Nothing is Beyond You

It is crazy how little things can change your plans.  There is a whole book, a black 3-ringed binder that sits on my parent's dining room table that has everything you would like to know and I assume everything you don't want to know, about her cancer treatments.  A black binder is also carried to each appointment as it is the medication log and the daily journal.  Again, everything that you would like to know and don't want to know are in that book. 

Last night dad noticed swelling in mom's hands and feet.  That was another thing that they were to call the doctor on ASAP if it happened.  They called and he saw her first thing this morning before her radiation appt.  They did do an ultrasound and found that there is a blood clot in her left arm - where the pic line is.  This of course is very serious.  The pick line will need to come out and dad is picking up a medication (we assume a blood thinner.)  She does receive her chemo through the pic line, and she will not get chemo again for 6 more weeks.  However, they do other necessary draws and injections through there, ie:  blood work and she received the unit of blood that way yesterday.  I am not sure of the status of a future line, or maybe they will just use her veins. 

The doctor is also concerned about her "confusion."  Although yesterday was a very "sleepy" day, Jeannie said that she was more alert and "in the know" then she had been for the past week.  She was wanting to fall asleep while she was eating and Jeannie had to remind her to chew.  She replied back, "oh thanks for telling me, I am just so tired."  She hasn't responded appropriately like that since treatment started.  He, Dr. Raminini, wants them to try and cut back the morphine.  He doesn't want her in any pain, but he doesn't like how drugged she seems now either.  He wants dad to try to NOT give the fast release pain med and to just stick with the extended release and see how that works for her. 

Another thing that needs prayer for is that her body processes her food and waste properly.  This has been a bit of an issue and really needs to function correctly. 

Last night she was up 6 times through out the night.  Dad has to get up with her too.  So, he is VERY tired today.  Please pray for rest for both of them. 

Everyday I listen to a national christian radio station, KLOVE.  It comes in out of Pittsburgh, but days like today, when it is rainy, it doesn't come in too well.  I turned on WISH 99.7, "easy listening hits of yesterday and today."  Well, after listening to Positive and Encouraging KLOVE all the time, WISH 99.7 seemed too hard for me!  (I wasn't in the mood to hear, "Walking on Sunshine."  I  must be getting old.)  I decided to just listen to some cd's so I opened up the player.  Christmas music was still in there!  UGH!!   I turned it all off and went back the hall to finish getting ready.  Quiet and alone thoughts started to fill my head, thoughts of fear and worry.  "Ok - go back and put some music on to get your head where it should be!"  I took out all the Christmas cd's and surprisingly enough, I found all the right jackets to match!  I put some Christian music in, things I hadn't listened to in a while, and turned it up.  Growing up, I loved Amy Grant.  This is one of my favorite songs that today, again reminded me that "Nothing is Beyond You."  I am so glad that my Abby Father, seeks me out!  There is a picture in this video of an outstretched palm.  Amazing.  Again, giving me hope and security.