful for my doctor's and nurse's and all they are doing for me. As always though, I'm most thankful for all of you...my followers and supporters. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, food, emails, texts, facebook messages, and phone calls. We will never to able to thank you all enough for all you have already done, but are eternally thankful, as you are helping us through a very tough time.
Thank you,
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
As for today's MRI, Dr. Duckert just called a little while ago (yes at 6:30...how many of you were still at work at 6:30?) He said the MRI didn't tell him anything that he already didn't know, we are on the right track, he will probably order another one in a couple of weeks, and to keep fighting!
The more time I spend with my doctor's the more I fall in love with them. They are amazing people, and make me feel as if I'm amazing (not that we didn't already know this...but everyone needs a reminder every now and then!) Seriously though, everyone has told me that I couldn't ask for better doctor's and they were right! I have no idea how many patients my doctor's are currently treating, and quite frankly I don't even want to think about it. (There are way too many people battling cancer right now.) BUT...my doctor's (and nurses) make me feel as if I'm their only patient. They have spent a lot of time getting to know my family and me, they are always calling to check on me, they spend quality time with me when I'm in their office, and they treat me as if my case is most important to them at this point. (Which I know isn't the case.) They look me in the eye and tell me, "You have to keep fighting." "This is curable." "We are here for you." These men and women met me a month ago, but the way they treat me you would think I would have known them all my life. They treat me just like all of you, my friends and family, do. Today, I'm very thankful for my doctor's and nurse's and all they are doing for me. As always though, I'm most thankful for all of you...my followers and supporters. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, food, emails, texts, facebook messages, and phone calls. We will never to able to thank you all enough for all you have already done, but are eternally thankful, as you are helping us through a very tough time.
Thank you,
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Nothing sugar coated here...
Well yesterday proved to be about the worst day yet, and from what doctor's and nurses are telling me...every Tuesday will probably be the same. Since I'm going through the same schedule every week: Chemo on Monday, radiation Monday through Friday...I can probably expect the side effects to be the same every week.
Yesterday, the nausea feeling was overwhelming (even with taking the meds the prescribed me)...even the slightest bit of movement made me feel as if I was going to vomit. I didn't move from my bed much of the day, and if I wasn't sleeping I was just staring off into space. I didn't have the energy to read or walk down the stairs to watch TV. My mother, being the amazing mother she is, was by my side all day still shoving chicken noodle soup and water down my throat. She keeps reminding me, "You have to eat and stay hydrated to keep your energy up." I know I have to do this, but it's hard to do when you're feeling that crappy. So once again...thank goodness for my mother!
Last night my brother and Linsey brought over supper...it looked good, but I didn't think I could stomach it. I did join them on the couch though. Even if I don't get to eat all the great food people are bringing, I'm glad Jerrid and Brayden are eating well. Jerrid is concerned that he is going to gain weight through all of this.
This morning, I was still feeling a little nauseous, but it had subsided some. After radiation today, I came home and went back to bed. At the moment, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm on the couch, watching TV, checking email, typing a blog, fixing my own lunch, and filling my own water cup...these are all GREAT improvements from yesterday! I'm hoping as each day passes after Tuesday, I feel better and better. Only to have to do it all over again week after week...but hopefully it's only 7 weeks of my life! :) I'll be seeing Dr. Morris, my oncologist, every Monday before chemo, so I'm going to see if I can get some more powerful nausea meds. If not, I'll just learn to deal with it I guess!
Well that's all for now...cancer sucks, chemo sucks, recovering from surgery sucks...but soon enough this will all be behind us and I'll probably have more fight in me than I did before...so watch out LVJH! :)
Yesterday, the nausea feeling was overwhelming (even with taking the meds the prescribed me)...even the slightest bit of movement made me feel as if I was going to vomit. I didn't move from my bed much of the day, and if I wasn't sleeping I was just staring off into space. I didn't have the energy to read or walk down the stairs to watch TV. My mother, being the amazing mother she is, was by my side all day still shoving chicken noodle soup and water down my throat. She keeps reminding me, "You have to eat and stay hydrated to keep your energy up." I know I have to do this, but it's hard to do when you're feeling that crappy. So once again...thank goodness for my mother!
Last night my brother and Linsey brought over supper...it looked good, but I didn't think I could stomach it. I did join them on the couch though. Even if I don't get to eat all the great food people are bringing, I'm glad Jerrid and Brayden are eating well. Jerrid is concerned that he is going to gain weight through all of this.
This morning, I was still feeling a little nauseous, but it had subsided some. After radiation today, I came home and went back to bed. At the moment, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm on the couch, watching TV, checking email, typing a blog, fixing my own lunch, and filling my own water cup...these are all GREAT improvements from yesterday! I'm hoping as each day passes after Tuesday, I feel better and better. Only to have to do it all over again week after week...but hopefully it's only 7 weeks of my life! :) I'll be seeing Dr. Morris, my oncologist, every Monday before chemo, so I'm going to see if I can get some more powerful nausea meds. If not, I'll just learn to deal with it I guess!
Well that's all for now...cancer sucks, chemo sucks, recovering from surgery sucks...but soon enough this will all be behind us and I'll probably have more fight in me than I did before...so watch out LVJH! :)
Monday, September 26, 2011
And so it begins...
Well my first round of chemo and radiation is over and if you have followed any of my previous posts you will not be surprised to find out that things didn't go as smoothly as we would have liked.
Now that I'm home I am already experiencing the symptoms they told me that I could/would. Basically my insides are waging a battle against each other and I am coming out the loser at this time. They might be winning this battle right now but I as you all know I am determined to win in the end! This would be bad enough if it was by itself, but it is in conjunction with my procedure from last week and I think the side effects are counteracting each other. Additionally, since I am kind of a small person I think I feel the effects of any procedure a little more strongly than if I was a 250 lb. behemoth like my sister-in-law, Jina. JUST KIDDING JINA! That was from your brother and we can't wait to see you this weekend!
So there you have it...my day in a nutshell. Tomorrow through Friday I go in for my radiation treatments. I will have to get the x-rays done each day until my level of bloatedness is consistent and my marks haven't moved. Thank you all, once again for you level of care and concern! It is greatly appreciated by my family and I. We will keep you posted as to my progress.
Meighan (with the help of Jerrid)
- Problem #1...I was so bloated from my procedure last Monday that the radiologist had to have me do four x-rays in order to reposition the targets for the radiation.
- Problem #2a...because I have been blessed with my mother's small and hard blood vessels they were not able to easily find one for the chemo injection.
- Problem #2b...because they have to use a different vein for each chemo injection the fear was that if they found one today they would have a heck of a time finding another next week, and the next, and the next...
Now that I'm home I am already experiencing the symptoms they told me that I could/would. Basically my insides are waging a battle against each other and I am coming out the loser at this time. They might be winning this battle right now but I as you all know I am determined to win in the end! This would be bad enough if it was by itself, but it is in conjunction with my procedure from last week and I think the side effects are counteracting each other. Additionally, since I am kind of a small person I think I feel the effects of any procedure a little more strongly than if I was a 250 lb. behemoth like my sister-in-law, Jina. JUST KIDDING JINA! That was from your brother and we can't wait to see you this weekend!
So there you have it...my day in a nutshell. Tomorrow through Friday I go in for my radiation treatments. I will have to get the x-rays done each day until my level of bloatedness is consistent and my marks haven't moved. Thank you all, once again for you level of care and concern! It is greatly appreciated by my family and I. We will keep you posted as to my progress.
Meighan (with the help of Jerrid)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Jerrid
Many of you have been asking me how Jerrid is holding up, so I thought I'd take some time to fill you in on how I think he is doing. At some point, he may take some time to tell you himself.
Many of you probably don't know that Jerrid lost his mother to cancer almost 5 years ago. So as you you can imagine, this can't be easy as he has been having to re-live a lot of things. With that said though, he has been my rock through this all, as he knows all the right questions to ask and understands everything the doctors tell us. Along with being my rock and husband, he's been my best friend, an awesome father (and mother at times) to Brayden and Mogi, my nurse, a shoulder to cry on, and always there to make me laugh. We have always thought we made a good team whether it be because he always eats what I won't, he cooks and I clean up the kitchen, or I fold the laundry and he puts it away. He told me the other day that he has gotten strength and courage from me, which is funny because I thought I was getting strength and courage from him...so I guess once again we are making a good team and giving each other strength and courage. Either way, I can't think of a better team member to go going through all of this with.
Let's not forget about the rest of our team though: ALL of you...our family and friends. I love getting the mail everyday, as there are always cards with uplifting and kind words. Our freezer, fridge, and stomachs for that matter, never go empty with all the food people are bringing us. I think my mother has already put 1,000 miles on her car in the last week driving back and forth multiple times, any time we need her. She not only has brought food and supplies, but done laundry and cleaned my house better than I have since I've lived here. She has been there any time of the day and supported us through multiple doctor's visits, because sometimes we just don't feel as if we can do it, just the two of us. We'll never be able to thank her enough for all she's done, but I only hope I will be able to re-pay her later in life...I'll definitely splurge for a top-notch nursing home! :) The morning before my cone biopsy procedure, ironically my sister (in Minnesota) and I were both watching CMT and this music video came on, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You all are loving me through all of this and it will get me through all that is ahead of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ&ob=av2e
Ok...now back to who this blog was supposed to be about! :) I would say Jerrid is overwhelmed, but he's hiding it well. Through all that he has been doing for myself and Brayden he has had to miss a lot of work and cross country which has been hard. But at the same time, when he is at work and/or cross country, then it's hard for him to be away from us. He wants to do it all, but that just isn't possible. Luckily, there are great people to fill in for him in his absence. Papio South has been very supportive through all of this, and he has a great sub when he is gone. Coach Stenger and the cross country boys have been very supportive and understanding through all of this also. So, thank you to all of you for making this easier on him. As for when he can not be with me, people are fighting over who gets to spend that time with me...which isn't a surprise! :) No, but really...there have been multiple people offering to come over whenever we need someone. Lastly, Jerrid's family has been his rock. They are always calling, writing, texting, visiting, and helping in any way that they can. As for me, I couldn't ask for better in-laws!
While Jerrid is home with me he's constantly tending to my every need. He has a timer set to go off every four hours so I make sure to get my meds on time (even in the middle of the night.) He's always making sure my water bottle is full, that my temperature is normal, and that my incision is healing correctly. He's forcing me to eat, putting the heating pad on my bruises, and icing my blisters (come to find out I'm allergic to steri strips.) This all seems like enough to keep him busy, but beyond this he is playing with Brayden, tending to his every need and trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, while trying to keep up with things around the house the best he can. Last night while I laid on the couch, my 2 boys were downstairs playing. I turned off the TV and listened to them play, laugh, and talk for over an hour. It was the sweetest thing ever and made me so thankful for Jerrid...not only for all he has done for me, but especially all he has done for Brayden. Those of you that know Jerrid, know that he has always loved Superman. Well he has shown me over the last week that he is Superman; he does it all with a smile and doesn't stop. I'm sure he's exhausted and overwhelmed, but you would never know it. Blake Shelton has a song out called, God Gave Me You, and the lyrics truly express how thankful I am for Jerrid. Many of you have said you are inspired by my outlook and strength, well I wouldn't be the way I am if it wasn't for Jerrid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCf2PoTuh4Q&ob=av2n
Many of you probably don't know that Jerrid lost his mother to cancer almost 5 years ago. So as you you can imagine, this can't be easy as he has been having to re-live a lot of things. With that said though, he has been my rock through this all, as he knows all the right questions to ask and understands everything the doctors tell us. Along with being my rock and husband, he's been my best friend, an awesome father (and mother at times) to Brayden and Mogi, my nurse, a shoulder to cry on, and always there to make me laugh. We have always thought we made a good team whether it be because he always eats what I won't, he cooks and I clean up the kitchen, or I fold the laundry and he puts it away. He told me the other day that he has gotten strength and courage from me, which is funny because I thought I was getting strength and courage from him...so I guess once again we are making a good team and giving each other strength and courage. Either way, I can't think of a better team member to go going through all of this with.
Let's not forget about the rest of our team though: ALL of you...our family and friends. I love getting the mail everyday, as there are always cards with uplifting and kind words. Our freezer, fridge, and stomachs for that matter, never go empty with all the food people are bringing us. I think my mother has already put 1,000 miles on her car in the last week driving back and forth multiple times, any time we need her. She not only has brought food and supplies, but done laundry and cleaned my house better than I have since I've lived here. She has been there any time of the day and supported us through multiple doctor's visits, because sometimes we just don't feel as if we can do it, just the two of us. We'll never be able to thank her enough for all she's done, but I only hope I will be able to re-pay her later in life...I'll definitely splurge for a top-notch nursing home! :) The morning before my cone biopsy procedure, ironically my sister (in Minnesota) and I were both watching CMT and this music video came on, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You all are loving me through all of this and it will get me through all that is ahead of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ&ob=av2e
Ok...now back to who this blog was supposed to be about! :) I would say Jerrid is overwhelmed, but he's hiding it well. Through all that he has been doing for myself and Brayden he has had to miss a lot of work and cross country which has been hard. But at the same time, when he is at work and/or cross country, then it's hard for him to be away from us. He wants to do it all, but that just isn't possible. Luckily, there are great people to fill in for him in his absence. Papio South has been very supportive through all of this, and he has a great sub when he is gone. Coach Stenger and the cross country boys have been very supportive and understanding through all of this also. So, thank you to all of you for making this easier on him. As for when he can not be with me, people are fighting over who gets to spend that time with me...which isn't a surprise! :) No, but really...there have been multiple people offering to come over whenever we need someone. Lastly, Jerrid's family has been his rock. They are always calling, writing, texting, visiting, and helping in any way that they can. As for me, I couldn't ask for better in-laws!
While Jerrid is home with me he's constantly tending to my every need. He has a timer set to go off every four hours so I make sure to get my meds on time (even in the middle of the night.) He's always making sure my water bottle is full, that my temperature is normal, and that my incision is healing correctly. He's forcing me to eat, putting the heating pad on my bruises, and icing my blisters (come to find out I'm allergic to steri strips.) This all seems like enough to keep him busy, but beyond this he is playing with Brayden, tending to his every need and trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, while trying to keep up with things around the house the best he can. Last night while I laid on the couch, my 2 boys were downstairs playing. I turned off the TV and listened to them play, laugh, and talk for over an hour. It was the sweetest thing ever and made me so thankful for Jerrid...not only for all he has done for me, but especially all he has done for Brayden. Those of you that know Jerrid, know that he has always loved Superman. Well he has shown me over the last week that he is Superman; he does it all with a smile and doesn't stop. I'm sure he's exhausted and overwhelmed, but you would never know it. Blake Shelton has a song out called, God Gave Me You, and the lyrics truly express how thankful I am for Jerrid. Many of you have said you are inspired by my outlook and strength, well I wouldn't be the way I am if it wasn't for Jerrid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCf2PoTuh4Q&ob=av2n
Friday, September 23, 2011
"What can I do?"
The outpouring of support we have received from our families, friends, co-workers, sports teams, ect. has been amazing! Everyone is asking what they can do to help, what we need, and offering so many things...we are so thankful! Many people are wanting to bring food, frozen meals, gift cards, and ect. My Special Education colleagues at LVJH have set up a website to assist with this. On the website people can sign up for dates they plan to bring food, along with what they plan to bring. I thought I would post the website so others can also use it if they'd like.
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=58b901e9-90eb-4e95-b6f8-afc290de476f
My treatments will be in the mornings, so meals can be dropped off about any time in the afternoon or evening. You may want to text of call ahead of time to make sure I'm around.
We will never be able to thank everyone enough, but please know we are extremely thankful for all of you!
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=58b901e9-90eb-4e95-b6f8-afc290de476f
My treatments will be in the mornings, so meals can be dropped off about any time in the afternoon or evening. You may want to text of call ahead of time to make sure I'm around.
We will never be able to thank everyone enough, but please know we are extremely thankful for all of you!
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Breaking out!
Well I'm finally breaking out of the hospital! It's been a long 3 day stay and am looking forward to the comfort of my own home! On the agenda for this weekend: lots of rest, relaxation, and hydration so I'm ready to take on chemo and radiation Monday morning!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Favorite Patient
I'm beginning to think Dr. Morris wasn't just being sweet yesterday, and really meant it when he told me that I was his favorite patient. He sure is keeping me around for awhile at least. I am not getting to go home today like we had thought. My hemoglobin levels were a little low yesterday, and have dropped even more since. This is probably just due to the surgery, and nothing to be concerned about. So, at the moment I am prepping for a blood transfusion. I feel pretty weak, and this is probably due to my low levels (and lack of sleep.) I also need to be well rested and my levels normal in order to start radiation and chemo on Monday, so hopefully this blood transfusion does the trick!
Earlier this morning I went over to Radiology to get "mapped" for radiation treatment. For this, they did another CT scan and made some markings on me. These markings show them right where to "shoot" the radiation. Currently, the markings are marked with permanent marker, but on Monday they will make permanent tattoo markings. These will be similar to the size of a freckle. I sure hope I'm still Jer's number one, even though I'm going to be tatted up now! :)
Well I think that's the latest for updates, and here's to getting home tomorrow!
Thanks for your continued thoughts, support, and prayers!
Meighan
Earlier this morning I went over to Radiology to get "mapped" for radiation treatment. For this, they did another CT scan and made some markings on me. These markings show them right where to "shoot" the radiation. Currently, the markings are marked with permanent marker, but on Monday they will make permanent tattoo markings. These will be similar to the size of a freckle. I sure hope I'm still Jer's number one, even though I'm going to be tatted up now! :)
Well I think that's the latest for updates, and here's to getting home tomorrow!
Thanks for your continued thoughts, support, and prayers!
Meighan
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Testing Is Over
So after 5 weeks of testing and waiting, and testing and waiting, and meetings we finally have a final diagnosis and a preliminary plan of attack. Oh, I am still in the hospital this evening, just resting up and trying to recover from my procedure yesterday.
Yesterday, during the procedure to lift my ovaries the doctor also did a check of the lymph nodes in the lower abdomen. And after meeting with the radiologist this afternoon, It turns out that the lowest lymph node was swollen so the oncologist took that one out immediately and then took tissue samples from the other four. The swollen lymph node turned out to be cancerous, which is not good, but the other 4 lymph nodes came back clean, which is good. The radiologist said the good thing about cervical cancer is that although it can be quite aggressive, it is quite predictable, meaning that it will grow, and grow, and travel throughout the body in a routine pattern--from the lowest lymph node to the next, to the next, then up to the the rest of the body. So since we caught it in the first node, but not in the others we know that it is not elsewhere in the body, which is good news.
Anyway, long story short, we now have a plan of attack in place to treat this disease. Starting on Monday I will begin 3-4 weeks of chemo/radiation treatments. The chemo will take place on Monday and the radiation will take place on Monday through Friday. The radiologist said that Monday will take approximately half a day to get through from beginning to end, while on Tuesday through Friday I will probably spend more time driving to the hospital and changing into my gown, than I will receiving the radiation.
After 3-4 weeks they will check to see how the cancer is responding and then begin what is called Implant Radiation. After hearing about this type of radiation, it sounds like radiation on steroids...a high dosage of radiation applied directly to the affected site.
When that is over, then there will be a couple of more weeks of chemo and radiation. So that's about 7 weeks of treatment and then they will see what the response of the cancer has been. Right now, looking at my calendar, we will be hoping for a very happy and very thankful Thanksgiving!
Yesterday, during the procedure to lift my ovaries the doctor also did a check of the lymph nodes in the lower abdomen. And after meeting with the radiologist this afternoon, It turns out that the lowest lymph node was swollen so the oncologist took that one out immediately and then took tissue samples from the other four. The swollen lymph node turned out to be cancerous, which is not good, but the other 4 lymph nodes came back clean, which is good. The radiologist said the good thing about cervical cancer is that although it can be quite aggressive, it is quite predictable, meaning that it will grow, and grow, and travel throughout the body in a routine pattern--from the lowest lymph node to the next, to the next, then up to the the rest of the body. So since we caught it in the first node, but not in the others we know that it is not elsewhere in the body, which is good news.
Anyway, long story short, we now have a plan of attack in place to treat this disease. Starting on Monday I will begin 3-4 weeks of chemo/radiation treatments. The chemo will take place on Monday and the radiation will take place on Monday through Friday. The radiologist said that Monday will take approximately half a day to get through from beginning to end, while on Tuesday through Friday I will probably spend more time driving to the hospital and changing into my gown, than I will receiving the radiation.
After 3-4 weeks they will check to see how the cancer is responding and then begin what is called Implant Radiation. After hearing about this type of radiation, it sounds like radiation on steroids...a high dosage of radiation applied directly to the affected site.
When that is over, then there will be a couple of more weeks of chemo and radiation. So that's about 7 weeks of treatment and then they will see what the response of the cancer has been. Right now, looking at my calendar, we will be hoping for a very happy and very thankful Thanksgiving!
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
Well what would you like first...the good news or the bad news? Good news it is...I finally got rid of my roommate! I'm not sure who ever thought having roommates during a hospital stay was a good idea? My nurse's kept telling me to rest, and I kept saying, "With all due respect, how do you expect me to do that?" In the background my roommates TV was blaring while she was on the phone, talking very loudly. Then her nurse would come in and have to scream in order to be heard over her TV. As you can imagine, it was all very relaxing! So since her departure I have been able to finally rest and relax.
Now for the bad news (although it's not that bad)...it doesn't look like I'll be getting out of the hospital today. As long as they don't give me another roommate, I think I can handle staying one more night. I haven't gotten up and at 'em yet, had any solid foods, or gotten off my morphine drip. I need to tolerate all of these things before they will send me home. So walking laps, eating solid food, and tolerating pain with oral pain meds is on the agenda for today. Visitors are welcome to keep me sane! :)
Now for the bad news (although it's not that bad)...it doesn't look like I'll be getting out of the hospital today. As long as they don't give me another roommate, I think I can handle staying one more night. I haven't gotten up and at 'em yet, had any solid foods, or gotten off my morphine drip. I need to tolerate all of these things before they will send me home. So walking laps, eating solid food, and tolerating pain with oral pain meds is on the agenda for today. Visitors are welcome to keep me sane! :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Out of surgery
Meighan is out of surgery and trying to rest. Right now she is in quite a bit of pain (she said it is way worse than her c-section) so her resting isn't going so well. Of course we are in a shared hospital room so we have to listen the inane conversations of the people behind the curtain. Not only do they have no control of their own voices, they obviously lost the remote of their tv. And now the nurse is in there talking louder than all 4 people combined...how do they expect her to rest?
Deb and I spoke with meighan's doctor after the procedure and he said everything went as planned, and the radiologist came in during the procedure to see what he will be dealing with when her radiation treatments start next week. Evidently he made a 5 inch incision on her left side to perform the procedure, and that's where her pain is focused.
Well that's it for now...she is still very sleepy and groggy at the moment. We will continue to post updates as they come and we are very appreciative for all of your support and well-wishes!
Thank you,
Jerrid
Deb and I spoke with meighan's doctor after the procedure and he said everything went as planned, and the radiologist came in during the procedure to see what he will be dealing with when her radiation treatments start next week. Evidently he made a 5 inch incision on her left side to perform the procedure, and that's where her pain is focused.
Well that's it for now...she is still very sleepy and groggy at the moment. We will continue to post updates as they come and we are very appreciative for all of your support and well-wishes!
Thank you,
Jerrid
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Move your ovaries? WHAT?
Well there have been a lot of questions regarding the movement of my ovaries or in doctor's terms, oophoropexy. At first, my reaction was very similar to all of yours: "They can do that?" "How?" "Why?" So to start with, yes, they can move ovaries. To do this, they will make an incision on my side, and disconnect my ovaries from my uterus and move them up under my rib cage. Sounds pretty easy, right? We have chosen to do this for a couple reasons. The radiation treatment I will receive will be pointed right at my pelvic region; therefore, my ovaries would get a direct hit from the radiation. This would cause me to go into early menopause. I'm only 28, so I don't feel the need to go into menopause yet if I don't have to! :) Also, being newly married and having a four year old at home who thinks the world revolves around him; we'd like to keep our options open to having more kids in the future. Moving my ovaries out of the radiation field will allow me to harvest eggs in the future, and hopefully give Brayden a brother or sister to knock him off his high horse every now and then! :) I will not be able to carry a baby, but surrogacy would be an option. I will go in tomorrow morning at 7:30 for this hour long procedure. I'm having it done at Methodist Hospital on 83rd and Dodge. I will have to stay the night Monday night, and possibly Tuesday. Stay tuned for an update sometime tomorrow!
Meighan
Meighan
Friday, September 16, 2011
The best news possible!
We just got back from meeting with Dr. Morris. He went over the results of the CT scan, which showed that the cancer hasn't spread any further than the cervix, surrounding tissue, and vaginal wall. This was great news! Funny how your perspective changes in a weeks time...I never thought I'd be excited about Stage 2B Cervical Cancer! The treatment for this will be 5 weeks of radiation and chemo. I will have radiation Monday through Friday and chemo on Monday's. The plan is to start treatments the week of September 26. Next week, on Monday the 19th, I will have an intermediate procedure to move my ovaries up under my rib cage. The reason for this is so I will have a chance to harvest eggs in the future if we choose, and so I won't go into early menopause. This procedure will take place at Methodist Hospital and I will have to stay over night Monday night and possibly Tuesday. I will be taking the next 2 weeks off from work to recover from the procedure, and then to see how I handle radiation and chemo. From there, we will take things day by day. Thanks for everyone's support and prayers through this entire ordeal! We are so lucky to have such supportive family and friends!
Meighan, Jerrid, and Brayden
Meighan, Jerrid, and Brayden
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)