Moving ahead...

Well, John had a good night's sleep and his BP came up a bit. They didn't need to move him into ICU, thank God. He's going to be transferred to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh to their new liver center tomorrow I believe. They'd like him to get him more stable then they will discuss the possibility of going on the transplant list. He's eager to go. This is becoming a bit of a rollercoaster ride (I hate rollercoasters), but God is answering prayers.

I've gotten through all my doctor appointments, except the dentist. I'm going to try to get in sooner than I was scheduled. The angelic beasts are getting their shots next week. Just need a few other things to fall into place so I can make a trip to PA.

For all of you in the frozen tundra...stay warm, stay safe and stay home!

John Update

John is still in the hospital...another rough day for him. He had problems with his IV today and it caused A LOT of discomfort. His BP is pretty low and they may move him to ICU to monitor it more closely. I talked to him for a bit tonight. His appetite is good and he wants to get assessed for a transplant again. I hope his health holds out till then. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!

Proper Attire

The latest in haute couture:

Where was this wig when I was going through chemo??

I can now attest to the efficacy of Benedryl. I have been taking it before going to bed since it is one of the active ingredients in Advil PM, without the stomach irritating properties of ibuprofen. Last night I forgot to take it and did not sleep well and woke up with a raging headache, which I still have.

Note to self: DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE IT!

Amy Taylor

There is something important that I haven't mentioned earlier since there have been so many things going on. Amy Taylor, whose Caring Bridge site I have been reading since last summer, passed away on Dec. 27th. She courageously fought her disease till the very end. Amy leaves behind a husband and two small children. Keep them in your prayers as they grieve their loss and work on the journey to a new "normal."

John is back in the hospital getting his abdomen tapped and I believe getting something inserted for future tapping that can be done where he lives. He was admitted yesterday afternoon and more than likely will be released tomorrow. When his stomach fills up with fluid, he becomes very uncomfortable, as you can imagine. His platelets are up, which is good. They are still dangerously low, but are now higher than they've been in quite some time. John was prescribed Lunesta and has been sleeping much better, thank God. Thank you for your prayers!

I had my mammogram last week. Everything looks good, although the radiologist was very thorough and requested additional images and an ultrasound. This made me a little nervous, but thank you, God, again for the all clear report! Next mammogram is in 6 months.

I'm still planning a trip home and currently working out the details. The weather has been horrible in Pennsylvania and beautiful here. I must be nuts!

John Update

VA Home Health Care and Southern Care (hospice) are stepping in to help John. He's going to start seeing the primary care doctor who admitted him to the hospital before Christmas. He really wants to see John be comfortable and enjoy a reasonable quality of life, for how long, only God knows. John is already in assisted living, but the extra help will be a blessing for him.

I am still working on plans to go to PA for an extended time. Some things are falling into place. Some things still need to be worked out. I would really like to be there to help out and give my sisters some relief.

I saw my surgeon yesterday and my medical oncologist today. Other than my blood work showing slight anemia, everything else is fine. My surgeon wants me to have a mammogram in addition to the breast MRI I had last month so that is scheduled for this Thursday. I'm trying to get all these doctors' appts. and tests done this month. Once I do I won't need to see them again until April. That would be good.

Sigh

John is going to need his stomach tapped again. Not sure when. He's very tired all the time, which is not unusual for his condition. I may go up there for awhile. Trying to work out the details, of which there are many. Keep John in your prayers! xoxoxo

Back in Florida

I am so very glad I made the trip home to PA. I got to spend a lot of quality time with John. He's doing better, but not great. I continue to be very worried and I would really appreciate your prayers.

I squeezed in some very short visits with friends, but most of my time was spent with family. I'm grateful for the trip.

The dogs and the cat were very happy that I was back. Levi was a little ticked off at me, but that's a cat for you! I came back with food...mostly things you can't get here. Like basket cheese, really good ravioli, pastina, cookies and lots of Jameson's Chocolates. I shared all with Joe, Linda and the girls. It is time for New Year's resolutions and I think they will look very much like last year's!

My breast MRI from the 19th was all clear, thank God. This month I have a round of doctors' appointments. Never a dearth of those.

Wishing you all a blessed, healthy, happy and prosperous 2009. xoxoxo