Finally, after many delays I have been approved for the new drug that will hopefully help my pulmonary hypertension. I am to report in the early afternoon for my heart catheterization followed by my 3-5 day hospital stay. I will be in the ICU for the first couple of days as they will monitor me closely for side effects and will adjust the medication as needed.
Prayers:
- For my body to tolerate the medication with minimal side effects (or NO side effects)
- For this medication to help my heart and lungs
- For the intermittent pains in my abdomen & back to stop
- Help to process the anxiety I feel going into this procedure - this is the first time during my whole cancer journey that I have felt like this
- For my family as they hold down the fort for the week
Pic: Brady & Noel napping on my lap. Their favorite spot!
It’s been a hard few months. I’ve hesitated to write this, but I know so many of you have been praying, checking in, and loving us so well. It means more than we can ever say.
My last chemo was April 10. About ten days later, I noticed I couldn’t walk more than ten steps without getting out of breath. At first, I thought it was just a rough patch, maybe my body still recovering from treatment. But it didn’t let up.
I ended up in the hospital for three days, and after a lot of tests, I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and an enlarged heart—both serious on their own, but even more complicated by everything else going on in my body. One of the likely culprits is Keytruda, my immunotherapy drug. Because of the strain it’s possibly causing, I can’t continue with chemo right now. Dr. Brown has also decided that I am permanently off Keytruda.
In the meantime, I saw Dr. Frank, a specialist in pulmonary hypertension. He didn’t sugarcoat it. This is serious. The pressures in my heart chambers are at serious levels. And right now, even the two new medications I’ve been put on haven’t seemed to help. Dr. Frank referred me to see Dr. Lovin, a pulmonary specialist. He ran his tests and referred me to see Dr. Doshi, a heart failure specialist.
Dr. Doshi is in the process of getting me approved for a new medication that is given through IV. It has such serious side effects that I will need to be hospitalized for 3 - 5 days with a 1 - 2 day stay in the ICU. Once approved and a bed is available I will get the call to report to the hospital to get the IV started. So for now we wait.
I’m now on oxygen 24/7. It helps when I’m sitting still. But walking more than ten steps, taking a shower, even getting dressed… all leave me completely wiped out. I’m currently sleeping 12–18 hours a day. It’s hard to wrap my mind around what has transpired. We’re doing our best to take it one moment at a time. One breath at a time.
Prayers:
- That I’d be able to breathe more freely
- That my energy would return
- For wisdom for the doctors
- And for Devin and Kylie. They are carrying so much right now.
Pic:
Taken during my last hospital stay. Sporting my new accessory!
Through all of this, I’m still reminded that God is near. Even when I’m not strong enough to speak, even when I’m barely awake, He is carrying me.
Thank you for loving our family so well.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Since my last up date I have had two chemotherapy sessions. Number seven was on February 19th and went well. I had a few side effects the week after that included tiredness, diarrhea, and lower stomach pains. They lasted about three to four days.
On February 26th I had another routine CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis. Dr Brown (oncologist) wanted a new base line since I hadn't had any treatments since October 31st. The scan showed some calcified lymph nodes that had prior cancer in them. This is a good thing meaning the cancer has been reabsorbed in them. There were some minor changes to my ovaries that we are watching. Dr Brown said she wasn't going to change anything regarding my treatment plan and was very pleased with my scan results.
I went and saw Dr Lyman (colorectal) on March 7th for a follow up from my last surgery. He said everything looked good.
I had bloodwork and saw Dr. Brown on March 12th. Blood work all looked good and Dr Brown said I was ready for my eighth chemotherapy session yesterday, March 13th. Everything went well and so far feeling good.
Prayers:
- Pray for my parents, sister and niece. God knows the details
- Pray for no to minimal side effects from this last chemotherapy session
Pic: Me leaving my chemotherapy session yesterday. I know I look tired!
