I had a great time with family that day, and now wish I would have taken pictures with my family. Hopefully next time. Later that week, I met up with a friend from Des Moines had had lunch and went shopping, things were looking pretty awesome! But things started to take a downhill turn from there.
My back pain started to increase and I started to have problems with constipation (which is a side effect of many of the drugs I am on). For two weeks I had endured mostly problems with constipation and had to go to the emergency room three times to seek treatment and relief. The ER is the last place you want to go because you know you have to wait and wait unless you are under severe danger. I had a bad experience at the Mercy ER in Cedar Rapids, so I started to go to the one at UIHC.
I had hit a low in my treatment and in my personal strength. My family were here to help lift me up though, thankfully. I never thought you could feel so terrible due to severe constipation. What made matters worse when I was seeking help for that issue was my doctor and nurse were both on vacation at the same time, and when I called during clinic hours one day, no one got back to me. I was seeking help and it seemed like their back up system wasn't working in my favor. So the Emergency Room it was- although we were there ALL NIGHT. I am now back in control of the constipation issue and feeling back to myself again.
I did have a CT scan earlier this month, which showed that my lymph nodes that are involved had reduced in size- which is good news! Apparently, they cannot see the stomach itself too well. Maybe I would need another PET scan for that? The plan is to take another CT scan after my 9th chemo.
Earlier in the month Leo and I took a trip to Minneapolis to see my favorite soccer team, Chelsea, play at the new Minnesota Vikings' Stadium. It was the first event at the stadium. My team is from London, and I was doing to be devastated if I couldn't see them play because I am not going to London any time soon. It was a short trip, but Christmas came early for this girl!
My goal each day and each week it to keep busy and keep living my life. On the days I feel good, I do my yoga relaxation DVD, crochet, play with the dogs, and get stuff done around the house. There is always something to do! My dad helped place new wall hangings, etc. Matt and Heather sent me some lovely flowers to help lift my spirits up the other day, too!
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| I love to crochet and will probably start working on selling some items soon! |
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| My house is full of love and warmth, so it's a lovely place to be! |
That's enough for now. Much love to all!
Love,
Amy
