Week 1 – BUBYE

February 25, 2019

Well I’m officially 1 week into this inpatient stay. They estimated a 29 day stay on admission. That’s if everything goes well, with no bumps in the road. So far, we’re still on that original game plan. 22 days to go, but whose counting?

God is providing for me in BIG ways! I have been able to avoid anti-nausea medications, pain medications, and other medications often needed to fight side effects of chemotherapy. I’ve also felt well enough to workout. Although the workouts are not up to my normal standards, I’m so thankful I’m able to do anything at all!

It is very possible that at any given time those tables can turn and I could be stuck in bed and unable to eat or drink. Please continue to pray that God keeps providing these blessings.

I’ve been able to visit with my beautiful family each day for the past several days. I can not tell you how hard it is to be away from them. The mental battle is proving to be a lot harder than one may assume. Honestly, it sucks!

The rollercoaster of emotions that one person can experience in a matter of just moments is… Overwhelming. One moment I’m looking at my baby girl’s picture and smiling so big, the next I’m weeping clutching a pillow unable to breathe. One pitiful look from a nurse or doctor and I crumble for a moment and then anger sets in.

There are so many things people share about having cancer or other grim diagnosis, but very few share that raw emotion. Why? Because there are literally zero words to describe what we are feeling emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

Thank you to everyone for the text and calls and messages. I’m sorry I can’t respond to each of you every time. Please know that I do read them, and they are helpful. You guys are shining a light for me!

Tomorrow – Chemo Round 4

I received the first round of chemo into my spinal fluid prior to admission. Second round was on admit day, aka Chemo Day, which was two different medications through the port. Third round was Friday, and was also a new medication through the port. (Only get that medication once!) Tomorrow, I will be getting another new medication into my spinal fluid, along with the “Chemo Day” medications that I received last week. Please pray that tomorrow goes as well as last week, with minimal to no side effects!

They have me on very high doses of steroids that have started to make me a bit uncomfortable. Please pray that those side effects remain manageable through the next few weeks.

Prayer Request

I’ll be going under anesthesia tomorrow to have a Lumbar Puncture performed and chemotherapy administered. I’ll also be receiving IV Chemotherapy later in the day. Please pray for:

The staff attending to my needs.

My mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

ZERO cancer cells in the spinal fluid

Limited or no side effects from the procedure or medications.

Relief from some of the steroid side effects.

My sweet family and amazing friends are tired. They are so supportive and I have no idea what I would do without them. Please pray for comfort and rest for Mike, Ryan, Nicole, Bethanni, and Lydia.

BREASTMILK NEEDED

Mike let me know today that we’re running low on our frozen breastmilk supply. I’ve had a few Mamas offer to donate, but may need assistance picking it up or having it delivered. If anyone is able to donate or drop-off/pick-up, please let me know.

I’m adding one last prayer request with this message. Please pray that Ryan is able to transition smoothly to other milk with no problems. She has only ever had Mama’s Milk and sometimes babes struggle with dietary changes.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. This war has just begun, but the battle of week one is finished.

~ Elizabeth