Hospice Day 4

Today I had lots of visitors again. First was Kai - he slept at the day care last night, so Jim had to pick him up and bathe him and cuddle with him before sending him back to to the day care. Then, I was visited by 3 dogs led by two volunteers. They make rounds twice a week here to cheer up the patients. I took a picture with two doggies! It was a good visit. I've been so sleepy today also - couldn't sleep well last night with the pain. The pain medicine switch over wasn't easy. Anyway, it is being taken care of now, so it is ok.
I also had a friend visiting me with her baby girl (so cute!), and my mother-in-law, a chaplain, and another unexpected friend who I hadn't seen for over a year (so good to see you, A-san!)
Then other friends (a couple) who brought their 9 week old dog (miniature dachshund). The dog is so cute but had an accident and peed on my bed! Also, another set of friends who came to visit me briefly - they will be helping my parents get here safely from the airport tomorrow.
So this was my calendar for today - I slept through half the conversations. Sorry everyone if I wasn't making lots of sense. I really appreciate everybody and I love you all! Good night.

Hospice Day 3

I had a very good weekend at the hospice. On both days, I had lots of friends visiting me and it was wonderful. My friends who took care of Kai overnight brought him over on Sat and he spent all afternoon here. The hospice was nice and put a crib in our room for Kai, but Kai was so excited he wouldn't go down for a nap. By the time he finally fell asleep, it was 4:30pm and everyone was exhausted. So instead of keeping Kai here in the room, my friend (Ms. W) took him home to sleep over at her place, so we could rest. I think it worked better this way - I wake up many times during the night as well as nurses who check on me would disturb him. Kai is at Ms. W's again tonight. He is set for some loving and care!

Hospice Day 2

I moved to the hospice yesterday afternoon. I'm very happy to report that this place is so clean and beautiful like a hotel! They even have a children's play room set up (we took Kai there to play last night - he really loved it!). I am getting all the medication necessary to keep me comfortable just like at the hospital. I'm glad we decided to stay at in-facility hospice before going back home so we can get used to the routine of getting all the medicines I need to take.
By the way I want to thank our friend for all her help yesterday - she stayed at our apt with Kai so that Jim can stay with me at the hospital overnight. She not only did the baby laundry, cleaned cat litter, set up the baby table (just purchased), moved the old table to the garage, assembled a new shower chair, she later picked up Kai from the day care again and brought him here so I could visit with him (it was so great to see him!). Then, she brought Kai home to her sister's so they can babysit him overnight (Kai can stay at the 24 hour day care also, but he really needs the individual attention!). We really appreciate your help, Rebecca!

Hospital Day 3

We met the rep from Hospice Atlanta in the morning and learned about all the options available. After thinking it over, we decided that I will first go to the in-facility care for a few days, then return home so I can receive "in-home" hospice care. In the in-home hospice care, we get all the equipment necessary for me to function as well as a medical team as a support. In the in-home care, we only get 2 visits from nurses per week, but for other days we can get private nurses aides (not expensive) also. So to get used to the care and get our house ready, we decided to move to the hospice when I am discharged tomorrow. I think it is the best idea for me. Jim and our friend went to take a tour of the hospice this afternoon and liked it very much (another friend works there and gave them a tour). I will be able to see Kai at the hospice tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to checking out of this hospital! My pain is being controlled well so I'm in a very good spirit! Thank you all for thinking and praying for me - we really appreciate it! Good night.

Hospital Day 2

Hi - I'm back on-line! Our friends came over and set us up with a laptop with internet! Not to mention other goodies they brought for me. I am now surrounded by Kai's pictures and feel more at home. Thank you so much, the Watsons!
So today I am feeling much better with pain under control. I am doing a little better on bloating/constipation, too. Now I have to work on eating more and then I should be able to leave here in a few days.
My spine fracture is not causing pain where the fracture is, but it is making my left leg numb/painful because the cord is being pressed by the fracture. Isn't it interesting? Anyway, now I can push my own medication in, I'm doing pretty good considering the state I was in yesterday.
Kai is being taken care of at the great day care center - which is open 24 hrs a day. Jim spoke to them about our circumstances and they told us that they are very flexible and can keep him very long time. So Jim is staying with me overnight. We are so thankful we switched to this great day care center.
I spoke to my parents who are coming next week, and they are determined that I'm going to get better. I also spoke to my healer tonight who is working very hard to making me better. So I still haven't given all my hopes up! A miracle can still happen. Please keep me in your prayers - I would really appreciate that!

Tuesday - Timeout

Hello everyone, Mizuho is at Emory Hospital today (room G732). We went for a radiation treatment yesterday, and asked about getting better pain meds and something for her bloating. We have a super radiation oncologist and primary oncologist...they checked her in, did a MRI of the spine (thorasic and lumbar MRI) and gave her 6mg of morphene every few hours. Now she has a little hand pump (a "PCA" in the lingo...) with a clicker so she can self medicate the morphene (2mg every 12 minutes). You will definitely want a PCA..if you ever are asked...

They're doing a CT scan today, and we'll find out when she can leave in a day or so..they're going to get her pain under control and check out her spine. She's doing better on morphene and we'll see how she feels in a few days.. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers...it's very much appreciated.
Jim

MLK Jr day

I couldn't sleep well because of the pain last night - I had to wake Jim up at 3am. He's great - no complaints and gave me massage. I am now taking 3 kinds of pain medicine so it is not so painful anymore, thank God.
I am sad to report that the person who was hosting the website for Japanese lung cancer patients passed away yesterday. She had not been doing too well for the past few months. She had the same kind of cancer as I have. She was an inspiration to me and I'm really sad to hear the news.
I have been feeling weak in my legs (because of the bone cancer) and haven't been able to be active. I am scared that it is not getting better. I just hope I can get through this tough time - please pray for me! Thank you so much everyone.

Patch

I'm wearing a fentanyl patch (25 mcg/hr) for my pain. Other pain medicine was not working too good, so we decided to upgrade a little. The problem with this patch, if you remember from the last time, is it is really strong and makes me drowsy/nauseous. So I was half asleep on Sat (all day) not to mention being nauseous. But it took care of the pain all right. I just have to get adjusted to the patch again (gets better after the body gets used to it). So now after sleeping half a day, I can't sleep anymore but not because of the pain, so it is good.
My parents are coming on January 30th for 6 days. They just want to see me - I haven't seen my mother for a few years and she hasn't met Kai yet, so I'm really excited. I just hope I'm a little better by the time they get here!
I know some people have a day off for MLK Jr's - I hope you are enjoying a long weekend! And for busy people working on Monday, I'm sorry but at least you have a light traffic!

Friday

Finally the week is over - it has been a tough week for me. I have a few more radiation treatments next week and I think when it is over I'm going to feel much better!
My parents called me last night to tell me they are coming to visit early next month for a week. I'm excited about the news and hope I will be much better by then.
My leg cramp/pain is not gone but it is a little better. Now I have a pain in my ankle and I think it may be caused by bone cancer and not a cramp. I'm taking pain medicine to see which one works best but I struggle to sleep at night. Please keep me in your prayers that I will get thorough this soon! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Snow!

It is snowing pretty steady in Atlanta - I can't believe it! We had a beautiful 70F weather just last week.
The doctor told me today that my lab result is showing improvement (better than the lab on Sun). So he told me just keep eating/drinking as much as I can. So no miracle cure for the cramps!
By the way, I just wanted to share with you that Jim has been so wonderful - he is a super father and a husband. He takes care of Kai and me and does everything! He's turning 39 soon so I have to think of something special for his birthday. Any suggestions? Must be available on-line (I can't drive anymore).
Hope everyone gets home safe and enjoy snow from a warm home!

Cramps

I talked to the doctor today and he thinks I am getting the cramps because I'm missing some nutrients. So they took my blood for checking - will know the result tomorrow. The reason I am not getting those nutrients is because of the nausea. So instead of 5 more radiation treatments, they will reduce the amount of radiation each time and do it a little longer instead. I hope that will do the trick!
I spoke to my healer last night. She always gives me hope even in a tough time like now. So don't worry everyone, I haven't given up yet. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. Please pray that I will get through this!

Doing better

Ok, so last night I called Dr. M because of the severe leg cramps and he told me several ways to relieve the pain. (massaging the pressure points - let me know if anyone wants to know and I can explain in detail.)
So after following his directions, my leg cramp is gone! I also took potassium supplement. I was able to sleep happily for a few hours, but then I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible pain in my butt (no joke). I think the leg cramp moved up to my butt?? Anyway, now I'm taking a very strong pain killer which is helping with the pain, but makes me sleepy.
I'm halfway done with the radiation - 5 more days to go! I really can not wait.
Have a nice week everyone!

Leg cramp

I haven't been able to sleep because of a severe leg cramp. I had it often when I was pregnant but this time it doesn't stop and I can not fall asleep anymore! If anybody knows a sure solution, please let me know - I'm trying leg exercises, walking around, massaging, eating more Potassium, but it hadn't helped.
I had a Reiki session on Sat and it helped my nausea and pain somewhat. But I think I need a session every day to keep me well! But I was able to eat more today than yesterday, so it is good. Also I'm going in to get some fluid into me at the hospital on Sun, and it should help me feel better.
Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

Wed

So, yesterday I saw my radiation oncologist, and began radiation treatment for my brain right away. It will be everyday for 2 weeks (except weekends), so it will not be too bad. I'm hoping to avoid all the side effect because it is for such a short period - we'll see. But yesterday Jim & I went to eat lunch at an Indian restaurant (it was the only quick place near the hospital!) and I couldn't eat very much. Then I started getting sick again last night. I think my stomach couldn't take the food, even though it wasn't spicy. Anyway again I'm trying to eat whatever I can. I just checked my temp - I have a slight fever now, so I might have another cold again. Hope it goes away soon!
Today, after my radiation treatment, I attended the lung cancer support group. It was very good to meet other people who is going through the similar situation. Good night!

Beautiful Day

Today was such a beautiful day - sunny 70F in Atlanta!! I went for a walk today with a friend and felt a lot stronger than I had been feeling. I'm on my way to recovery!
This morning, we saw a doctor in nuclear medicine who talked to us about "radioisotope" therapy. I had thought this was a therapy to stop bone cancer from spreading, but the doctor said it is mostly for pain management and does not help with stopping bone cancer. So it was a very discouraging news - looks like there is no good treatment for bone cancer. I think the best way is to keep my immune system boost up and fight the cancer off - so I'm trying to get as much nutrition as possible (I'm taking lots of vitamin C, calcium & vitamin D), plus I'm drinking the Chinese tea from my acupuncturist,which is supposed to boost up my immune system.
I ate more today than I did yesterday - if I can keep this up I should be back to my old self in a few days!
Thank you so much and good night!

Feeling better

Oh, I'm finally getting better. I started taking the probiotics (liquid) supplement a few days ago, as well as steroids and Prilosec. I don't know which one is working but I wasn't that nauseous today. Thank you so much for everyone for thinking of me! The worst is over now and I feel alive again.
I had friends who came to visit me today, and I was having so much fun talking with them I almost forgot I was sick! I can't wait to get better so I can go out and see friends more often.
By the way I saw Dr. L (acupuncture) and Dr. M yesterday. I've asked my oncologist if I can use Chinese herbal teas and he said ok. So Dr. L gave me lots of herb teas. I'm going to wait until my stomach clears up to try them out, but they should help boost my immune system.
I'm sorry to say I missed the church again today. But this week I've been watching more church TV since I've been home. I just watched Joel Osteen on church TV - he is my favorite. He always has a very positive message and I really recommend it to anybody, even to non-Christians. (http://www.joelosteen.com/) His church is "Lakewood", so his show is called "Lakewood church" if you want to find him on TV guide.
I've been reading books written by Greg Anderson. He is a cancer survivor, who had lung cancer and was told that he had 30 days to live. I ordered several books written by him and so far they are pretty good!
Thank you all so much - I feel so blessed. I'm going to sleep well tonight. Good night!

Under the weather

Hi all - we went to see the doctor yesterday, and I received my first Zometa injection (which should stop my bone calcium loss and eventually help with the pain). So, the MRI showed some cancer in my brain. The good news is, they are not wide spread, and very small, so the doctor thinks we can get rid of them with radiation. Since I didn't do the Pet scan, we did X-ray instead, and the doctor said the original tumor in my lung looks smaller on that. But he is ordering a CT scan to make sure (which will be on Jan 23).
I will be seeing another doctor who will do the "radioisotope" therapy for the bones next week. This is the targeted therapy for the bone cancer and I have high hopes for it.
My biggest concern right now is nausea and weight loss. The doctor didn't think the nausea is caused by bone cancer, so my guess is it is because I caught the stomach virus (which Kai and Jim had) and it messed up my stomach again. (Jim and Kai had diarrhea only - no nausea) I haven't been back to work this year - I won't be able to until I get my strength back. The doctor told me to try Prilosec, so I started it today. Hope it will help.
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers!

2008!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope the new year brings lots of joy & happiness to us all!
I have been under the weather for the last few days. I'm hoping my injection tomorrow (for my bones) will help me get back to my normal condition.
So yesterday, I went to get PET scan, X-rays, and MRI. But I was told that my insurance company didn't approve the Pet. (I guess it cost too much!) I was so disappointed because I didn't eat/drink for this procedure for 6 hrs! Anyway, I got the X-rays and MRI done so I'm hoping we'll have some results when I see the doctor tomorrow.
So again I'm having nausea and I haven't been able to eat like normal, so I'm drinking "ensure" a lot. It tastes like a liquid milkshake (not too bad), if you haven't tried yet.
I haven't been able to sleep well - I usually work on my visualization, pray, read Bible, or read funny books when I can't sleep.
I had another session with my healer last night, and despite my current condition, she still thinks I'll make it. I have some weak moments when I'm not feeling well but I'm keeping my faith and will keep going. I love my sessions with my healer - she always puts me in a high spirit!
By the way thank you all very much for all your thoughts and well wishes - we really appreciate it!