Monday

Day 8 in the hospital. The nephrologist was in and informed us that mom's levels are finally heading back in the right direction. He is still not sure if the kidneys will correct themselves, or if she'll need to be on lifelong supplements. I don't know how my mom is doing it ... Over a week in isolation in a tiny hospital room with a lovely view of the rooftop and some chimneys. We try to keep her company -- the girls and I during the day, when we can, and my dad after work. We just want her back home!

Another bump in the road ~ from Kara

I may have spoken too soon. This morning, her levels dropped yet again. Her doctor ordered a nephrologist consult. They will be checking to see if the potassium is wasting through the kidneys, or digestive tract, etc. Further testing will determine whether or not she will need an additional supplement or medication. Keep your fingers crossed that things will get better for her soon! Thank you for all your prayers!

Roller Coaster Thursday

Hi again, it's Kara. Day 4 of her hospital stay brought my mom some more new challenges and developments. Not only did her potassium and magnesium continue to drop, but so did her hemoglobin and platelets. This led to a blood transfusion - 2 units, and more magnesium and potassium intravenously. She is also taking potassium pills daily, crushed in applesauce. She has begun to keep food down, which is an improvement over the last several days. Finally, around 8:30 p.m., her doctor called her room directly and told her she could rest easy tonight -- all her levels were approaching normal again! Yeah! Finally some good news! I know this will help ease her mind. She has been quite discouraged lately.

Wednesday ~ From Kara

Hello again! Well, she is still in the hospital. Although they've been running potassium round the clock, her levels are just not rising enough. The nausea/vomiting were major issues -- she has been given phenergan, zofran, etc. to help combat the sickness. She is also having pain from her surgery, but is reluctant to add any more drugs into her already heavily-medicated body. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that her potassium/magnesium levels stabilize, and that she is able to eat something and keep it down, so that she can come home! Thanks for all your healing thoughts and prayers. And, a big thank-you to whoever plowed my parents' driveway, if you happen to be reading this. It was GREATLY appreciated!!

Monday Update ~ From Kara

Hello everyone. As many of you know, my mom has been having major issues maintaining her potassium (and now magnesium) levels. The cisplatin is really doing a number on her. Just this past Friday she was in New Castle all day, receiving fluids and potassium. By today (Monday) she was still not feeling any better. In fact, she was worse than ever. She made another trip back to New Castle for even more fluids and potassium. Her bloodwork today showed even lower potassium levels. They decided to admit her to the hospital (Northside) because she appears to need more than they can give her in an outpatient setting. So, she was in the ER from 4 to 9:30 p.m. She was then transferred to a room. My dad and I left after 10, and she STILL had not received her potassium. Once she finally does, it will hopefully make a big difference in how she feels. Also, she is discussing with her oncologist about discontinuing the cisplatin -- her body just cannot tolerate it. They would switch her to another, less harsh platinum drug. I will update again tomorrow. Please say a prayer for my mom. :) Goodnight!

Snowy Saturday, Neulasta effects, etc.

Well, I spoke too soon about the Neulasta. The effects kicked in about 24 hours after I got the shot. I had a lot of pain in my neck, lower back, hips, and especially my legs (femurs.) I also had a bad headache and was sick all day Thursday and Thursday night. By the time I went to therapy Friday morning, they took me directly back and started vitals. By the time Debbie had parked the car and walked in the office, they were already hooking up the fluids to the mediport. I had Kytril, Ativan, Decadron, Potassium and fluids. We were there four hours and just sat in the dark without the TV on, and Debbie & I talked occassionally. I was really sick yesterday. I had to lie down in the back seat to get there..haven't had to do that in awhile. When I got home, I was exhausted and slept for 1 1/2 hours. I can only imagine the Neulasta is working in there helping my white blood cells to grow & mature. Something is going on! Be careful if you have to go out today. Welcome to all my followers. I love hearing from you. Linda

Wednesday

I got the Neulasta today. So far, so good. The nurse said some people require Percodan for about a week following the shot. I don't think that will be necessary. I'm counting on Ibuprofen to relieve the pain. However, I don't know what I'm dealing with and hope I don't regret these words. I did find out today that my Potassium & Magnesium are really low. I have to get IV potassium on Friday again. There goes another four hours. I am also now taking potassium and magnesium. The magnesium gets crushed in applesauce and that's manageable. The potassium is a liquid that gets diluted in juice. It tastes horrible...like drinking salt water. This Cisplatin is really doing a number on my body-and I've only had two doses of it! As long as it works on any nasty little cells that might be lurking around, I'll deal with all the other stuff. I don't have much choice. Linda

Tuesday Success

I was able to receive my chemo today. All six hours of it. Although, my WBC'S and neutrophils were borderline..they were on the right side of the border to receive the Cisplatin. I got a large amount of anti-nausea drugs, steroids, & fluids prior to the chemo. I found out that they add Mannitol to the Cisplatin. That certainly explains the frequent bathroom trips. Tomorrow, Kara will take me back for a shot of Neulasta. Not exactly looking forward to that. A shot that causes bones, muscles, & joints to ache & pain. Also, as the cells reform & mature, you get pain in the sternum, hips, legs, arms, back, etc. Wow, what's left not to hurt? I would say my head, but that's hurting, too. My nurse said the chemo is working on the follicles and causing scalp pain. Now, this could mean my hair may fall out or stay in. I'm taking a wait and see attitude on that one. There's really nothing I can do about it, so I'll take that as it comes. I think this catches you up on my news. I will be going in on Friday for rescue fluids (and Potassium if it fell again.) Here's to orange juice, bananas, strawberries, baked potatoes, etc." Long live Potassium Rich Foods!" Linda

Monday night

Chemo tomorrow, it's the l-o-n-g treatment. Let's hope the counts are reasonable and we can proceed with chemo. I am so ready for this to be done! Linda

Thursday morning

Well, I got a call from UPMC and my potassium is low again. Tomorrow, I'll head in there for a 4 hour treatment of potassium, anti-nausea drugs, steroids, & fluids. That usually means I'll get through the weekend in good shape. The nurse said the Cisplatin often causes this potassium deficit. I felt like I was eating well this week. My Dad will be taking me tomorrow so this will be funny. I have a feeling he will get very comfortable in a recliner in the treatment room & fall asleep. I'm going to tell him he better not start sleeping too deeply or they may hook him up to some meds. If you know my Dad, you would know he could sleep through anything. Haha. Drive carefully today in the ice & snow. Linda