Chemo Day 3

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Hi all,

Just a very quick update, I’m on about 5 hours combined sleep the last two nights and my bed is calling me. Sally had another good day, although a bit less energy than on Tuesday and not much of an appetite. We also noticed her putting on some weight, and after weighing her realized she is retaining some fluids, much like the last time. Doctors will keep an eye on this for us, as this spun out of control when we saw these signs a few weeks ago.

Sally received 2 other forms of chemo today, actually much faster in delivery than the previous two days. Our big challenge now is that she needs to take steroids 3x a day, however they have to be orally taken. Sally is not a fan of this (and hasn’t been) so threw up the medicine and little food she ate each time they tried. Having to get the medicine in her, they resorted to giving via IV, however considering she needs to take this for a couple weeks, this is something Nicole and I can’t do at home. Therefore, until we can get her to take the steroids, the hospital cannot discharge her. This will likely prevent Sally from being discharged tomorrow as hoped.

Another tidbit we learned is after being discharged, if Sally has to be re-admitted for anything, she will have to stay in until the end of the initial treatment. In other words, she could be released Friday, have to come back in Monday with a low grade fever and stay in the hospital for another 1-2 weeks. This is quite common in the early months of treatment.

I head back to work tomorrow, where my employer has been very gracious in letting me be there with Sally at the start of this journey, Nicole and I now have the tough task of re-shaping our lives to get Sally’s treatment, the boys, and our jobs the attention each needs.

Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, especially Sweet Sally Sunshine.

Us

7 Responses

  1. Mary Moonen
    Mary Moonen July 17, 2013 at 11:06 pm | | Reply

    I hope this new forum is helpful for you PRAYERS!!

  2. Martha
    Martha July 17, 2013 at 11:25 pm | | Reply

    Nicole, I’ve been following your journey and I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers everyday. You and your husband are so strong and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so I know Sally is just as strong. I know we haven’t seen or spoken to each other since high school, but none of that matters now. We were friends back then and still are now. Please tell me if there is anything you need at all or anything you need help or support in doing and I’m there. I really mean it. MSKCC saved my dad’s life, my father in law’s life and I’m confident it will do the same for your sweet Sally.

  3. Stacey
    Stacey July 17, 2013 at 11:46 pm | | Reply

    Keep your heads up! You are all amazing. I know you can pull through this.
    Hugs.
    Stacey

  4. Missy Quigg
    Missy Quigg July 18, 2013 at 10:07 am | | Reply

    We are praying for Sally and all everyday!

  5. Sister Virginia Lake
    Sister Virginia Lake July 18, 2013 at 12:10 pm | | Reply

    Make sure you take care of yourselves as you begin this ‘new normal’ with Sally and the boys. Prayers will be with you every day, from all of us at Kearney.

  6. Larsen Family
    Larsen Family July 18, 2013 at 7:47 pm | | Reply

    Our whole family has Sweet Sally Sunshine, you(Matt), Nicole , Thomas and William all in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith and stay strong! Please let us know if we can help at all…we can set up the pool for the boys in the backyard..urrr, reality is I mean the driveway :o) so they can play around & relieve some energy and stress…please just let us know. Bless you all, prayers all around. – Aileen & family

  7. Mary Moonen
    Mary Moonen July 22, 2013 at 10:31 am | | Reply

    Continued prayers….and yes, I can only imagine how to find the balance between work, other kids,marriage, taking care of regular household, life stuff…
    I pray you stay healthy, that God protects all of you, as it can take quite a toll….may God keep all of you safe, healthy, and mentally healthy….As a counselor, I see this alot, where caregivers, can get so tired, worn out, it’s natural…Be good to yourselves…and of course prayers for SWEET SALLY SUNSHINE…Those pics are great.

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