As if a broken bone wasn't enough excitement for our family for a week, I got to experience my own ER visit and hospital stay Memorial Day weekend.
Friday morning, we had an appointment with the orthopedist for Emmalyn's collar bone. We were told that the bone would heal on its own and straighten out eventually over the next few years. She needs to wear a sling for a couple more weeks. Overall, it is pretty good news, and she isn't hindered too much by the arm. She likes to see the x-ray of her broken "cowar bone." She won't get on any trampolines anytime soon, though. It is a little tough to hold down a three-year-old!
After the doctor's visit, I went to Walmart because we were out of children's Advil and prenatal vitamins. As I was walking through the store, my left leg began to feel really heavy and strange. By the time I got home, the leg was very swollen, from the hip to the toes. I rested for the afternoon and kept it propped, but after Emmalyn's nap, I had a good deal of pain in my left hip when walking. I finally called my doctor's office to report my symptoms about 4:00 p.m. I got a return call, and my doctor wanted me to head to the local ER for an ultrasound of my leg to determine if there was a clot. He warned me that if a clot was present, I would need daily shots. I was really hoping it wasn't the case.
We dropped Emmalyn off to play with some friends and arrived at the ER a little after 6:00 p.m. We had to wait for an ultrasound tech to return, and I had the ultrasound about 8:00 p.m. The doctor let us know there was a partial blockage in my upper thigh, and I needed to be admitted. After some time, we learned I was being sent to the larger hospital nearby where my doctors work. We made arrangements for my sister to get Emmalyn, and I got my first ride in an ambulance. It wasn't too bad; it was the quickest trip to Albany I've had in a while! I arrived about 11:00 p.m.; Stephen went by our house to grab some staples for our stay and met me there. I first went to the labor and delivery floor to a room. The baby's heart rate was monitored, and I wasn't having contractions. Baby James did not like being squeezed by the monitors, and he continuously kicked for as long as they were on! After being reassured that the baby was fine, I was transferred to the hematology/oncology floor about 3:00 a.m. I received my first shot of Lovenox at 4:00 a.m. It burned like crazy! Needless to say, I didn't get much rest Friday night.
I saw doctors from my ob's office and the oncologist on duty Saturday morning. She explained that I would get the shot every 12 hours, and the clot would gradually dissolve. I need shots for the next 6 months. The clot is likely due to chemo, cancer and/or pregnancy. They usually don't occur under age 40, but I have a few risk factors. I am just turning into an old woman!
We had our families visit Saturday, and I spent another night in the hospital. My oncologist came for a visit Sunday morning. He said I would learn how to give myself daily shots of Arixtra, and I could go home. I hoped to be out of there before lunch, but it was 4:00 p.m. before we left because only one person was on duty for releases for the holiday weekend. I was very glad to go! I do not miss being woken up several times a night so they could take my vitals and give me a shot. The food was as bad as advertised, too.
My leg still hurts to walk, and it swells after standing for just a few minutes. My doctor said it will take a few days to get relief. I have given myself a shot for the past three days. The needles are pretty small, and the Arixtra seems to not burn afterward as much as the Lovenox did, fortunately. The nurse suggested that Stephen learn to give me shots, but I haven't let him try it yet. I am afraid I would just resent him for sticking me, so I'd prefer to do it myself.
This has all been a great adventure, and I am just along for the ride. I was never anxious about the situation, even though I know some deep vein thrombosis (clots) can travel to the lungs and cause death. I think over the years, doctors have learned that it is not dangerous to move the leg, as once thought. My only setback at the moment is my own pain tolerance. I am still taking it easy. As usual, we are very blessed by the prayers, meals, etc., from friends and family. I hope not to have any more "adventures" in the near future!
I am trying to keep in mind these versus through my many adventures...
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle." (Psalm 103:1-5 NASB)
I pray that my youth is renewed soon!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
More Adventures!
I had my fourth round of chemo this Monday. It went well, and I still feel good. I also saw my ob, and the baby is growing well. He is moving all the time! Stephen has been able to feel him a few times. I love feeling the little kicks! I'll have another ultrasound at the next visit. I picked out potential paint colors for the baby's room and Emmalyn's new room (we're moving her to the guest room), so we will have a few projects this summer.
Poor Emmalyn has not fared so well this week, however. She was visiting at her grandparents' house so I could rest for a day or two, and she fell off her bed yesterday morning. She was not herself and didn't want to move her right arm, so when she got home last night, we took her to her first ER visit. X-ray confirmed a broken collar bone. She has a cute little sling, but we will see an orthopedist this afternoon or tomorrow to get the bone straightened. Thankfully, they'll sedate her for that. I couldn't handle them moving it if she were conscious! She is being a tough, brave, sweet girl. She got to eat ice cream for breakfast and is chilling on the couch watching her favorite shows. I hope it won't interrupt too much of her summer fun!
In other news, we were blessed with a beach vacation over Mother's Day weekend. A sweet family let us use their beautiful house on St. George Island. The weather was a little overcast and windy, but it didn't phase our beach baby. She had a wonderful time chasing waves and sea birds and destroying sandcastles. We ate good food and left refreshed. I received my first pair of Crocs, a new purse, sunglasses, and slippers from my hubby and daughter. I am a very blessed mom!
"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God And a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:1-7 NASB)
Poor Emmalyn has not fared so well this week, however. She was visiting at her grandparents' house so I could rest for a day or two, and she fell off her bed yesterday morning. She was not herself and didn't want to move her right arm, so when she got home last night, we took her to her first ER visit. X-ray confirmed a broken collar bone. She has a cute little sling, but we will see an orthopedist this afternoon or tomorrow to get the bone straightened. Thankfully, they'll sedate her for that. I couldn't handle them moving it if she were conscious! She is being a tough, brave, sweet girl. She got to eat ice cream for breakfast and is chilling on the couch watching her favorite shows. I hope it won't interrupt too much of her summer fun!
In other news, we were blessed with a beach vacation over Mother's Day weekend. A sweet family let us use their beautiful house on St. George Island. The weather was a little overcast and windy, but it didn't phase our beach baby. She had a wonderful time chasing waves and sea birds and destroying sandcastles. We ate good food and left refreshed. I received my first pair of Crocs, a new purse, sunglasses, and slippers from my hubby and daughter. I am a very blessed mom!
"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God And a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:1-7 NASB)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Our Little Miracle
My third round of treatment went off without a hitch yesterday. I feel good today, except Emmalyn awoke with a stomach virus about 2:00 am. We didn't get much sleep. Stephen has taken care of her, and she is feeling good this morning, but I am praying Stephen nor I catch it! Stomach bugs are the worst things ever!
We got a treat after lunch yesterday...our midpoint diagnostic ultrasound! The baby boy looks great! His head, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, spine, arms, legs, mouth, and nose look normal and healthy. Praise the Lord! I was a Ittle anxious about everything looking okay. The heartrate was 155 bpm. His weight is about 9 ounces, and his size is on track for our due date. So far, there are no signs of the chemo affecting the baby! I am relieved and grateful.
Emmalyn is pretty excited. She has been calling the baby her baby brother for several weeks now. I guess she had a hunch. She loves looking at the ultrasound pictures and picking out the head and body parts. Her first question when we got home yesterday was, "Has my baby brother hatched yet from your belly?" I guess she is as anxious for him to arrive as we are. She will be a great big sister!
We have had a boy name decided on since before Emmalyn was born. We will name him "James" Edward Snyder. James is in memory of my little brother, James Thomas "Tom" Hall. He was named for our grandfather, James "Cecil" Hall. Tom was a great brother...funny, quiet, sweet, athletic, smart, and had a heart for the Lord. And though he passed away 9 1/2 years ago at the age of 14, I still miss him so much! He would love his nieces and nephews! My grandfather was also very special to me. He was hard-working, kind, and loving. Edward is Stephen's middle name. He was named for his grandfather, Gordon Edward "Ed" Snyder. Stephen describes him as caring, loving, and wise.
I feel the name already describes him. James means "supplanter." In our hearts, minds, hopes, and prayers, James has somewhat replaced the cancer. Instead of dweling on my diagnosis and worrisome treatments, I can plan the baby's room and shop for little blue clothes. Edward means "happy, prosperous guardian." I pray that he will be kind, gentle, selfless, courageous, strong, smart, thoughtful, and, most importantly, that he will love the Lord. I can't wait to meet him and see what God has in store for his life! Our little miracle is such a blessing!
"O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You." (Psalm 139:1-18 NASB)
We got a treat after lunch yesterday...our midpoint diagnostic ultrasound! The baby boy looks great! His head, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, spine, arms, legs, mouth, and nose look normal and healthy. Praise the Lord! I was a Ittle anxious about everything looking okay. The heartrate was 155 bpm. His weight is about 9 ounces, and his size is on track for our due date. So far, there are no signs of the chemo affecting the baby! I am relieved and grateful.
Rubbing his head.
Handsome little face!
Cute little feet!
Emmalyn is pretty excited. She has been calling the baby her baby brother for several weeks now. I guess she had a hunch. She loves looking at the ultrasound pictures and picking out the head and body parts. Her first question when we got home yesterday was, "Has my baby brother hatched yet from your belly?" I guess she is as anxious for him to arrive as we are. She will be a great big sister!
We have had a boy name decided on since before Emmalyn was born. We will name him "James" Edward Snyder. James is in memory of my little brother, James Thomas "Tom" Hall. He was named for our grandfather, James "Cecil" Hall. Tom was a great brother...funny, quiet, sweet, athletic, smart, and had a heart for the Lord. And though he passed away 9 1/2 years ago at the age of 14, I still miss him so much! He would love his nieces and nephews! My grandfather was also very special to me. He was hard-working, kind, and loving. Edward is Stephen's middle name. He was named for his grandfather, Gordon Edward "Ed" Snyder. Stephen describes him as caring, loving, and wise.
I feel the name already describes him. James means "supplanter." In our hearts, minds, hopes, and prayers, James has somewhat replaced the cancer. Instead of dweling on my diagnosis and worrisome treatments, I can plan the baby's room and shop for little blue clothes. Edward means "happy, prosperous guardian." I pray that he will be kind, gentle, selfless, courageous, strong, smart, thoughtful, and, most importantly, that he will love the Lord. I can't wait to meet him and see what God has in store for his life! Our little miracle is such a blessing!
"O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You." (Psalm 139:1-18 NASB)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)