Woof

March 11, 2019

I want to start by saying that I am not coming here to complain. I still believe that I am blessed beyond measure, and I know things could be so much worse. One bad day does not equate to a bad life.

Late yesterday evening I noticed swelling in both of my knees. From what I know about steroids, joint pain and swelling are common side effects. Even with the noticeable swelling, I wasn’t experiencing pain. I describe it more as tightness.

Within an hour of reporting the knee swelling, I began experiencing moderate lower back pain. This quickly progressed into severe, rather debilitating pain that radiated down both of my legs.

I tried essential oil blends for pain, CDB isolate oil, heat packs, stretching, meditation, prayer, and even a hot shower to relieve the pain. None of these provided any physical relief. I was given Tylenol at this point, and still no relief. The pain in my lower back was more intense than labor contractions! By then, I was desperate, and my sweet nurse insisted that I take something stronger. She reached out to the doctor and they ordered morphine. It took two doses of morphine for me to get any reduction in pain. Two. Doses. Key word here, reduction. Even after two doses, I was still experiencing mild to moderate pain.

I wound up having several doses of morphine throughout the night and early morning. The last dose was just prior to lunch, and I’ve been able to manage the mild to moderate pain levels without any medication sense that time. Thank you Jesus!

The question of the day is “what is causing the pain?” Abdominal X-ray came back normal. Pelvic ultrasound came back normal. Urine analysis and cultures came back normal. Kidney and liver blood test came back normal. Lactation consultant interview yielded no concerns. Basically, a lot of test to rule things out. While we still do not have an answer to what is causing the pain, we at least know a list of bad things that aren’t causing the pain.

I am still currently experiencing moderate pain, but do not feel the need for any interventions at this time. I will let you know if that changes. I’m the mean time, please pray that this pain subsides and there are no underlying medical concerns.

TMI Update

The breasts seem to be getting with the program. Yay! Not completely out of the woods, but moving in the right direction. Thank you all for your continued prayers.

My cycle still has not begun. Please pray that it works itself out soon. A lot of things could be contributing to the delay. Please also pray away the PMS symptoms I’m experiencing.

By the Numbers

My infection fighting numbers finally hit an all time low that has me trapped in my room 24/7. Pray for my sanity and the poor nurses who get stuck with me. Ha!

The numbers for transfusion purposes remain good. Better than most expected actually. Thank you, Father God.

Tomorrow – Chemo Day

Tomorrow is Chemo Day! I will be receiving the same chemotherapy drugs that I’ve already had. Thankfully, I have responded well to these medications previously, and I have faith that God will walk me through this coming week just as he has the past two.

Thank you!

Thank you for continuing to pray for my family and I.

Thank you a million times for all of the meal train drop offs. You guys have ensured that I do not have to eat from a pretty standard kids menu every day. (Hospital food is not great. A children’s hospital food is even worse.)

~ Elizabeth