12/20/2024
Well it has been awhile since I’ve posted, so as you can guess, I haven’t felt up to it. Scott has been in touch with some family and friends.
The stem cell transplant was almost 2.5 weeks ago, the last time I posted. A couple days later, it went downhill, as anticipated. But let me say, you can hear and read about what to expect, but there is no real preparation for what it truly will be, as it is different in some respects for everyone. I can’t thank Ellen (college roomy/friend) for all her insights, support, super helpful gifts, prayers, quotes and insights into the expectations of the chemo aspect.
I can’t give details as to dates of when things happened really as I didn’t take notes, which I’m that gal that normally would. But as you can imagine, the chemo and transplant side effects all came, including nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, poor energy, diarrhea, hair loss, etc and they haven’t gone away. Daily fluctuations occur though. Early on, I slept a lot, which was a blessing. My appetite is crap so you think I would have lost weight, but no-not yet. I have fluid built up though, so there is always hope! 😂
The bedside commode became my friend. It is improving, but if anyone locally has a newer/“gently used” 3-in-1 bedside commode, give me a shout, otherwise I may check with a local agency. Just want to be prepared.
But mostly, I want to give my love to Scott for being here and supporting me this entire time. He stays with me all day and evening and then slept at Hope Lodge, which I’m grateful for. One, I think he needed a breather from the hospital, a place to catch up on work and laundry,, and we didn’t have to hear each other snore 💤 The pull out couch did not look comfortable either. And staff come in and out of my room all the time-nighttime as well (getting platelets and blood transfusion, vitals, commode emptying, etc), so he would not have gotten a restful nights sleep.
He has been my caregiver through this all, assisting with everything, and I mean everything, too many things to list. And he has never complained. Never. He is my rock.
And of course I miss the kids to pieces! I’ve seen each of them in person 1x since I’ve been here. This past week they have managed their schedules, JB finals, meals, MB working and finishing up couple end of term projects (but we are grateful to have her home a week earlier than originally thought), getting Chip later this weekend, and housework (more to come kids 😉).
And I miss Chippy, who is still at Brian and Kelly’s in Indiana. God bless them for keeping him this long.
I hope to be discharged Sunday, maybe Monday at the latest. A little earlier discharge as planned is out the window. We will likely spend 1 night at Hope Lodge then head home. We have follow up appointments back in St. Louis next Friday and the following Monday as of now. But I’ve learned, things can change.
And thank you to our St. Louis area family/friends that offered to help us out. We thought Scott would at least have more time to relax in the evenings but he didn’t want to leave me too long.
I’m grateful for the likelihood of being at home with Scott, Madeline, Joseph and Chip. My Christmas wish.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Hug your loved ones tightly🌲✝️
