Loop the loop

This is a little update to my July posting because it's been an especially busy month. I was just discharged from the hospital yesterday, July 28. I was admitted twice since my last posting for painful irritation in my lungs. I experienced similar problems earlier in treatment; this has just been more painful. The doctors have ruled out all the bad stuff: blood clot, pneumonia, lots of fluid in my lungs. The irritation is likely due to damage from prior chemo and radiation. So the pain is mostly under control and the doctors are just watching and will recheck in a couple of weeks.

In the mean time, my six month check (vacation) is scheduled in August. Mom and I will fly up to Washington on the 5th and back on the 7th. A medical vacation is about the only one I can take right now since I need to be in contact with doctors aware of my care history and needs. It'll be nice to see Seattle and the SCCA staff again and to take care of a little business. In preparation for the trip I had a CT scan which revealed no signs of cancer; a most happy note.

I'm recovering from the 6-7 days at the hospital quite well. I've been up and around the house getting back on schedule. I did what I could to rest at the hospital and I'm doing whatever I can to stay healthy now. It was great to come home to my pets and some beautiful weather.

I hope each of you is well. Take care. Jill

Thanks!

Hi! It's Jill. Thank you, Dad, for all the time you have put into this blog. Dad continues to get busier and I'm ready to help out. So I will write an update myself this time.

I am alive and kicking. I continue to ride the rollercoaster of recovery, but slowly I am learning what to expect. I had been feeling better over the last couple of months (human, I like to say). Last weekend I got dehydrated from some flu-like symptoms and ended up in the hospital for a couple of days. After filling up on fluids I felt quite well. As a result of the hospitalization my doctor raised me back up on one of my medications and I am dealing with the side effects of that.

Life goes on and I am feeling more confident and hopeful about my recovery. The good days remind me that some day I will be off a lot of these medications and feeling like a real person. In the mean time I am making good use of my time. I've been learning about how to take better care of myslf, getting into town and exercising as much as I can (not much, but it's a start.) In addition to our many errands, Mom and I finally got out for a movie; I'm happy to say that Dad is home from his summer trips for a while; and, I'm looking forward to seeing Harley and his kids this weekend. I am sorry that Amy will not make it down because she is working hard in Urbana.

I'm overwhelmed again and again by the support I feel in this journey. It is amazing how many people still follow my progress. It seems when I am struggling I always find a kind note, a wish for health or a reassurance that someone is praying for me in the mail, over the phone or on-line. I can't tell you how much that support and interest means to me. Sometimes I feel so alone, but never for long. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and all of the time you put into supporting me.

Jill