Dad's Chemo, and My Kidney Infection

My dad had his chemo today. His platlet levels went back up! He is doing wonderful! Everyone keep praying the chemo is doing it's job! He is feeling great - which makes me feel great! He went and bought a new cross bow for hunting this week. He is enjoying "retirement" - which he should.

I went to the doctor today for my weekly progesterone shot. As I was there, the pain in my back came back - even worse. She did another urine culture on me, and said - the doctor would like to see you. My numbers were worse then Monday, and it has been determined I have a kidney infection. The took my blood to check my white blood count, and it came back borderline - if it was really bad they were going to admit me to the hospital for IV fluids. I am now on a new antibiotic that I take 4 times a day. If I get any fever or any kind of chills, I am suppose to head to the emergency room right away.

UTI

I landed in the emergency room Monday morning with a possible kidney stone. I had severe stabbing pains that started about 8:30 Sunday night in my back. I wanted to go to the ER, but low and behold, my husband was MIA. He had his baseball game that afternoon- and was having some adult beverages after the game - not answering his phone. Yeah - I can't even tell you how much he is still on my shit list.

Anyways- I waited out the pain until Monday morning. I called my OBGYN who could not get me in until 3:30 p.m. I told them that I was in too much pain to wait that long. So they advised I go to the ER. I went to Aurora and they admitted me right away to labor and delivery. They said any woman who is more then 20 weeks pregnant that comes into the ER, they automatically admit right to L&D.

They hooked me up to the monitors just to make sure I was not having contractions and the baby was under no stress. Everything was fine. The baby was active and very mad to have the monitor on. It was trying to kick the monitor off every chance it had.

They had me do a pee test, and ended up diagnosing me with a bad urinary tract infection. I had a hard time believing that I was in that much pain from a UTI. But today, I am so much better after just one dose of antibiotics. It definetly feels like more of a bladder infection today, and the stabbing pain is gone.

I just hate I had to burn a whole day of vacation for a urinary tract infection!

Mouth Sores and a Dream Fullfilled

I am happy to report that my dad's mouth sores are doing a little better. Between the herpes medication and the honey, the sores are shrinking! We had a family reunion yesterday, and my dad was able to attend and eat some solid food. This is great news!

My dad has always wanted to fly in a plane over his land to see what his pond and everything looks like. This morning him and my mom went to the Shiocton fly in and got to fly over! He said it was so awesome - and such a great day. This makes me happy! Below is a picture. Their pond is the one with an island in it.

4th Chemo

They ended up doing chemo on my dad again today, even though we didn't think they would. His platlet level is borderline, so if it dips down again, they will not do chemo until it gets back up. He still has extreme canker sores in his mouth, but I sent my mom and dad an article about honey, and they have been applying it to the sores in his mouth. He thinks it may be helping a little bit. The doctor also put him on a prescription that they give people with shingles or herpes (I can't wait to give my dad crap about this). They are hoping that maybe that will help as well.

He has 2 more treatments and then they will do another catscan of his abdomen, pelvis, and chest. So until then all we can do is just hope and pray for the best. My dad said his pain is decreased in his side where the largest tumor is. He does not take the morphine pills anymore, just wears a Fentynil patch to control the pain. I am hoping that this is a good sign. I still keep praying for a miracle. I won't give up until my dad wins this battle!!!

Mouth Sores

My dad's mouth sores are even worse today. My mom said they are now the size of peas. He is so miserable that he cannot even sleep at night. He has tried everything from medicated mouth washes, rinsing peroxide, making pastes out of baking soda, and nothing seems to alleviate the pain or sores.

I feel horrible for him. He has already lost 30 pounds - and now he is pretty much on a liquid diet because it hurts to much for him to eat. Last night I called and he said he couldn't talk to me because it hurt his mouth too bad.

He was going to call the doctor today. I hope there is something more they can do for him. You think in this day and age - they could find something to help mouth sores! We don't think that they will be giving him Chemo this week because of the sores. Hopefully the will help them go away.

It's so frustrating. I wish there was more I could do for him. I feel very helpless most of the times.

Family Pictures Are Done!

Go check them out!

http://GreatScottImages.zenfolio.com/p1021034734/slideshow

McKenna's First Time at Bay Beach

We took McKenna to Bay Beach today. The weather was absolutely perfect! We got there at 11 - and it was not busy at all. We pretty much walked up and got on to every ride. The merry go round was McKenna's favorite. I wish you all could have heard her giggle and see her beaming smile when she was on it. It was priceless!

Update on my dad

My dad had his third chemo treatment yesterday. So far things are going well. The only bad side effect he has had so far, is his mouth is full of sores. He is pretty much on a liquid diet right now because his mouth hurts too bad to eat. The doctor prescribed him a medicated mouth wash yesterday - so hopefully that will help. My dad's platelet levels were also on the low side. Last week they were 115 and this week they were 93. So the past 2 treatments they cut down on the dosage. Next week if his platelet level is still too low, they will skip a round of chemo. My dad told the onocologist that he thinks the chemo is working, as he has way less pain. I pray and hope that is true.

We also found several articles on the healing properties of asparagus and cancer. So he is also doing that. We figure what does he have to lose? He purees the asparagus and takes 4 tablespoons twice a day.

My dad's attitude remains positive and upbeat - which is the best thing for him, and for all of us. I know if anyone can beat this dreadful disease, it is my dad. Just based on his attitude alone. Let's all keep praying for a miracle - and above all for a cure for cancer.

Swimming Lessons

I signed McKenna up for swimming lessons today. I am so excited! I hope she likes it. I know she will probably be very reserved and scared at first. One thing I am not excited about is the thought of having to buy, and having to wear, a maternity swimming suit. The image in my head in not too good. I just hope I don't scare the other kids!!

My desert mission is going well (how could it not)! Today was day number 9.
Day number 6 I had a cranberry and white chocolate cookie from the Farmer's Market. It was okay. Definetly a nice change from the standard choloate chip cookie.

Day number 7 was filled with deserts! I was at my grandpa's 90th birthday party! I had a magic cookie bar that was chocolate chips, buterscotch chips, coconut, and chocolate! Super good!

Day number 8 was a strawberry armaretto cake. Mmmmm, it was very good. 8 out of 10!

Day number 9 was a cupful of fresh berries, yogurt, and granola. I know this is on the healthier side and may not be considered a desert, but it was still yummy, sweet, and enjoyed after my lunch - which to me qualifies it as desert!

A day to remember...

Today is 3 years that we lost Nevaeh. In some ways I cannot believe that it is 3 years already, and then again it seems like a lifetime ago. 3 years ago I never thought it was going to be possible to be happy again. Now I have a beautiful daughter that is the absolute light of my life. McKenna is the reason I am so happy today. I thank god every day for her.

But that happiness will never take away the missing piece of my heart that is now in heaven. But I can gladly say that I now remember that happy times we had with Nevaeh. So far today there has been few tears which is an improvement. I hope our little girl in heaven knows how much we love her and think about her.

Tonight we are having family pictures at my parents house. I think it is important to capture these images. Especially since we don't know how long it will be before my dad loses his hair. He had his second round of chemo on Thursday. So far he is handling it well. I just pray that it is doing the job and shrinking the tumors. I am so thankful for Scott Eastman of Great Scott Images. He is a great friend and has offered to do our pictures for free. I don't feel right about the free part - but I know he won't accept any money if I offer it to him. It just makes me feel really good that there are such good people in the world.

On a lighter note - I am going on day 6 of my dessert challenge. Day 4 was chocolate swirl cheesecake! It was very good - an 8 out of 10. Yesterday I had black forest cake. It was super yummy. My second favorite so far! 9 out of 10 for sure!

50 Desserts in 50 Days

So I am on a new mission! 50 desserts in 50 days. I figure with everything going on in our lives right now - it is time to indulge! You only live once - and I am going to live it up! I'm gaining weight from being pregnant anyways, so what's a few more pounds? So I diet and do boot camp again, and the weight will all come back off.

So I started this glorious endevour on Monday. The Aurora Hospital by my work has a grand dessert selection. I had the tuxedo cake. By far the BEST cake I have ever had in my entire life. I give it a 10 out of 10! I think this cake is the reason for my new mission. I can't wait until they have that cake again. I think I even dreamt about it last night.

Yesterday I had Bailey's Cream cheesecake. It was okay. About a 6 out of 10. Today I have Strawberry shortcake. I haven't tried it yet, as part of this deal is I am making myself eat a balanced meal before the dessert. I am trying to finish off my corn before letting myself indulge.

*Update* the Strawberry shortcake is not that good. 5 out of 10. The strawberry on top was the best part of this dessert.

So check back daily for a dessert report. If anything, it will give me something light and upbeat to blog about!!!

So far, so good

So far my dad is doing okay on Chemo. He was very tired the first few days, but yesterday he felt so good he mowed the lawn and weeded the whole garden. He stayed awake until 10 last night! My mom and him are going over night to the casino tonight - on a well deserved mini getaway. Let's hope next treatment goes as well.

McKenna is feeling better, even slept the whole night through last night for the first time in a week. I couldn't resist sharing this picture of her. Her shirt reads - Grandpa is the best!

Murphys Law

I think it is murphys law that McKenna is sick every holiday. Today I have off for the 4th - and she was up all last night. She had a 102 fever this morning. Thanfully the doctor's office was open, and able to get her in at 9:20. She has another double ear infection. Her tonsils and annoids were also big. She suggested we go see the ENT to have tubes put in, and her tonsils and annoids out. I am a little hesitant, just because it seems McKenna only gets ear infections when she teeths. She is getting her last 2 year old molars - so I am hoping this is the last one. But we are going back in 2 weeks for a check, and if they are not better, then we will see the ENT.

I felt like a bad mom then because after the doctor I needed to stop at the grocery store. The store was a zoo of course. I was zipping through the aisles getting the few items I needed, and looked down and noticed McKenna shivering. I felt horrible. I bee lined it to the check out - and she fell asleep on the way home. When we got home her fever was up to 103. So I gave her more tylenol, stripped her down, and put a cool cloth on her head. She now finally dozed off. I am hoping after this nap she will start to feel better.

My dad is feeling okay so far after his first chemo. He is just very tired and sleeps a lot. Which is better then being sick. He said he was feeling pretty well, and even slept on his side a little last night, was in a little less pain. Hopefully that is a good sign.

Chemo Update

My dad is getting his port put in today at 8:00, and then will have his first chemo at 11:30. Please pray that the chemo does it's job and shrinks the tumors - with minimal side effects. I would hate to see my dad sick all the time.