Week 9

Hi everyone!

I had another surprise hospitalization last week - just two nights instead of three this time, so I guess progress? I spiked a fever very unexpectedly after feeling generally ok, and it turns out I had pneumonia, again. Good news is that we were at Penn’s Oncology Evaluation Center instead of the emergency room, plus I had packed a bunch of comforts from home in advance knowing that I might have to stay over. It felt much less chaotic and more dignified, and I felt well cared for there. A huge thank you to Donita & Leigh Brady; Donita picked Archie up from daycare so that George could be with me a bit longer, and on her wife’s birthday no less! I spent night one on my own in the hospital so George could be with Archie, but my parents arrived the next day and spent the night at our place so that George could be with me for night two. Sleeping in a recliner is not comfortable but George did not complain!

We were able to consult with an infectious disease specialist who recommended getting the pneumonia vaccine, so I just did that today. He explained that this shouldn’t happen again, but if it does, I can reach out to him and get a further workup to figure out why. Fingers crossed that chemo round 3 is uneventful and there are NO overnights at the hospital!

I was having some really bad lower back pain after those hospital nights and feeling rough, imagining that I might be in pain forever. Also, even though this pain is chronic for me, and I knew it was likely a result of chemo and uncomfortable hospital beds, I was definitely catastrophizing that the cancer could have spread to my spine. I got a spinal MRI on Monday just to be on the safe side and there is no evidence of anything abnormal - phew! I went to acupuncture for the first time yesterday, and it was an interesting experience! I am also looking into PT.

The pain has fortunately improved since last week and we were able to enjoy a great visit with uncle Ben and auntie Amy over the weekend!

Right now I’m doing pretty well and excited to spend time with Archie’s Nan and Grandad, Sally and Frank, who arrived yesterday. They will be hanging with us for the next two chemo cycles! Gearing up for the next one on Monday and trying to take advantage of feeling well.

Thanks for reading and for the continued thoughts & well wishes!

Lisa