On Saturday I thought I was doing really well. I hadn't gotten the major migraine yet and thought I wouldn't. We changed some of my medications in hopes that I wouldn't, but it came anyway. All night Saturday, which I was up most of the night, I had the migraine through Sunday unil this morning. This morning I am doing ok, but that doesn't mean it won't come later today. I have lost all but 7 pounds of the water weight! Wahoo! It still surprises me every time how fast it comes off.
Colton is feeling better, and now Brooklyn is definately sick. She was up in the night Saturday night/Sunday morning with a fever of 104. I made her stay out on the couch until it came down to 100. This morning it her fever is still 103 and she'll be going to the doctor this afternoon.
Justin is back to work today but still not 100% yet. He's slowly getting there. He overdid it Friday and Saturday last week.
Overall we are doing ok. We are so grateful for the help and the meals that are being brought in.
We can't wait till we are on the upside of things and are able to help other families. I'll tell ya, we sure have a lot more compassion for families who are going through things like we are!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Most Insane week ever
This week hasn't been as bad as I had anticipated overall. It was still very rough for everyone else. Justin came out of the hospital yesterday morning, but still having his headaches. As far as I remember hearing he came home and made a bunch of phone calls and then crashed the rest of the night. I talked to him this morning and he was on his way way to work and was hoping to make it through the day. Oh and after running all of his tests, they decided it was viral menengitis.
Colton now has an ear infection. Adele took him to the same doctor Justin went to, most likely because he knows what's going in our family. She said even the nurse remembers all of us. So, luckily no menengitis for the rest of us, which is what Justin has for sure now. We are hearing from different doctors, the one for Justin, and my doctors up here, that it was and that it wasn't contagious. I guess we'll find out in time. So, Colton isn't contagious (the cold might be). They put him on antibiotics and he should be feeling better in no time, let's hope.
As far as for me. I am having an ok week.Two hours after my first dose and the rest of the doses I start to get shaking chills and body aches. About 4 hours after my IL-II I run a fever of 39.4 celsius which is close to 103 farenheit. It generally breaks sometime in the night and I wake up drenched in sweat. Lucky for meI've been able to take a couple showers. I woke up one morning and my hair was even curly ( started out straight). I am pretty swollen in my hands and feet. Everywhere else too, but mostly hands and feet. I've put on a total of 17 or 18 pounds and did a total of 4 doses this week. It was a shorter week because they were closed on Monday.
I was able to celebrate my birthday in the hospital this week. Not a whole lot of fun in a hospital bed, but it was good. I had lots of wonderful visitors including my kids. It was so fun seeing them! The staff planned for a couple days to surprise me with all of them singing to me and giving me a slice of chocolate cake! It was so sweet! They even got the ENT residents to come in (which doesn't ever really happen) because they knew me! I felt special!
I want to give a shout out to Devon! She has been such a major support in all of this! (besides my mom and Justin's mom). We've all been getting kind of burned out on the whole hospital thing and figuring out who's helping with kids and everything. She has been such a life saver for me! Whenever I slack, she gets it done for me and I don't even have to ask! It's been the best thing to move her in with us (she's Justin's 21 yr old cousin for those that don't know her). We worried a little about how it would be having her there, but there have been so many instances we couldn't have made it without her. Especially with Justin and me in the hospital and now a sick baby and it sounds like Brooklyn is now sick too.
What a week!!!
Colton now has an ear infection. Adele took him to the same doctor Justin went to, most likely because he knows what's going in our family. She said even the nurse remembers all of us. So, luckily no menengitis for the rest of us, which is what Justin has for sure now. We are hearing from different doctors, the one for Justin, and my doctors up here, that it was and that it wasn't contagious. I guess we'll find out in time. So, Colton isn't contagious (the cold might be). They put him on antibiotics and he should be feeling better in no time, let's hope.
As far as for me. I am having an ok week.Two hours after my first dose and the rest of the doses I start to get shaking chills and body aches. About 4 hours after my IL-II I run a fever of 39.4 celsius which is close to 103 farenheit. It generally breaks sometime in the night and I wake up drenched in sweat. Lucky for meI've been able to take a couple showers. I woke up one morning and my hair was even curly ( started out straight). I am pretty swollen in my hands and feet. Everywhere else too, but mostly hands and feet. I've put on a total of 17 or 18 pounds and did a total of 4 doses this week. It was a shorter week because they were closed on Monday.
I was able to celebrate my birthday in the hospital this week. Not a whole lot of fun in a hospital bed, but it was good. I had lots of wonderful visitors including my kids. It was so fun seeing them! The staff planned for a couple days to surprise me with all of them singing to me and giving me a slice of chocolate cake! It was so sweet! They even got the ENT residents to come in (which doesn't ever really happen) because they knew me! I felt special!
I want to give a shout out to Devon! She has been such a major support in all of this! (besides my mom and Justin's mom). We've all been getting kind of burned out on the whole hospital thing and figuring out who's helping with kids and everything. She has been such a life saver for me! Whenever I slack, she gets it done for me and I don't even have to ask! It's been the best thing to move her in with us (she's Justin's 21 yr old cousin for those that don't know her). We worried a little about how it would be having her there, but there have been so many instances we couldn't have made it without her. Especially with Justin and me in the hospital and now a sick baby and it sounds like Brooklyn is now sick too.
What a week!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Poor Justin
Justin has had a major headache for the last twelve days. It all started with fluid in his ear. He went to the doctor for that and they just watched it. Within four to five days, it wasn't getting better and his head started hurting, so his doctor called in an antibiotic. Within a couple days, he just wasn't getting better, so he went in to the doctor again. It was a different doctor in the same clinic and he just gave Justin some migraine meds. By this weekend, he wasnt' doing a whole lot better. He was doing a bit better during the day, and then the horrendous headache at night. These headaches are probably enough to floor anybody. He's never had a migraine before, but now for about 10 days straight.
So, this morning, enough was enought and he started to have a stiff neck. I took him to the Emergency Room and they did some tests. They took blood, did a CT scan, and a spinal tap. His CT came back clear and the spinal tap came back viral. It looks like he has viral menangitis. They still want to do an MRI, but the machine is down, and the doctor wants to run another test to rule out encephilitis, which is a worse virus with fluid on the spine and messes with your mind. Viral menangitis is not the scary one, but they are watching him closely. They admitted him into the hospital for 24 to 48 hours.
Yes, that means Justin and I will both be in the hospital. I am being admitted tomorrow afternoon. When it rains on the Bancrofts, it pours! What's up with that? Do we not have enough going on with just me, we have to involve Justin into the medical world now too? Can I say it was really weird being on this side of things today? We were at the hospital since 11 this morning trying to figure out what's going on with him. If I've learned nothing else it's to be proactive with mine and Justin's health (and anyone I know). We walked in basically demanding tests to be done on him. I'm just glad they took us seriously, cuz we were right! I hated seeing him like that. They gave him Versaid, a conscious sedation, for the spinal tap so he didn't have to feel it. They say it's a lot like an epidural. They draw fluid out of the spine to test it.
Hopefully I'll know more in the morning about Justin and what's going on with him. We still aren't sure if he's contagious or not, so probably no visiting for him.
Anyways, I guess double the prayers for our family this week. Hopefully we can figure out Justin and get him better. My treatments aren't a prison sentence, meaning I can come home at any time this week if I need to be here for Justin. Trust me when I say it was not an easy decision to go back into the hospital for treatment (not that I really had a choice), but I might have an infection in my line, and everyone is pushing for me to go back in. I talked to my nurse practitioner today and she's never had anyone not come back in for the 2nd week back in the hospital. She had the thought that if I wasn't cured, would I always wonder about not having gone back in when I was supposed to, would I have been? Who will ever know. Let's just hope this continues to work.
We've got plenty of help and we will be ok this week. Just remember us when you say your family prayers for us. Thanks for all the support and love from our family and friends!
So, this morning, enough was enought and he started to have a stiff neck. I took him to the Emergency Room and they did some tests. They took blood, did a CT scan, and a spinal tap. His CT came back clear and the spinal tap came back viral. It looks like he has viral menangitis. They still want to do an MRI, but the machine is down, and the doctor wants to run another test to rule out encephilitis, which is a worse virus with fluid on the spine and messes with your mind. Viral menangitis is not the scary one, but they are watching him closely. They admitted him into the hospital for 24 to 48 hours.
Yes, that means Justin and I will both be in the hospital. I am being admitted tomorrow afternoon. When it rains on the Bancrofts, it pours! What's up with that? Do we not have enough going on with just me, we have to involve Justin into the medical world now too? Can I say it was really weird being on this side of things today? We were at the hospital since 11 this morning trying to figure out what's going on with him. If I've learned nothing else it's to be proactive with mine and Justin's health (and anyone I know). We walked in basically demanding tests to be done on him. I'm just glad they took us seriously, cuz we were right! I hated seeing him like that. They gave him Versaid, a conscious sedation, for the spinal tap so he didn't have to feel it. They say it's a lot like an epidural. They draw fluid out of the spine to test it.
Hopefully I'll know more in the morning about Justin and what's going on with him. We still aren't sure if he's contagious or not, so probably no visiting for him.
Anyways, I guess double the prayers for our family this week. Hopefully we can figure out Justin and get him better. My treatments aren't a prison sentence, meaning I can come home at any time this week if I need to be here for Justin. Trust me when I say it was not an easy decision to go back into the hospital for treatment (not that I really had a choice), but I might have an infection in my line, and everyone is pushing for me to go back in. I talked to my nurse practitioner today and she's never had anyone not come back in for the 2nd week back in the hospital. She had the thought that if I wasn't cured, would I always wonder about not having gone back in when I was supposed to, would I have been? Who will ever know. Let's just hope this continues to work.
We've got plenty of help and we will be ok this week. Just remember us when you say your family prayers for us. Thanks for all the support and love from our family and friends!
Friday, January 16, 2009
It's the Weekend
It's been pretty boring around here. I've been home the entire week. I've gone to take Brooklyn to and from school the last couple days is all. I've had help all week with my mom during the day.
For me to function this week, I've basically required a nap at some point in the day. It is nice to feel somewhat normal again. It is hard knowing I will be subjecting myself to yet another week in the hospital. This next week I won't be going in until Tuesday because Monday is Human Rights Day. I am only expecting to do 4 total doses of the IL-II. One each day and should come home on Saturday. Let's hope all goes well next week. This weekend will be full of prepping for next week. That's really all that's happened around here. My headaches are gone, and I am sleeping much better.
For me to function this week, I've basically required a nap at some point in the day. It is nice to feel somewhat normal again. It is hard knowing I will be subjecting myself to yet another week in the hospital. This next week I won't be going in until Tuesday because Monday is Human Rights Day. I am only expecting to do 4 total doses of the IL-II. One each day and should come home on Saturday. Let's hope all goes well next week. This weekend will be full of prepping for next week. That's really all that's happened around here. My headaches are gone, and I am sleeping much better.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Friday night after everyone left and I was supposed to go to sleep, I couldn't. I asked for the same medications they had been giving me every night to help me sleep, but for some reason my nurse that night told me they don't give those meds to IL-II patients! Are you kidding me? I've had them every night all week. So an hour and a half later I convinced her to give me 2 out of the 3 meds and by this time I am getting a horrendous headache. I am convinced I didn't sleep because that 3rd med was left out! I was so mad at her! I know she was just doing her job, but there are only 5 rooms and more than just her in the Special Care Unit. Oh well, it's over now. I tossed and turned the entire night. I maybe slept a couple hours. The funny part of that night (looking back now) is that I had a lot of hallucination type dreams. They had warned me that I might hallucinate and see spiders on the walls and stuff like that. So in between trying to sleep I thought Brooklyn and Wyatt were there having a sleepover, I thought my cat was there jumping up on the table beside me at least three times, and I kept hearing people and thought I saw people coming in and out of my room. Take it as you may.
I stayed an extra day this time because my last treatment weeks, the day I got home was the worst days. The first time home I went to the E.R. with the worst pain I've ever had in my head, and the second time I came home I threw up 7 times in about 20 minutes and could hardly get it under control, even with a home health nurse there.
So, this time I stayed through till Saturday, and sure enough the migraine came (worse than any normal migraine I've ever had, even Lortab didn't touch it). I stayed until we got it under control. About a half hour before I left they gave me a dose of Lasix (makes me get rid of all the water weight). I double checked and asked if they were sure my doc wanted me to have it right then. They said I couldn't leave without it, doctors orders. I told them I had an hour drive home, and I honestly think they felt bad after injecting it! My doc had left when I had the migraine still and didn't think I'd be leaving for a while. This stuff makes you have to go to the bathroom constantly and A LOT! Let's just say poor Dad (he drove me home). I didn't even make it five miles. Luckily we only stopped one more time, but barely made it home. The reason for the Lasix is to get all the water weight off from the capillary leak. I gained 20 pounds. This stuff makes me shed it in about 5 days. It's crazy and so hard on my body.
So, I got home and had a pretty uneventful Saturday. I felt so bad for Justin though. He started getting an ear infection on Wednesday and by today it's a full blown sinus and head infection. He had to call the doctor this morning and get on a stronger antibiotic. Who knew I would be feeling better than he did. I am so glad to say I had a much better recovery this time than the last two times. The migraine is still here, but managed by Imitrex.
Last night (Sat night) I went to bed extremely exhausted having only gotten a couple hours of sleep maybe. As soon as my head hit the pillow, my brain totally woke up. I didn't sleep one minute last night. I forgot how bad the insomnia was with this treatment. I got up around 2 or 3 and had Justin give me a dose through IV of phenergine (nausea meds). I have never not fallen asleep with the stuff almost immediately. I didn't. I was so frustrated. I got up and had a banana with a little sugar and milk on it, read a magazine and watched tv, but for the most part I tossed and turned in bed "trying" to sleep. Poor Justin, it kept him up a lot too.
This morning was really nice. I was up at 7 with Colton. I missed my kids sooooo much. I got two full hours just me and him. He's such a sweet loving baby. He's growing up way too fast! I did really well today. I tried to relax this afternoon and maybe slep an hour of the 1 1/2 hours I was down. It was a nice relaxing Sunday with my family. Here's to a good week home before I go back in again.
I stayed an extra day this time because my last treatment weeks, the day I got home was the worst days. The first time home I went to the E.R. with the worst pain I've ever had in my head, and the second time I came home I threw up 7 times in about 20 minutes and could hardly get it under control, even with a home health nurse there.
So, this time I stayed through till Saturday, and sure enough the migraine came (worse than any normal migraine I've ever had, even Lortab didn't touch it). I stayed until we got it under control. About a half hour before I left they gave me a dose of Lasix (makes me get rid of all the water weight). I double checked and asked if they were sure my doc wanted me to have it right then. They said I couldn't leave without it, doctors orders. I told them I had an hour drive home, and I honestly think they felt bad after injecting it! My doc had left when I had the migraine still and didn't think I'd be leaving for a while. This stuff makes you have to go to the bathroom constantly and A LOT! Let's just say poor Dad (he drove me home). I didn't even make it five miles. Luckily we only stopped one more time, but barely made it home. The reason for the Lasix is to get all the water weight off from the capillary leak. I gained 20 pounds. This stuff makes me shed it in about 5 days. It's crazy and so hard on my body.
So, I got home and had a pretty uneventful Saturday. I felt so bad for Justin though. He started getting an ear infection on Wednesday and by today it's a full blown sinus and head infection. He had to call the doctor this morning and get on a stronger antibiotic. Who knew I would be feeling better than he did. I am so glad to say I had a much better recovery this time than the last two times. The migraine is still here, but managed by Imitrex.
Last night (Sat night) I went to bed extremely exhausted having only gotten a couple hours of sleep maybe. As soon as my head hit the pillow, my brain totally woke up. I didn't sleep one minute last night. I forgot how bad the insomnia was with this treatment. I got up around 2 or 3 and had Justin give me a dose through IV of phenergine (nausea meds). I have never not fallen asleep with the stuff almost immediately. I didn't. I was so frustrated. I got up and had a banana with a little sugar and milk on it, read a magazine and watched tv, but for the most part I tossed and turned in bed "trying" to sleep. Poor Justin, it kept him up a lot too.
This morning was really nice. I was up at 7 with Colton. I missed my kids sooooo much. I got two full hours just me and him. He's such a sweet loving baby. He's growing up way too fast! I did really well today. I tried to relax this afternoon and maybe slep an hour of the 1 1/2 hours I was down. It was a nice relaxing Sunday with my family. Here's to a good week home before I go back in again.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Strange Feeling Days
I'll try to remeber what's been happening this week. I've had a few visitors. My dad and aunt Jeanne and Adele. My parents brought the kids in last night, which was fun. Also, after they left, when Justin was done with work, he stopped in .I twas so good to see my family. I cried when they left.
I Just had my eight dose of IL-II this morning. We seem to be getting a routine down. Two hours after the dose, I start getting chills, body aches, and nausea. Basically flu, but worse. We've got a system now, when the two hour mark hits, they give me the meds that should control all the symptoms. It makes me fall asleep, but better than the side effects.
I should be coming home late tonight or tomorrow morning
I Just had my eight dose of IL-II this morning. We seem to be getting a routine down. Two hours after the dose, I start getting chills, body aches, and nausea. Basically flu, but worse. We've got a system now, when the two hour mark hits, they give me the meds that should control all the symptoms. It makes me fall asleep, but better than the side effects.
I should be coming home late tonight or tomorrow morning
Monday, January 5, 2009
First Dose Down
I just got my first dose of the IL-II and I am already starting to feel a little out of it. Crazy how fast this stuff starts working.
I came in early this morning to have my line put in and this time I had the conscious sedation. I have been sleeping the majority of the day since.
I finally woke up long enough to eat around 5 tonight, the first time today. I am sitting up here alone because of the storm outside, but that's ok because I have a feeling I'll be sleeping here pretty soon, plus I have The Bachelor to watch. Shh, don't tell anyone! Love that show!
I'll hopefully write more tomorrow.
I came in early this morning to have my line put in and this time I had the conscious sedation. I have been sleeping the majority of the day since.
I finally woke up long enough to eat around 5 tonight, the first time today. I am sitting up here alone because of the storm outside, but that's ok because I have a feeling I'll be sleeping here pretty soon, plus I have The Bachelor to watch. Shh, don't tell anyone! Love that show!
I'll hopefully write more tomorrow.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Yesterday I was in the car with the family and I usually quiz the kids on our address and phone numbers and things like that. I asked Brooklyn when her birthday is, which she's known since she was 2, but I wanted to know if she knew what year. I asked her "what year is your birthday?" and she said "every year!" Kind of like duh mom, didn't you know our birthdays come every year! Too funny!
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