Christie felt much more of Chemo's effects today. She has felt very fatigued all day. Early this morning, around 3 AM or so, she began to feel aching in her neck. Throughout the early morning it spread to her arms and down her chest. Of course we were just a little worried about that, so we got up and re-read the side affects of her treatments. It seems that most of what has been hurting today is from the shot I gave her yesterday evening - the one that kicks her bone marrow into overdrive. It aches because it's pushing the marrow to produce white bloods cells (WHC) at a much higher rate in order to offset the large number being killed by the chemo. Between now and next weekend we have to watch her very closely, since her white blood count will be down - she now has a compromised immune system. One normally has ~4000 WHC per cubic millimeter of blood, but she'll rapidly drop this week to about 500. Hopfully it will then build back as the chemo effect wears off. It needs to be above ~1500 before she can have her next chemo. We also have to keep her away from sick people and make sure she gets no cuts or anything, since any infection or disease could overrun her immune system. Hope that's not too much info for you all!
Since Mom (Christie's mom) is here for the duration of the first round of chemo, I'm going in to work tomorrow to talk to my boss. (Actually, I have like eight bosses, but who's counting?!) It is unpleasant and distracting knowing that Christie is sick and getting hammered from chemo, so I'm not sure to what extent I'll be flying. I will ask to fly this week, but doubt they'll put me back on duty until next month. I'm sure everyone is on edge from the Hawaii crew that died in that Dolphin crash on Friday.
Please pray for discernment and strength for us - and good results from the chemo. Christie is very active and hates being cooped up inside. I am struggling with thinking about work with Christie being sick. Thank you for the prayers, phone calls, and comments. It is encouraging to know you are with us - you are constant reminders that He loves us and is intimate with the details of our lives. May He grant you peace this week as you deal with the tests you are given as well.
6 comments:
Hi Christie and Ryan,
I don't know you guys personally , but your story really has touched my heart. I received an email from a from friend , from another friend. You guys stay encouraged and hold on, we are all servants of each other. God connected us in this way, so know that there are others out here in little Oklahoma that are praying for you and your family.
A true companion is.... born for when there is distress. Prov. 17:17
This is the friend Elihu that helped Job through is trials.What a true testimony and how faith keeps us going..
Sincerly,
Charonda J.
Your friends back at OCS are praying for complete healing! We love you so much and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Michael Brown
Christie,
You were wonderfully and fearfully made! Boogie-boarding one day and then getting your bone marrow kicked into overdrive the next...you are one incredible athletic and enduring chick! Praise God for the diagnosis, although it isn’t the same as being told “you have the flu,” it is a great relief to know what we are facing. I know it sounds cliché, but please let me and Mike know what you and Ryan need. We are family and here to help – need someone to clean the house, cook a meal or two, go grocery shopping for you guys, or need a Wii to stay occupied? Let us know...we’ll be there in a jiffy.
Love you!
Christie and Ryan,
Here is a website for a Hodgkins support group , Aunt Chrissies Mom found a group shortly after her diagnoses with CLL (chronic Lymphositic Lukemia) and found it very informative and she has enjoyed sharing with other members.
http://www.hodgkinsnet.org/pages/1/index.htm
Hope the rest of the week your feeling better each day.
Uncle Harry and Aunt Chrissie
Dear Ryan and Christie - Well, It's Monday and I've read Sunday's blog but wondered how today went?? Perhaps somewhere along this journey you'll get the hang of it. It must be awful and for that I'm sorry.
On a brighter note, my neighbors (where you stayed last November) went fishing with me tonight. No bites, but it was our last hurrah to summer as the boat comes outon Thursday. Love you , Gahgee
Hey guys. Again so glad you had such a wonderful Saturday. Hold those days close in your mind, when others are not so great... Remembering the good ones and fighting through the not so great days.... My dear Christie, having dealt with Chemo with several friends I know its not pleasant, just know its a means to an end... Laughter my friend Rita said got her through the tough days, make a list of your funny friends, put them on speed dial and just laugh! And know its ok not to talk about the monster, when you don't want to... Its ok to not want to talk about how you feel or what kind of day its been... but rather talk about everything but, my friend Rita said there were days she just didn't want to talk about it...so feel free to blog about everything but the monster somedays.. .we'll understand...we love you... meme
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