The numbers continue to be stable, with the exception that they go up one week and down the other. Trish continues to go to her weekly med and blood work meetings. Labs have been going smooth with some pain depending on how she is feeling and who she gets to draw.
The teeth issue is still under some consulting with various dentist and her oncologist. They are hoping to clear up what they can on the infections so that she can be ready for at least a bone marrow test. It will be an out patient procedure. We will then see how she stands on progressing to the next steps.
The hardest will be isolation when the time comes. Even for the better outcome this will be a struggle and she will need lots of happy, funny thoughts and encouragement. Also i am sure for the family!
We spoke about the struggles she is worried about, tears, laughs and she knows she has to get through these next few steps.
Some may know and some may not, she experienced some wonderful, confusing things while she was in coma, but knew when she woke up that a baby will be on the way soon, and sure enough she will have a new grandson soon. It is hard to believe it has been that long but this 3rd joy will be a major reason for her fight to continue.
We continue to pray, faith, strength and all the family needs. Also, continue to support them either through donation program - great gifts or by what ever you feel. Just words is a great thing.
Thanks for continuing to stay in touch with the Sneaths, as always they appreciate everyone.
We will keep you posted! C
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Still Stable
Each week lab, bood work and meds. Little change in results still stable. They are pleased Trish is at a standstill.
They are consulting, Drs. oncologist and Dentist to see what the next step is to get ready to clear up dental infections and work on getting her stable for the next phase.
Stable and holding - still need prayers and wishes. They are all so thankful for the great kindness everyone has shown.
Still have our site for Donations, order your pink order (fight like a girl) under Trishs' name. every little bit helps.
Or if you need their addy let us know.
Thanks again, daily support will be definately needed as we continue the fight.
They are consulting, Drs. oncologist and Dentist to see what the next step is to get ready to clear up dental infections and work on getting her stable for the next phase.
Stable and holding - still need prayers and wishes. They are all so thankful for the great kindness everyone has shown.
Still have our site for Donations, order your pink order (fight like a girl) under Trishs' name. every little bit helps.
Or if you need their addy let us know.
Thanks again, daily support will be definately needed as we continue the fight.
Friday, October 7, 2011
October - so far so good!
Trish has continued to do great on her blood work readings, they are keeping a careful eye on her creatine counts which watches the kidney functions.
She also survived her med treatment with the new port in place and even thought it was uncomfortable it got through and continues to strengthen her bones.
The acheness could be from cooler weather but also just from what her bone functions are surviving.
More to come, C
Thanks for keeping up with the news the family appreciates it.
She also survived her med treatment with the new port in place and even thought it was uncomfortable it got through and continues to strengthen her bones.
The acheness could be from cooler weather but also just from what her bone functions are surviving.
More to come, C
Thanks for keeping up with the news the family appreciates it.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sept 25th, taking it slow
She forgets at times that things internal havent caught up with the external. Trish had experienced some type of viral / possibly cold, sinus or yucky thing. It took her out for a couple days but now is back to her new self again.
Lab results were stable and great on a note that her nbrs continue to improve. Again regaining strength and it will help her stay out of bad issues so she can get ready for the big experiences that she will have to endure.
Lab gal did notice a reddening and heard there was some soreness in the port area which is painful when they extract or put something in. Trish had to admit she forgot about it and wanted to enjoy some things in the yard a bit, and found that with it being so new it wasnt quite ready for her to use those muscles and over did some upper arm motion. She has to remind her self that internally she is not quite there and has to take it easy. They are going to keep an eye on the port and make sure she lets it heal completely.
We are so proud of Trish's accomplishments and reminds us to take one day at a time, and when we have a bad we will have a new day.
Keep them in your prayers and thoughts!
Lab results were stable and great on a note that her nbrs continue to improve. Again regaining strength and it will help her stay out of bad issues so she can get ready for the big experiences that she will have to endure.
Lab gal did notice a reddening and heard there was some soreness in the port area which is painful when they extract or put something in. Trish had to admit she forgot about it and wanted to enjoy some things in the yard a bit, and found that with it being so new it wasnt quite ready for her to use those muscles and over did some upper arm motion. She has to remind her self that internally she is not quite there and has to take it easy. They are going to keep an eye on the port and make sure she lets it heal completely.
We are so proud of Trish's accomplishments and reminds us to take one day at a time, and when we have a bad we will have a new day.
Keep them in your prayers and thoughts!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Trish keeps truckin!
Well our gal can climb in the truck, has anyone seen this truck??? i cant even do that graceful! Anywhoo she is doing awesome, She is so excited to be off the extra potassium horse pills!!! so now just has to keep up with the other meds.
Her last lab was good a few things kinda wonky but keeping a watch on, but the actual nbr she has been watching continues to stay stable.
Keep up the great work on the donations and the pink orders for their help on the 30 percent. The family totally appreciates it.
We will keep you up on more news as we get it.
Her last lab was good a few things kinda wonky but keeping a watch on, but the actual nbr she has been watching continues to stay stable.
Keep up the great work on the donations and the pink orders for their help on the 30 percent. The family totally appreciates it.
We will keep you up on more news as we get it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wed.Sept 14, 2011
It was good to hear, Trish got lab work done, all is still staying stable. Good nbrs. Also, her new port is working great, still uncomfortable process but able to use is good news.
Now to wait for a consult on the teeth issues - before we can proceed into transplant issue to stay in remission.
Will post more as we get it, just waiting for more appointments to get more information.
The family is so glad to hear the nbrs are stable and continue to hope for progress.
Thank you everyone!
Now to wait for a consult on the teeth issues - before we can proceed into transplant issue to stay in remission.
Will post more as we get it, just waiting for more appointments to get more information.
The family is so glad to hear the nbrs are stable and continue to hope for progress.
Thank you everyone!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Still working
The family has all gone back to work. Life can't stand still. They are working to clear up their basic issues and build up more time for coming up issues and emergencies if needed.
Trish and Dennis continue to stay in close contact with family and friends but all are working as much as they can. Trish has been so fortunate to be able to work what she can if she feels up to it. If not she accepts it and knows she needs to go home and not over do. Nothing is as important as taking care of your own life.
The little ones are growing and that is the best medicine for her to see them and keep close contact.
In any case if at all possible please remember any little amount or for a friends let them know about the site -
go to Signifypink.com
click on find fundraiser
select our fundraiser - Trish's Myeloma
Place an order for Fight Like a Girl items
they will ship directly to you.
The Sneaths will receive 30 percent of purchases - every little bit helps. Tell everyone.
I loved the shirts they do run little small though so go up one size
and they have great cups nice safe plastic with straw! I love mine!
again i know the family appreciates everyone whom takes the time out to think of them.
Trish and Dennis continue to stay in close contact with family and friends but all are working as much as they can. Trish has been so fortunate to be able to work what she can if she feels up to it. If not she accepts it and knows she needs to go home and not over do. Nothing is as important as taking care of your own life.
The little ones are growing and that is the best medicine for her to see them and keep close contact.
In any case if at all possible please remember any little amount or for a friends let them know about the site -
go to Signifypink.com
click on find fundraiser
select our fundraiser - Trish's Myeloma
Place an order for Fight Like a Girl items
they will ship directly to you.
The Sneaths will receive 30 percent of purchases - every little bit helps. Tell everyone.
I loved the shirts they do run little small though so go up one size
and they have great cups nice safe plastic with straw! I love mine!
again i know the family appreciates everyone whom takes the time out to think of them.
Crazy weeks like this.
So the Journey is now. The great thing is Trish is not for a loss on medical terminology so we are the only ones that really need simple terminology. But far from recovery since she will always live with this new diagnosis.
This week Sept. 05, 2011 Trish had her IV solution , she stated that this is something she will have to do almost monthly. This strengthens the bones and she seems to tolerate well.
Then on Wed. 7th she went to get a new port put in for all her future visits she will endure. Her last port was needing changed and apparently had some difficulty to get out since it got tangled up and had issues under the skin. (maybe not explaining as well as her but close to it lol) The procedure went well. and she is glad her Dr. is confident and has a better feeling on this one that was placed.
Today on Thursday - Trish went to visit her Dr. L - ( I will call her Dr's. by an initial.) anyway he advised her that he is so pleased with her numbers. They are building on their own and her body is doing what they are wanting it to do, building their own. She is so pleased.
She still has to get some major work done on her teeth, finding this particular specialist whom deals with such cases as hers isn't easy. They are looking to have to go out of state to get this consult and work done.
This is an addition to another expense to add to to the pile of other expenses.
She isn't looking forward to it but a major necessity to clear out an underlying infection and in order to move forward on a possible future transplant. ( bone marrow i believe.) The Dr. will not discuss further plans until this is done and she is clear of this infection.
This week Sept. 05, 2011 Trish had her IV solution , she stated that this is something she will have to do almost monthly. This strengthens the bones and she seems to tolerate well.
Then on Wed. 7th she went to get a new port put in for all her future visits she will endure. Her last port was needing changed and apparently had some difficulty to get out since it got tangled up and had issues under the skin. (maybe not explaining as well as her but close to it lol) The procedure went well. and she is glad her Dr. is confident and has a better feeling on this one that was placed.
Today on Thursday - Trish went to visit her Dr. L - ( I will call her Dr's. by an initial.) anyway he advised her that he is so pleased with her numbers. They are building on their own and her body is doing what they are wanting it to do, building their own. She is so pleased.
She still has to get some major work done on her teeth, finding this particular specialist whom deals with such cases as hers isn't easy. They are looking to have to go out of state to get this consult and work done.
This is an addition to another expense to add to to the pile of other expenses.
She isn't looking forward to it but a major necessity to clear out an underlying infection and in order to move forward on a possible future transplant. ( bone marrow i believe.) The Dr. will not discuss further plans until this is done and she is clear of this infection.
Still in Motion
First on the behalf of the family they are soooo appreciative for all and everyones, thoughts, prayers, love and concern.
Life has been on a whirlwind. I , friend Celia - remember the day i saw Trish and the next moment get a call she is in hospital non responsive. When i finaly was able to see her i was hit with a ton of bricks of emotions. How did she end up in this situation and how will she get out.
Any and all of you whom have seen her in that state knows that a mighty miracle that only the God above has blessed us with. It wasnt her time and still isn't!
She has totally kicked butt! We have all lost time, but after months, and her family almost uprooting from all directions camped at the hospital and lots of texting done to keep in touch- (thank you tons Sandy) my other lifeline and bff of Trish's she has totally shown her best!
She went to a facility on Memorial dr. and then verily got settled in and got moved over to the Kaiser bld on 11th tied in somehow with Hillcrest. She was totally in awe of how awesome they were adn even if Trish mumbled under her breath and i am sure used some choice words. They were her Godsend, they worked her but even on weekends. She had made so much strides and just insisted on knowledge that she would show them and get home soon.
Dennis held down the fort in his best way and was the best friend a wife could ask for, he kept on his smiley face and held his breath well. He kept on her and kept all the informations straight to keep her on tract.
Now here it is Sept.2011 and she has been home some time now, using a cane , sometimes the chair but knows her limitations. She understands when she has to stop and when she needs to get out and away from things.
Life has been on a whirlwind. I , friend Celia - remember the day i saw Trish and the next moment get a call she is in hospital non responsive. When i finaly was able to see her i was hit with a ton of bricks of emotions. How did she end up in this situation and how will she get out.
Any and all of you whom have seen her in that state knows that a mighty miracle that only the God above has blessed us with. It wasnt her time and still isn't!
She has totally kicked butt! We have all lost time, but after months, and her family almost uprooting from all directions camped at the hospital and lots of texting done to keep in touch- (thank you tons Sandy) my other lifeline and bff of Trish's she has totally shown her best!
She went to a facility on Memorial dr. and then verily got settled in and got moved over to the Kaiser bld on 11th tied in somehow with Hillcrest. She was totally in awe of how awesome they were adn even if Trish mumbled under her breath and i am sure used some choice words. They were her Godsend, they worked her but even on weekends. She had made so much strides and just insisted on knowledge that she would show them and get home soon.
Dennis held down the fort in his best way and was the best friend a wife could ask for, he kept on his smiley face and held his breath well. He kept on her and kept all the informations straight to keep her on tract.
Now here it is Sept.2011 and she has been home some time now, using a cane , sometimes the chair but knows her limitations. She understands when she has to stop and when she needs to get out and away from things.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
BENEFIT GARAGE SALE FOR MOM
Hi Everyone,
We're having a benefit garage sale for mom on June 4th at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. If anyone has any items they'd like to donate, please contact myself, Ryan or Cheryl McKinney. We'd love to see everyone on June 4th! Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support!
Love you all,
Marcia
We're having a benefit garage sale for mom on June 4th at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. If anyone has any items they'd like to donate, please contact myself, Ryan or Cheryl McKinney. We'd love to see everyone on June 4th! Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support!
Love you all,
Marcia
Update
Hi everyone,
Sorry it's taken so long to post an update. A lot has happened since my last post. Mom continues to make improvements. She is still in the hospital but has been upgraded to rehab. The rehab facility she is in is incredible...she has made incredible improvements and FINALLY has a date to go home. Woo hoo!!! She is scheduled to come home next Tuesday. She still has a long road to recovery as she still isn't able to fully walk on her own.
She did receive good news a couple of weeks ago from her oncologist. The second bone marrow biopsy they did while she was in ICU showed that her cancer cells decreased from 95% down to 43%. This was very encouraging to the doctor as it showed that her body responded incredibly well to the chemo treatment, as she was only on it for a short time before she went into ICU. The plan is not to restart her chemo until she is home and stronger.
As you all know, she is very resilient person and there is no doubt that quality is shining through right now. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support you have given her. We greatly appreciate everything everyone has done!
Stay tuned for more updates…I promise I will update sooner than last time. J
Love you all,
Marcia
Sorry it's taken so long to post an update. A lot has happened since my last post. Mom continues to make improvements. She is still in the hospital but has been upgraded to rehab. The rehab facility she is in is incredible...she has made incredible improvements and FINALLY has a date to go home. Woo hoo!!! She is scheduled to come home next Tuesday. She still has a long road to recovery as she still isn't able to fully walk on her own.
She did receive good news a couple of weeks ago from her oncologist. The second bone marrow biopsy they did while she was in ICU showed that her cancer cells decreased from 95% down to 43%. This was very encouraging to the doctor as it showed that her body responded incredibly well to the chemo treatment, as she was only on it for a short time before she went into ICU. The plan is not to restart her chemo until she is home and stronger.
As you all know, she is very resilient person and there is no doubt that quality is shining through right now. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support you have given her. We greatly appreciate everything everyone has done!
Stay tuned for more updates…I promise I will update sooner than last time. J
Love you all,
Marcia
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Another Exciting Day...
Mom keeps improving each and every day. Today was another exciting day as she finally got taken off of the respirator and got all her breathing tubes removed. HOORAY!!!! She still has a ways to go on the road to recovery, but it's amazing how much improvement is made once the breathing tubes are removed. Mom is finally able to talk and oh...is she ever talking. :)
Her sodium levels are continuing to lower, but are still a couple of days from being in the normal range. They'll do a digestion test tomorrow morning to see if she's able to start eating food. She's also pretty stiff and not able to get out of bed and move around...but that should start to change as she'll start working with the physical therapist. Needless to say...she's not looking forward to that!
We're so excited for the all the progress mom has made over the past nine days and know it wouldn't have been made without all the prayers and support from you all. Thank you from the bottom of our heart!
Love you all,
Marcia
Her sodium levels are continuing to lower, but are still a couple of days from being in the normal range. They'll do a digestion test tomorrow morning to see if she's able to start eating food. She's also pretty stiff and not able to get out of bed and move around...but that should start to change as she'll start working with the physical therapist. Needless to say...she's not looking forward to that!
We're so excited for the all the progress mom has made over the past nine days and know it wouldn't have been made without all the prayers and support from you all. Thank you from the bottom of our heart!
Love you all,
Marcia
Saturday, April 9, 2011
More Improvement...
Mom continued to improve today. We were hoping she would have been able to be taken off of the respirator...but she wasn't. The doctor's said she is making great progress, they just wanted to give her another day to get stronger before they removed the breathing tubes. We're hoping tomorrow she'll be strong enough to have them removed. Her sodium level is still at a critical level, so they'll continue treating that as usual. All her other lab work is continuing to slowly improve as well.
As you can tell...she is improving each and every day and has overcome many hurdles already. We can't wait to see the improvement she makes once the breathing tubes are removed. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support we've received while in the hospital. We can't tell you how much we appreciate everything!
Love you all,
Marcia
As you can tell...she is improving each and every day and has overcome many hurdles already. We can't wait to see the improvement she makes once the breathing tubes are removed. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support we've received while in the hospital. We can't tell you how much we appreciate everything!
Love you all,
Marcia
Friday, April 8, 2011
Big Day...
Mom made a lot of progress today. She woke up and was able to open her eyes and is starting to squeeze our hands. I've never seen so much joy in a room as there was whenever she opened her eyes and looked at us and shook her head telling us that she could hear us. GOD IS GOOD!!! They had scheduled for her to have a brain wave test today, thinking there was something wrong neurologically. Obviously that was cancelled...WOO HOO!!!
She's still on the respirator. They turned her oxygen off again today and are going to leave it off through the night to see how she does. As long as she can hold her own tonight, there's a good chance that she'll be able to have the breathing tubes removed tomorrow. Her sodium is still a little high. They'll continue treating for that as those levels must be brought down very slowly. All other lab work is slowly continuing to improve.
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers. Mom still has a long road to recovery, but this was definitely a big day for improvement!
Love you all,
Marcia
She's still on the respirator. They turned her oxygen off again today and are going to leave it off through the night to see how she does. As long as she can hold her own tonight, there's a good chance that she'll be able to have the breathing tubes removed tomorrow. Her sodium is still a little high. They'll continue treating for that as those levels must be brought down very slowly. All other lab work is slowly continuing to improve.
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers. Mom still has a long road to recovery, but this was definitely a big day for improvement!
Love you all,
Marcia
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A Little Improvement...
We saw a little improvement today...mom started to gain a little consciousness this morning after quite the scare of her heart rate dropping suddenly. She still has a long way to go before she is completely conscious, but it definitely was a good start. Everything else is continuing to improve including her pneumonia. They'll re-evaluate her tomorrow and hopefully she'll have made more progress.
Tonight her heart rate is beginning to fall again, so they're monitoring it very closely to make sure it doesn't fall too low. They're still testing to see what could be the possible cause. One possibility is that her magnesium and potassium levels are imbalanced. We'll continue to pray that the doctors will get a handle on this so she may continue on to the road to recovery.
Love you all,
Marcia
Tonight her heart rate is beginning to fall again, so they're monitoring it very closely to make sure it doesn't fall too low. They're still testing to see what could be the possible cause. One possibility is that her magnesium and potassium levels are imbalanced. We'll continue to pray that the doctors will get a handle on this so she may continue on to the road to recovery.
Love you all,
Marcia
Not Much Change...
There hasn't been much change since yesterday...mom still has not regained consciousness. They did a CT scan today, which came back negative. We're hoping and praying that we'll start to see significant improvement soon. If not, the pulmonologist mentioned another test that will look at the brain wave functions.
Her kidneys are continuing to slowly improve. The nephrologist says there isn't a need for dialysis at this point. Her lab work also showed slight improvement from yesterdays results.
Regaining consciousness is the main focus right now...and I know with lord's help and her strength and determination, she'll overcome this hurdle just as she has all the others!
Love you all,
Marcia
Her kidneys are continuing to slowly improve. The nephrologist says there isn't a need for dialysis at this point. Her lab work also showed slight improvement from yesterdays results.
Regaining consciousness is the main focus right now...and I know with lord's help and her strength and determination, she'll overcome this hurdle just as she has all the others!
Love you all,
Marcia
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A Little Improvement...
Prayers are working...mom is showing some improvement. She is still on the respirator, however they turned her sedation off at 10:30 this morning, but she is not showing signs of waking up. They also turned her oxygen completely off for 2 hours shortly after, and was able breathe on her own, during that time. The pulmanologist was in this evening and said he feels the reason she hasn't responded yet is due to her kidney's not functioning properly. He's going to give her until 6:00 in the morning to see if there's any change. If not, they'll run a CT scan to see what's going on neurologically. Her kidneys are still not working great, but they are working and getting better. Most all of her lab tests are slowly showing signs of improvement.
She's overcome many things over the last several days and with the power of prayer and her strength and determination, she'll continue to improve.
Thank you again for all the prayers and support everyone has shown during this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated by the family!
Love you all,
Marcia
She's overcome many things over the last several days and with the power of prayer and her strength and determination, she'll continue to improve.
Thank you again for all the prayers and support everyone has shown during this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated by the family!
Love you all,
Marcia
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Turn for the worse...
Please continue to pray for mom as she took a turn for the worse on Friday. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and is now in ICU. She's in a drug induced coma & on a respirator, has double pneumonia, & her kidney's have started to fail. So she has a lot going against her right now...but as you all know mom, she's a fighter.
So far, they've given her 3 types of antibiotics, insulin shots, platelets, 2 units of blood, bone strengthener, lasix for her kidneys, & lots and lots of fluids. The pulmonology doctor mentioned reducing her sedation enough to test her neurological functions. We just heard from the doctor and he'll start that first thing in the morning.
Some good things to look at are:
It's obvious by all the phone calls and visits that mom is loved very much. We appreciate everyone's support through this very difficult time. This is going to be a long and hard battle to fight, but with your thoughts and prayers and moms strength, we'll get through it.
Love you all,
Marcia
So far, they've given her 3 types of antibiotics, insulin shots, platelets, 2 units of blood, bone strengthener, lasix for her kidneys, & lots and lots of fluids. The pulmonology doctor mentioned reducing her sedation enough to test her neurological functions. We just heard from the doctor and he'll start that first thing in the morning.
Some good things to look at are:
- they've reduced her oxygen levels on the respirator down to 40% and so far she's been able to maintain at that level
- her tests from this morning have shown no change from yesterday, they haven't declined.
- she had a temperature of 102, until it broke yesterday and has maintained normal since.
- her kidneys have shown improvement
It's obvious by all the phone calls and visits that mom is loved very much. We appreciate everyone's support through this very difficult time. This is going to be a long and hard battle to fight, but with your thoughts and prayers and moms strength, we'll get through it.
Love you all,
Marcia
Monday, March 28, 2011
Encouraging News
Finally...a Monday that produced some encouraging news. Mom had her appointment with the transplant doctor today. The news she received was uplifting and encouraging. He mapped out what her course of treatment would be including a self-donor stem cell transplant. What this means is they will take some of her bone marrow, which will be repaired by treatment, and will freeze it for up to 60 days. At that point, once the marrow is completely clean of cancer cells, they will then complete the transplant. The decision to go the self donor route produces a much higher survival rate than using outside donors. This was also good news whereas now we don't have to seek out a donor.
The doctor put her back on her medication and questioned why she was taken off of it in the first place. He was encouraged by the results of it beginning to kill the cancer cells and accredited the pain in her body to the effectiveness of the medication. The doctor is anticipating two rounds of medication (1 round=21 days on, 7 days off) prior to extracting the bone marrow. He also prescribed her Zometa, which will begin to repair her bone lesions as well as strengthen her bones.
Her next doctor's appointment will be in 3 weeks. However, she'll continue with her weekly blood tests to monitor her levels and track the effectiveness of the medication. We appreciate everyone's continued prayers for her recovery.
I'll keep you posted as treatment progresses.
Love you all,
Marcia
The doctor put her back on her medication and questioned why she was taken off of it in the first place. He was encouraged by the results of it beginning to kill the cancer cells and accredited the pain in her body to the effectiveness of the medication. The doctor is anticipating two rounds of medication (1 round=21 days on, 7 days off) prior to extracting the bone marrow. He also prescribed her Zometa, which will begin to repair her bone lesions as well as strengthen her bones.
Her next doctor's appointment will be in 3 weeks. However, she'll continue with her weekly blood tests to monitor her levels and track the effectiveness of the medication. We appreciate everyone's continued prayers for her recovery.
I'll keep you posted as treatment progresses.
Love you all,
Marcia
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Busy Week
Well...we've had a busy past week. Last Monday, mom went in for her weekly lab work, which showed that her kidney levels were elevated and her hemoglobins were low. Therefore she was admitted into St. Johns hospital. During her stay, they gave her 4 units of blood and lots of fluids. The doctor's also decided to discontinue her current medication treatment due to it possibly contributing to some of her kidney problems. She's also been in a lot of pain due to the bone lesion on her hips. While in the hospital, they were able to reduce some of the pain, but she is still struggling to get around. After a long week, she finally got to go home on Friday, which was the first bit of good news we've received since her diagnosis. :)
She has an appointment tomorrow with the transplant doctor who will be taking over with her treatment, beginning a new type of medication treatment, & coordinating her road to recovery. :) Please pray that tomorrow's appointment will be the first Monday to produce good news, as the last several Monday's have not. Stay tuned for updates from tomorrow's appointment.
Love you all!
Marcia
She has an appointment tomorrow with the transplant doctor who will be taking over with her treatment, beginning a new type of medication treatment, & coordinating her road to recovery. :) Please pray that tomorrow's appointment will be the first Monday to produce good news, as the last several Monday's have not. Stay tuned for updates from tomorrow's appointment.
Love you all!
Marcia
Monday, March 14, 2011
Stage Update
Well, it wasn't the news we were hoping for but we're not giving up. Today, mom got the results from her bone test, which showed that she had two lesions; one on her right femur and one on her skull. The doctor considers this to be in a slightly advanced stage. The plans for treatment are still the same. They'll continue to keep a close watch on her cancer cell count. Please continue to pray for a donor match as a bone marrow transplant is the only cure and mom says "she will be cured". :) Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Marcia
Posted by Marcia
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mom's Diagnosis
Hello friends and family! As most of you know, mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma two weeks ago. As you can imagine, it was shocking news for the whole family, and if you know mom, she does not give up easily and is ready to fight this. As treatment progresses, I'll be posting updates, so please feel free to post comments and words of encouragement. This will be a tough battle for her and our family, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
According to the Mayoclinic website, multiple myeloma is defined as: a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins, the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up. Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.
She started treatment last week. Initially, she'll begin with a round of 21days on and 7 days off to reduce the number of cancer cells. Once the cancer cells have been reduced, she'll need a bone marrow transplant, which we are still praying for a donor. They'll start by testing her siblings and go from there. As with any cancer, you find it in different stages. Tomorrow she'll find out what stage it's in. She has an appointment with the transplant specialist next week. I'll post details from both of these appointments as soon as I have them. Her spirits are high but energy is low. So please pray for her as she takes on this challenge. Stay tuned for further updates!
Posted by Marcia (Trish's daughter)
According to the Mayoclinic website, multiple myeloma is defined as: a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins, the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up. Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.
She started treatment last week. Initially, she'll begin with a round of 21days on and 7 days off to reduce the number of cancer cells. Once the cancer cells have been reduced, she'll need a bone marrow transplant, which we are still praying for a donor. They'll start by testing her siblings and go from there. As with any cancer, you find it in different stages. Tomorrow she'll find out what stage it's in. She has an appointment with the transplant specialist next week. I'll post details from both of these appointments as soon as I have them. Her spirits are high but energy is low. So please pray for her as she takes on this challenge. Stay tuned for further updates!
Posted by Marcia (Trish's daughter)
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