Doctor News

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday for my bi-weekly checkup. She told me to have a bag packed and be prepared to stay a night in the hospital to get platelets and possibly blood. We went in and I was still feeling "good" compared to the earlier part of the week. They took my blood (it is so funny to me at the amount of blood they take from me all the time- if they would quit taking it, they wouldn't have to give me so much...lol!!) and then we waited. The nurse took all my vital signs and they were good. We then waited for the doctor. She came in and pulled up the lab tests. According to that morning's tests and compared to the tests from Wednesday morning when I left the hospital, my white blood count stayed the same at .2. My red blood count went up to 1.4 and my platelet count dropped from 60 to 57. She said it was great that it didn't drop like she expected it to. I didn't need to go to the hospital. YEAH!!

I was still having a "good" day, but not the best day. I've been having some pains in my legs, back, and then I started having some in my sides. The nurse told me that one of my medications can cause joint pain, but it is ever going. Mom and I drove around Tyler for awhile to get out of the house, but I soon learned that my stamina is very limited. I was worn out within a hour. She brought me home and I layed down for a while. I never could get comfortable because of the aching pain. The heating pad helps some, but when I have a hot flash (which come on about 3-4 times a day), the heating pad is the last thing I want. Anyways, I made it through the day and slept a little last night, oh, did I mention the insomnia has kicked in?? Apparently, chemo makes you very weak and tired, but you NEVER go to sleep! :-) I haven't slept much in a few days, but I feel awake during the day, so that is good.

Well, that is the update for me right now. I seem to be having a "good" day so far, but it is only 8:00 am. Before you go, I want to share a little story with you about specific prayer:

I spoke to my sister-in-law sometime Wednesday afternoon. She was calling to check on me and then she told me she wanted to tell me something. (just a little background- when she first starting dating my brother, she was in a bad car accident and hurt her back. She had to have back surgery and wear a brace). Well, she told me that while she was in the hospital, her dad said a very specific prayer for her. He prayed that God would take away her back pain and give it to him. From that day on, her back didn't hurt, but her dad's did. She told me she knew it would work, but she was scared to pray it for me, but on Tuesday night, she prayed that God would give her my nausea and upset stomach so that I could have a good day. On Wednesday, I was fine. I kept all my food down. When talking to her, I found out that she was sick all night Tuesday and Wednesday. What a sacrifice!!

I didn't tell you that story to have you pray any of my aches pains or anything onto yourselves. I wouldn't wish ANY of this on anyone!! I just wanted you to know the power of SPECIFIC PRAYER. So, if while you are praying for me, maybe you could throw in a few specifics. We all know God is great and He doesn't have to "transfer" anything. He can just toss it in the garbage. If you don't know of any specifics, here are just a few that I have been praying and if you want more, just contact me:

sleep at night

aching pain in legs to go away

back pain to go away

that I will not get nauseous

that I can get up and do things around the house

that my ovaries are being protected from the chemo

the hot flashes subside

the feeling in the left side of my face to come back (from the surgery)

the transition of losing my hair to go smoothly (emotionally)

These are just a few, but if they were gone, it would make this road a lot easier. Thank you so much for all your prayers! We appreciate each and everyone!

WITH GOD, WE WILL BEAT THIS!!