Stem Cell Transplant Update & What the Forum Does For Me - Page 4

playabum17 · 03-19-2006

Thanks for the update. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

mckinzie · 03-19-2006

Stay strong Kathy,
Heavy prayers from me to your family.

alwaysmissinpdc · 03-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mckinzie

Stay strong Kathy,
Heavy prayers from me to your family.

And from me to yours.

MsRubio · 03-19-2006

Kathy...Michael and I are keeping you and Henry and your BIL in our prayers....if you need anything please don't hesitate to call....((((hugs))).

maliasma · 03-19-2006

I'm sorry I am just now reading this thread but, wow, you are an amazing woman, Kathy, with an amazing family. Your strength radiates through this thread. I am praying for your family. Big (((HUGS)))!

Doggiemom · 03-19-2006

Thanks for the update Kathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong! Tell Henry Hello from me!

CaroleLB · 03-19-2006

Kathy, thanks for the update. My good thoughts are always with you.

For some giggles I'm going to have to forward you some not for publication pics from PF - I am sure the parties involved wouldn't mind!

Hang tough and you know you can vent away at me all you want.

alwaysmissinpdc · 03-26-2006

Peeps, you're the best. Honestly, some of your kind words made me blush. And while I haven't posted much lately, I've read, and thoughts of your prayers and support have helped greatly, as well as LMAO at the banter, reading trip reports, and watching slide shows.

I wish I had better news, but on Wednesday, my bil went home for hospice care. The docs said there is just too much going on for them to do anything, especially with low platlets (4,000 compared to a normal of about 150,000).
While we knew this was a possiblity, emotionally it's devastating.

After helping with the transition, Henry and I came home to Delaware on Friday. (My sil has a big family and all live close by so there is a wonderful support network in place.) Well, Friday night my sil calls, and tells me she got a call from someone in the hospice care network who is responsible for relaying any critical counts that come back on lab work. Not knowing the history, the person was "sorry to report that the platlet count was 8,000." Without any therapy at all, platlets doubled. This might mean everything, it might mean next to nothing, because systemically, there are other factors in play. But, my bil has been the comeback kid more than once. More lab work will be done on Monday.

As for me being strong, don't be too sure about that. Had a full blown-go to the ER anxiety attack on Thursday. I'm determined to get to the gym today and resume regular workouts whether I feel like it or not, to help release tension. I got a scrip for Ativan, to take on an as needed basis, it douses an anxiety attack, but makes me drowsy.

I'm planning to be around the Forum today, someone please hold me to my workout commitment and ask if I've been to the gym, OK?

Nerak936 · 03-26-2006

Kathy.....

I'm so sorry to read this latest news about your bil. And I'm very concerned about YOU.

Get to the gym today, even if only for a little while. Yes, some exercise can be good for you, but I'm sure you're drained beyond belief, so don't push yourself too hard, okay????

My continued prayers are for you and your bil. And give Henry a hug "from the old broad in Mass."

xxxxooooo

NorthMinnesota · 03-26-2006

You go girl!!! Get to that gym! Will keep you and your family in our prayers and hope the platelets continue to increase. Be strong and have faith.

MWC · 03-26-2006

Kathy --

Absolutely get yourself to the gym -- even though I tend to stick to myself (not be social) when I do my workouts, that "quiet time" has always been such a sanity saver for me.

Hint: try working out on the heavy bag (boxing) if your gym has one. You will feel stupid, like an Amazon warrior, when you do it -- but it is great therapy, and for some reason it leaves the right muscles too fatigued to take on any stress -- so you don't have as much.

If anxiety/lack of self-care is sending you to the hospital, you are approaching crisis mode, and you need some kind of in-person helper. NOW! Do not be shy or stoic -- I did that, and two-plus years after my hubby's cancer treatments, I look back and say "I would never do it that way again" because I am still mentally and emotionally working off the effects. Web friends ain't enough to get you through this healthily. We are convenient, we are caring, we are loving -- but you need some face time with somebody! You are trying to be your strong self, for yourself and your family, but the burden can just get to be too much. See a minister, see if there is a care-givers group/counselor, through the hospice or cancer center you were working with. You need to unload on someone who is trained to handle it, and help you through these emotions. You need a big old hug.

PM me if I can be of more help anytime! I will say extra paryers for you this morning at church.

Love and peace,
Martha

Doggiemom · 03-26-2006

Kathy, it's been 4 hours since you posted...been to the gym yet girl???

As always my thoughts go out to you and your family...hang tough....

Ginger · 03-26-2006

Hope you made it to the gym, it CAN be such a tension-reliever to do that.

Wishing you all the best and continued prayers.

dollcamp · 03-26-2006

Am I the only one sitting here with tears running down my face? I thank God for my good health today. This is a wonderful medium for people to connect, send prayers and receive caring advise. Kathy, woman sister, you sound like an amazing person doing an amazing job. Take care of you if only a tiny bit. Sounds like your bil may just turn out to be one of life's incredible miracles. That's my prayer for today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggiemom

Kathy, it's been 4 hours since you posted...been to the gym yet girl???

As always my thoughts go out to you and your family...hang tough....

alwaysmissinpdc · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggiemom

Kathy, it's been 4 hours since you posted...been to the gym yet girl???

As always my thoughts go out to you and your family...hang tough....

Yes I have, sistah and Henry went too!!!! He is starting to work out which makes me really happy. I think we're doing better today, as we've had a few days off from caregiving, and won't be returning to western PA until next Wed or Thur.

Martha, we worked out at the police gym, first time there for me. It does have a punching bag, & remembering one of your posts, I thought of you when I saw it! I won't be shy about using it next time. I've good "real" friends to lean on, but maybe some counseling is in order.

Thanks to all of you for your support, concern, advice and prayers.

And Karen, Henry liked his hug but wants one in person real soon!

03-19-2006	#46 (permalink)
playabum17 naughtiest chica Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: My body may be in Minnesota, but my brain is in Playa! Posts: 15,951	Thanks for the update. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

03-19-2006	#47 (permalink)
mckinzie lightweight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Highland Village,Tx (Kinz Standard Time) Posts: 13,552	Stay strong Kathy, Heavy prayers from me to your family.

03-19-2006	#49 (permalink)
MsRubio añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Top of the Chesapeake Bay, Md Posts: 6,508	Kathy...Michael and I are keeping you and Henry and your BIL in our prayers....if you need anything please don't hesitate to call....((((hugs))).

03-19-2006	#50 (permalink)
maliasma reposado Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,048	I'm sorry I am just now reading this thread but, wow, you are an amazing woman, Kathy, with an amazing family. Your strength radiates through this thread. I am praying for your family. Big (((HUGS)))!

03-19-2006	#51 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 6,343	Thanks for the update Kathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong! Tell Henry Hello from me!

03-19-2006	#52 (permalink)
CaroleLB añejo Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,980	Kathy, thanks for the update. My good thoughts are always with you. For some giggles I'm going to have to forward you some not for publication pics from PF - I am sure the parties involved wouldn't mind! Hang tough and you know you can vent away at me all you want.

03-26-2006	#53 (permalink)
alwaysmissinpdc añejo Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: burbs north of Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 3,198	Peeps, you're the best. Honestly, some of your kind words made me blush. And while I haven't posted much lately, I've read, and thoughts of your prayers and support have helped greatly, as well as LMAO at the banter, reading trip reports, and watching slide shows. I wish I had better news, but on Wednesday, my bil went home for hospice care. The docs said there is just too much going on for them to do anything, especially with low platlets (4,000 compared to a normal of about 150,000). While we knew this was a possiblity, emotionally it's devastating. After helping with the transition, Henry and I came home to Delaware on Friday. (My sil has a big family and all live close by so there is a wonderful support network in place.) Well, Friday night my sil calls, and tells me she got a call from someone in the hospice care network who is responsible for relaying any critical counts that come back on lab work. Not knowing the history, the person was "sorry to report that the platlet count was 8,000." Without any therapy at all, platlets doubled. This might mean everything, it might mean next to nothing, because systemically, there are other factors in play. But, my bil has been the comeback kid more than once. More lab work will be done on Monday. As for me being strong, don't be too sure about that. Had a full blown-go to the ER anxiety attack on Thursday. I'm determined to get to the gym today and resume regular workouts whether I feel like it or not, to help release tension. I got a scrip for Ativan, to take on an as needed basis, it douses an anxiety attack, but makes me drowsy. I'm planning to be around the Forum today, someone please hold me to my workout commitment and ask if I've been to the gym, OK?

03-26-2006	#54 (permalink)
Nerak936 añejo Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 18,788	Kathy..... I'm so sorry to read this latest news about your bil. And I'm very concerned about YOU. Get to the gym today, even if only for a little while. Yes, some exercise can be good for you, but I'm sure you're drained beyond belief, so don't push yourself too hard, okay???? My continued prayers are for you and your bil. And give Henry a hug "from the old broad in Mass." xxxxooooo

03-26-2006	#55 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,601	You go girl!!! Get to that gym! Will keep you and your family in our prayers and hope the platelets continue to increase. Be strong and have faith.

03-26-2006	#56 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 6,197	Kathy -- Absolutely get yourself to the gym -- even though I tend to stick to myself (not be social) when I do my workouts, that "quiet time" has always been such a sanity saver for me. Hint: try working out on the heavy bag (boxing) if your gym has one. You will feel stupid, like an Amazon warrior, when you do it -- but it is great therapy, and for some reason it leaves the right muscles too fatigued to take on any stress -- so you don't have as much. If anxiety/lack of self-care is sending you to the hospital, you are approaching crisis mode, and you need some kind of in-person helper. NOW! Do not be shy or stoic -- I did that, and two-plus years after my hubby's cancer treatments, I look back and say "I would never do it that way again" because I am still mentally and emotionally working off the effects. Web friends ain't enough to get you through this healthily. We are convenient, we are caring, we are loving -- but you need some face time with somebody! You are trying to be your strong self, for yourself and your family, but the burden can just get to be too much. See a minister, see if there is a care-givers group/counselor, through the hospice or cancer center you were working with. You need to unload on someone who is trained to handle it, and help you through these emotions. You need a big old hug. PM me if I can be of more help anytime! I will say extra paryers for you this morning at church. Love and peace, Martha

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03-26-2006	#57 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 6,343	Kathy, it's been 4 hours since you posted...been to the gym yet girl??? As always my thoughts go out to you and your family...hang tough....

03-26-2006	#58 (permalink)
Ginger none Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 10,170	Hope you made it to the gym, it CAN be such a tension-reliever to do that. Wishing you all the best and continued prayers.