Sunday, December 14, 2008

Asking for prayers when Benadryl won't work!

It's been tough. I finished the first round of Chemo a week ago, and day 6 and 7 were beyond tough. Let's just say I didn't eat, but was running to the bathroom with the runs and to vomit... At the same time. I've had days where I slept all day.

Right now is my toughest challenge, I am currently experiencing a full body rash from the chemo and a reaction to Vancomycin. The old Lamaze breathing techniques have been helpful. Today was the absolute worst, and I would but the itching and burning at a 10 on the pain scale. If you want to pray specifically, please pray this rash resolves soon as Benadryl and Hydrocortosone barely touch it. I can't take much more of this torture.

I started slowly losing hair yesterday in big clumps. After washing my hair today, and then brushing it out, I had a hair ball about 15 inches wide! My Mom is staying with me right now, and we decided to cut it all off tomorrow. Mom is going to the wig shop first to buy me some scarves and a night cap cause I hear it can get cold at night when you are bald.

Once everything resolves, I can go home until my second round of Chemo in January. I'm still positive I'll beat this, and I like to think that next round, I'll know more what to expect, so we can combat things sooner!

Thanks for the prayers, and please keep them coming.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, kiddo. You are doing amazing! My entire family will be praying for a way to minimize the pain. Can't wait to see you and your new 'do. Tustin looks forward to having you back home soon.
Hugs.

Het said...

Kelly - I am sorry that this is so hard on you. If anyone deserved an easy fight it was you. You are SO right - you will beat this and I pray that this gets easier and the next round is even easier.

HUGS - thinking of you all!

GinaMarie said...

Kelly,
I'm still holding you up in prayer. Sorry the rash is so hard. Praying it goes soon and you can go home soon for a break before the next round. I know it will do you all good to go home even for a little bit and hopefully before Christmas.
HUGS,
Gina Marie and boys
www.caringbridge.org/visit/noahhaugh
and CN

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you, and wishing you home soon...

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers up for you.

Marcie
(from CN)

Andrea said...

You are so brave Kelly! I am praying for you every day. I hope your rash gets better soon. Thinking of you...

Andrea in IN

Anonymous said...

Mega-dermatological-sympathy, Kelly. Hope you are waking-up from a long comforting sleep by the time you read this.

I can't help but think that 'where' the rash is part of the discomfort, but I'm hoping you don't tell us anyway.....

I can't help but wonder if there aren't topical creams that would be effective for decreasing the itching and pain - ?

Christmas at home...ah, now that sounds medicinal! Prayers continuing. Barbara

Anonymous said...

thinking of you and sending my prayers for your total healing...

much love,
gypsygrrl

Vajana said...

thinking about you every day, even if we've never met, my thoughts are with you! Yay for Christmas at home!

Hair is so over rated.

Anonymous said...

Stay strong Kelly... We love you and our prayers are with you and the family. Look forward to having you home soon.

Shelly

Ben and Bennie said...

Hang in there Kelly. You have a lot of spiritual and emotional support all over North America!

Anonymous said...

Lots of prayers coming your way! You're in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

You have such an amazing attitude, Kelly. I wish this weren't so terribly hard on you. I think you're absolutely right, though, that your next round, you'll know what to expect and that alone will make it somewhat easier. You're so strong, you're doing an amazing job! Sending tons of prayers for you.

Anonymous said...

You just hang in there and know you are being thought of and prayed for. May the itching stop pronto!!

Melissa said...

Kelly-
We are all praying for you here in Georgia. I hope you can get some relief (and sleep) soon. We'll definitely PRAY for THAT!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathan

Anonymous said...

I hope the itching stops. I can imagine how miserable you are with that. My mom went thru breast cancer and you can get help with the wigs if you want from The american cancer society. They do more than help with wigs though. My mom got one wig thru them and one thru a local wig bank. I shaved her head for her and she felt alot better after it was done. Hang in there I hope you get past this rash and fever and get home soon!

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers...

xo

Spikey1 said...

lots of x's and o's from here