What a detour!

Well, I am out of the hospital (after 17 days at Regions).  The medicine they gave me in Cloquet for the urinary tract infection I was allergic to.  It caused me to have kidney failure.  I gained 22 pounds in 2 days when Tom brought me down to Regions.  And I hadn't eaten in 3 weeks.  Now that's quite a diet.  I was put on dialysis 5 times and had a blood transfusion.  I was quite sick.  Every day my blood levels and creatin was checked.  My kidneys were functioning at 5%.  The only good thing about a trauma to the kidney is that with prednisone, they will make a complete comeback.  The creatin levels finally started to come down on their own without dialysis and Christmas Eve they let me come home.  It was a good Christmas present to be with family .... and very emotional.  I have to go in to get some blood tests tomorrow and the following week and then an appointment with the kidney dr.  Then an appointment with oncology to start chemo again.  We have to go with a different regimen for that because the first one was toooooo strong.  Can't really start chemo until the kidneys get squared away though.  I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind thoughts, prayers and support.  I couldn't have gone through this without knowing I have so many wonderful people behind me and a God to carry me through .... because this time ... there was not strength of my own.  Love to you all.

Turning a corner ... only it's a wrong one

Well, last week I thought I was turning a corner ...  I did, but it was a wrong turn.  On Wednesday my termperature hit 100.5 ... a dangerous temperature for a chemo patient.  After calling my oncologist he said I was to go immediately to the emergency room in Cloquet.  I did not have time to drive down to the cities.  When all the results came back, my complete bloodcount which an average is 10, mine was 1.  I had no bloodcells to fight infections.  I was put in isolation where everyone who came in (including Tom) had to wear gloves, mask and gown.  I have never been so sick in my life.  I was diagnosed with an Urinary Tract Infection.  I was so ill, I could not keep my food down, so I was throwing up and I hurt everywhere in my body.  I evenually got morphine for the pain.   I stayed in the hospital from Wednesday to Sunday.  At that point I only wanted to come home because I wanted to come home, not because I felt better.  I haven't eaten anything for 10 days, except popsicles.  I did, however, today eat some yogurt.  Not some, but the whole cup.  It took me 2 sittings, but I did it.  I'm so scared because next Monday I'm suppose to have my second chemo treatment.  I honestly don't know if my body can handle it.  I'd sure like to feel a little better first before I start all over again.  Have a call in to the dr. right now.  We'll see what he says.  Please keep those prayers coming ... I sure could use them.