Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Quick Update


Dear friends,

Yes it's time for an update and unfortunately it's not the most positive.  I'm in the hospital again and have been here since Sunday.  Main issue is nutrition.  I won't be leaving until we get that under control and I have some means of getting nutrition on a regular basis.

I'm not able to keep food down again and have been having continual nausea and pain as well.  We do have to make a decision though about the way I will be getting my nutrition and we are leaning towards a minor surgical procedure where a feeding tube is inserted and attached to the intestinal tract.  It by-passes the stomach all together which makes sense for me because that is where my problem is.  Unfortunately it won't do anything for any future pain or nausea, but hydration and nutrition will be taken care of.  This is a semi-permanent solution that can be removed at a future date though.

To be honest I don't really relish the idea of a liquid diet on any day, but if it can help during these hard times then we will go with that route.  We are having a consult with a local surgeon today when he gets the time to stop by my room.

Clearly, you can tell that I'm feeling much better than I was since I haven't had any computer communication since last chemo, but I just don't feel like we are out of the woods yet.  I've been thinking long and hard about the future whatever time that means.  Even if we get this nutrition thing under control, the chemo is still hard, hard, hard on me and things aren't necessarily looking that rosy.  My tumor markers continue to rise every week or other week and changing chemo regimen doesnt' make sense with the knowledge that the doctors and we have about my cancer and it's progression.  I am already receiving the best combination that is backed up with research and knowledge, changing it would be like putting your non starters up to play for your starters.  To be honest, my case has have followed all the information that is out there about my type of cancer and it's progression.  Of course I'll be waiting for the fat lady to sing but I also have to be prepared for whatever may happen in her absence.

Thanks as always for visiting!

Until next time.

-Katie

59 comments:

Marlene said...

Oh Katie, I am praying for you. I am praying for a miracle...and praying for some good days ahead. Bless your heart. You are one strong woman.

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

I continue to pray for you, Katie--and always, always send you my love.

Jennie said...

Praying for you Katie!!

Anonymous said...

Katie,
I so agree with you. I'm going to say this and it's personal, you don't have to answer and it may upset you, but I hope and pray that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, he's brought so many believers into your life and he's got you in his hands, my friend. I think whatever happens, it is between you and him, but I would be negligent in my faith if I didn't at least say it once.

If you don't choose to change your chemo and your markers rise, will you stop chemo and get medicinal marajuana (is that how it's spelled)? Marque says if he gets cancer, you'll find him out back smokin! hahaha

I know Chemo is hard on you. I know that you have to choose how much more you want to put your body through.

Just know - whatever you choose, this Texas Gal loves you - so so much...

Praying for you!
em

Giovana said...

Praying for you Katie! Keep positive, HUGS!!

Aquarius said...

Oh Katie, you continue to be strong and fight the fight. You are doing brilliantly. All your cyber-friends are thinking about you right now, you are in my thoughts and best wishes for your future, and may it be a calm one. {{hugs}}

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update Katie!! I helps to know how to pray specifically. We'll keep praying!

Unknown said...

I keep you in my prayers Katie and will continue to do so. I pray that you have lots more happy days with your family and more pain free days. Keep your chin up. Miracles can and do happen. There are hundreds if not thousands of people asking God for one on your behalf.

Hugs,
True :D

ScrapbookDBA said...

Katie -
A peg tube is not as horrendous as it sounds at all! My poor sis was in the hosptial for 4 months and nutrition was definitely an issue. They put in a peg tube in and that was one of the turning points for her. They were able to give nutrition as well as medications through the tube. After 5 months .. I am happy to say that she is getting that out tomorrow morning. She is very happy to hit this milestone. Of course, you may not have it in as long as she did. She has been eating solid food for the last 6 weeks .. we just didn't want to pull it out too soon.

Hugs and more hugs,
Kimberly Eagle

Gill said...

Just sending prayers from a UK reader of your blog.

ZoBe and Me said...

Katy, I pray for you. I found you here threw FB and Forty Toes sent out a link. I just want you to know I would be your fat lady if I could. Many blessings to you. Stay strong and keep fighting hard! You can overcome, you can!

IamDerby said...

Sending you lots of love and hugs! I wish there were something I could do to make it all better for you.

Barb said...

Thinking of you Katie! Good thoughts coming your way!

Christine said...

I will be praying for you!

Bernadette said...

Thanks for the update Katie (I've been stalking your blog). Although this is not the best news, I'm just glad that you're feeling better. You are always in my thoughts. Hang in there.

Joan B said...

While I am sorry you are in the hospital, I was glad to see a post. You are in my thoughts daily (or more). I hope whatever course you choose is the best one. Hugs, joan

Tameko said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the update.
Tameko

Rachel F said...

Sending you hugs from a New Zealand Blog reader :-)

Lynn Mercurio said...

Bless your heart, Katie. My heart aches for the suffering you are enduring, but am blessed by your positive attitude - you're my hero, girl. Love you!

Linda Borneman said...

Katie,
I'm so sorry that this is not the news that you had hoped for but I pray that you don't lose hope. I have to agree with Emily when she said "I hope and pray that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, he's brought so many believers into your life and he's got you in his hands, my friend. I think whatever happens, it is between you and him, but I would be negligent in my faith if I didn't at least say it once. Katie, I pray that you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, too, because He hears the cries of His children and he says himself: "The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed...For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord...and, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears...I am the Lord who heals you." Praying Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals touches you today. Hugs and much love.

JenMarie said...

{hugs} Katie...I think of you all the time...I'm praying! ♥

karen h said...

{{hugs}} My father had a feeding tube like you describe. I know what a hard decision that is. I hope all goes well.

Lorraine said...

Sending you good vibes. xoxo Lorraine

Geny said...

Oh Katie, I am so sad and sorry to hear you are back in the hospital, but hopefully they will get the issues under control. I am always thinking of you and praying for your wellness. Big {{{hugs}}} to you!

Susan said...

You are ever in my thoughts and prayers, Katie. You are so very courageous (which you are probably tired of hearing). You have the best care available, and you are right to trust them. Hugs.

Ashley Newell said...

Praying for you, every single day! I hope you find a good solution to your nutrition and get home soon! Sending so much love!

Sarah said...

Katie, you are in my thoughts so often. We are praying for you. I don't have any words for you that others haven't already said. I am praying for a miracle for you Katie. Miracles happen, I have seen rhem and you can get one too. Please keep your chin up and get better.

Kirei na Kami said...

Oh, Katie! I hate hearing you are in the hospital again!!! My heart breaks at hearing all that you have gone through and what you continue to endure. You have been in my prayers since I first learned of your diagnosis, and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. I do believe in miracles, and I pray that the Lord has one with your name on it!!! Please stay positive and know that you have many, many people sending up loving prayers especially for you!!

Much love,
Carolyn

Louise Williams said...

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time with it all again. By the way, I think when you were first diagnosed I meant to send you this link.

http://www.sirjasonwinters.com/

The tea can do wonders... read up on it, it can't hurt to try and I just thought maybe it could help. Sending hugs x

Althea said...

Hello Katie,
As someone else said I have checking daily to see if you have written an update. I am so sorry that the news is not what you have wanted. I too am praying for better, stronger and healthier days for you. Hugs and prayers.
Althea

Robyn said...

Special love and hugs to you and your family Katie. Thinking of you

Lisa Lynn said...

Hope all goes well with the feeding tube, and that it will help with one of the issues. Continue to send thoughts and prayers your way.

Cheryl Arbo said...

Katie..I have been thinking about you and praying for you and your family everyday. I am so terribly sorry that anyone should have to endure this. None of us know what our future holds, but no one should have to go through a personal hell as you are doing. I was rereading some of your recent posts, thoughts about your husbands future and funeral planning. My only comfort in thinking of the future without someone is that at the end of our time we will all be united once again. My Dad's sister passed away last year, she was the last sibling out of six. I am sure my Dad, her siblings, and my Grandfather was all waiting for her with open arms. That is one of the most glorious thing about thinking about this, we will all be together again without pain, hurt, and sorrow. When my Dad, who also had stomach cancer, knew his time was at the end, he made a promise to always look over us until we met again. I know my Dad has never left me and this gives me comfort. I was only 23 when he passed and we talked alot about stuff, but I think for your boys a wonderful thing would be a journal of your life. Where you were born, schools attended, best friends & activities in school, how you and your husband met, etc. Knowing that you also do paper crafts, you most likely have one of these. LOL They may not appreciate it now, but will treasure it later on when they are older and find their soulmate and share the same sweet love that you and your husabnd do now. I so wish I had been wise and asked my Dad more about his life. Too many unanswered questions. We all have gotten to know you Katie and to love you as a sister. Please know that we all care. Everyone one of us are here for you. Hugs friend.

Jak Heath said...

well sweeetie, this fat lady here in the Uk sings every day for you.I know you have wonderful support in your dedicated family and friends.
Stay strong.
The nutrician op sounds like a good option for you at the moment as you need the strength that the nutrian gives you.
Love you katie.

Gina said...

Hi sweetheart, no wonder you have been struggling these past weeks. How can your body fight without fuel? The liquid diet might not sound that appealing, but at least it will give you strength to cope more :)
Blessings as always :D XXX

debpaint16 said...

Sending you prayers & love, Katie!
Huggss~Debbie

Grandma Nancy said...

Katie, I love you and continue to pray for you and your family.

Melissa Bickford said...

Sending you lots of prayers, hugs and love, Katie! xo

judy said...

Thinking of you, Katie and keeping you in my prayers!!

Pam~ said...

I hope today is brighter than yesterday and tomorrow is brighter than today. Sending positive thoughts and many prayers to you and your family! Hugs to you, my Friend!

Whimcees said...

Hello!

Love you Katie! I am sending prayers and hugs and keeping you in my thoughts every day! Stay strong Katie! You'll be back on that motorcycle soon!

Wishing you a good day today!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Becky Jo said...

Katie, I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers always! I'm so sorry that you have to go thru this terrible ordeal. I think maybe the feeding tube is the way to go. It might just help your body fight this thing if you get the nutrition your body needs to do that. Thanks for taking the time to update your blog. I knew you were having a hard time and was wondering how you were. Love and Hugs, Becky Jo

Sparkly Pink Star said...

thinking of you, feel better soon.

Marcy ~ said...

Sending Prayers and Love your way!!
Thinking of you each day & your family!
Thanks for updating when you are feeling up 2 it!

Theresa Momber said...

Sorry to hear you are in the hospital, but glad you are starting to get the nutrition you need. The feeding tube sounds like a good plan to help you keep your strength. Sending hugs and prayers!!!!

Clare said...

At least the feeding tube will give your body nourishment and strength. Thinking of you often, sending lots of love and positivity to you!

Sue from Oregon said...

Katie, I so hope as you gain strength, you will become stronger in your fight. My most positive thoughts are with you girlie. Hugs

Unknown said...

Katie,
As many have said, I so wish you were not enduring this hard, hard time. I understand completely your thinking about your future. I know these decisions are not easy to make.Please know I keep you in my prayers always and I long for you to know the Lord. I long for you to receive Christ as your Savior, to know that when I get to heaven you'll be there.
hugs,
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you, Katie!

Teri

Eleanor said...

Good luck, Katie, and heartfelt wishes that you'll be feeling better soon. Someone's got to beat this rotten disease... praying that that's you.
Ellie

LORi said...

Covering you in loads of prayer!! So sorry you are going through this...I'm thanking Him during your storm and looking forward to you all enjoying the rainbow! Love & Blessings -LORi

MicheleV said...

Keeping you in my thoughts - you are special!
Take Care.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and sending you aroha from New Zealand xxx

Suzi said...

Oh, Katie, you have been so open about all you are going through. I feel I must be open, too. I pray for you everyday. If God says the end is near, make sure you will see your boys again. Teach them that Jesus loves them and He has provided a life everlasting for those who will accept His gift, paid for my His painful death on the cross. He cares that you are suffering. I do, too! Hugz!

Edith said...

Thinking of you and your family, Katie. I am sure there are lots of people, like me, praying for you every day.
{{Many warm hugs from afar}}
Edith

Bonnie said...

Many of us who follow your blog get so excited when there is a post from you. You are in our prayers. You are so brave and loved.

Nerina said...

Katie, my heart goes out to you. What an incredible ride you've been through with this. You're in my prayers!!

Kathy Mc said...

When I didn't see any new posts for several days, I was afraid you were enduring some miserable moments. Happy to see your new post but sorry things are not progressing in the same way we're all praying for you and your family. You are one tough woman, and I feel confident you will make the best decision for yourself about the feeding tube. You need something to build your strength and that should definitely help. Take care and sending more prayers your way!

Aan Jamhari said...

An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Hadiah Kesehatan

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