Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Looking Towards November

I am looking forward to November and hoping this month stabilizes or slows down any excitement I have had experienced recently. On Monday the 24th of October I experienced shortness of breath, light-headedness and my heart rate was high to where I thought I was going to pass out. I had Leo call the ambulance and went to Mercy ER. After an abundance of tests, it was determined I had pneumonia.

After a LONG night in the Emergency room and being set up in my own room, we were all very tired. It was an exhausting few days for all of us. I was especially exhausted, feeling like I was never going to get out of the hospital. I started to question if it was going to be a week or a week and a half? I was definitely going to miss my next chemo treatment.

What turned things around for me is on Wednesday I looked out my door and saw a pet therapy dog in the hallway. I asked to see the dog when they were available. I sat there with Sophie on my bed, a beautiful yellow lab, and teared up. I knew at that point, I was going to do what I could to get home and see my dogs, my fur babies. I missed my dogs, I missed my house, I missed being home with my husband (although he was staying over night at the hospital).

I started Occupational and Physical Therapy at the hospital, and am continuing with home PT to continue to build strength.  My symptoms of swollen legs and neuropathy in my feet and hands continue to bother me each day. I continue to work on my PT exercises also.

It was nice having a private room and the nurses were great as well as the doctors being especially helpful! There was also a dietitian that got involved who was very helpful to help with my special diet.

Right now I am home with the help of my husband, mom, dad, and dogs. Thank you to the friends and family who have reached out and expressed their love to me through this time! This love means the world to me and helps to get me through the days and week. I am at home resting and do not have any doctor appointments until Monday Nov 7th where I may have my next chemo treatment.

Much Love,
Amy B