Still on the Roller Coaster

After the first few big dips, we finally seem to be crawling up the other side of the roller coaster.  Unfortunately we cannot see around the next bend.  Seth is comfortable after having his breathing tube removed and is breathing easier than when it was in.  There are still other complications that are being actively [...]

Roller Coaster

Since Seth’s surgery on June 14, he has been riding a roller coaster.  There were several good days but as the surgeons told us, the chance for infection could be a strong possibility after about a week.  It seems that possibility has become a reality and Seth is fighting a stubborn infection.  This has brought [...]

Day 6 Following Surgery

I know the title is getting a bit stale but it is the easiest way for me to try to keep track.  Seth is settling in to his room and beginning to feel more comfortable in his surroundings. The staff at the hospital have been amazing.  They are really special.  Seth is still feeling the [...]

Day 5-Following Surgery

It is so nice to be able to share some good news with you.  Seth was moved out of ICU tonight to a regular room.  He was exhausted from the move but very happy to be taking the next step in his recovery.  Details to follow.
As always, your continued prayers and best wishes are the [...]

Day 4 Following Surgery

Seth is showing more and more strength each day.  Another tube was removed this morning.  He was out of bed and sitting in the chair before we even got there.   He was rather pleased with that!  It is good to see the progress Seth is making, but frustrating because we want it to go quickly; [...]

Day 3 Following Surgery

Seth is still in ICU but is showing good signs of physical improvement.  Some tubes were removed today and they even got him to sit up in the chair for a short period of time. Post-surgery in ICU tends to be a very confusing time as day and night have no meaning, meds are bountiful [...]

Day 2 Following surgery

The day started off quite well.  He insisted on having in Blackberry brought to him.  (Of course you know that happened). Seth was far more alert and asking lots of questions.  The surgeons came in to check on their work and were pleased with Seth’s progress.  He literally was at them with lots of questions [...]

Following Surgery

Just to let you know that Seth came through the surgery very well, all things considered.  He is in ICU, sedated and resting comfortably. He should be in ICU for another day or two.  They removed  the respirator  this morning.  His doctors said they are very encouraged, but were very clear that there is a [...]

Not a good day at all

Today Seth had a CAT scan of his abdominal area to find out what was causing all the problems and they found it.  They really did.  As I write this he is in emergency surgery to repair some type of damage in the intestines.  The doctors are not exactly sure what they are going to [...]

Post Chemo

Seth has completed latest round of chemo.  That was easy.  The post chemo complications are what is really hard.  He is on so many meds that are needed to counter the side affects that he and I find it overwhelming.  Everyone keeps reassuring us that this will get better but going through it is terrible.  [...]

Confirmation…Seth is full of..

sh…
This has not been the best of days for Seth but he is about to get the 11th of the 12 doses of chemo.  One more tomorrow morning and this round of chemo will be done.  I am sure that Seth will have a few thoughts to add to the blog very soon but for [...]

Treatment update

We are now in day 5 of treatment. 6 bags of high doses of Ara-C. At first, it wasn’t so bad, it seemed pretty normal. Then Saturday afternoon it just hit me hard: fatigue. Been sleeping a lot. Also been depressed about the lack of internet and phone connectivity in my room, but thankfully the [...]

The Only Thing Worse Than School Administration is Hospital Administration – or – The Drama of the Return … an epic tale in 11 1/2 parts

( For those who know, this is where we insert the < drama > slide into the presentation … )
Part The First: Remember last week when I needed to do a bone marrow biopsy in order to determine how much leukemia was left in my bones? We needed to do this in order to determine [...]

Getting the room

Well,Seth is finally in a room.  As nothing ever goes easy this did not either.  And the orders for the meds were not OK’d.  Not the 7th floor, no cell service, and to boot internet was down.  So you can imagine just how this all sat with us.  The good news is that the meds [...]

Waiting for the room

Well as things go, hurry up and wait is the norm.  Being a personal assistant, I am here to do what is needed and wouldn’t you know it, Seth found something that he needs, so he is sending me on a “shopping mission”.  I am so glad that for a first task,  it is a [...]

50% solution

Visiting the oncologist today was unlike any other visit: it was actually not just busy, but crowded! And it seemed like quite a social gathering. After a couple of false starts to get my bloods drawn and get in to the the doctor (with my chart missing, nonetheless), we finally heard that the bone marrow [...]

Seth’s Personal Assistant

Some things never change. I wanted a temporary, part time job that was challenging, exciting and creative. Leave it to Seth to make sure that this position meets all the requirements. However the pay is not what I think I am worth!
So when the tone of the blog changes and the phrasing is not quite [...]

Bone Marrow Biopsy no. 4

Friday I had my fourth bone marrow biopsy. We were testing to find out how much leukemia is still in my bones. Above a certain threshhold, and I’ll need to go back for another round of chemo before the transplant. This will improve my chances with the transplant. Of course, such a circumstance may also [...]

Kisses for Daddy – Another joyous Voodoo visit

Kisses for Daddy – the best version
Originally uploaded by sdpalmer.

Lenna and Brian came to visit on Saturday with Voodoo. This time, there was no mistaking the daddy! Lots of kisses. I took Voodoo for a walk just the two of the us up the Skuykill River and we were both panting from the heat. A [...]

Healthier today …

than I was when I was admitted in to the hospital. Take a at my blook numbers from the day I went to emergency room on February 9th, with those from this past Thursday.

Date
Day
WBC
ANC
Hgb
PLT
Transfusions

10 Feb
Day -3
4.9
147
10.8
25
–

31 May
Today
1.1
264
11.2
68
 

Admittedly, I had a few more white blood cells back then, but remember that nearly every blood cell was [...]