Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Home

It has been wonderful to be home, however I am concerned at how this last hospital stay was so difficult on me emotionally. I have a follow up appointment with the oncologist on Thursday, and I am going to ask her if it is possible that I'm depressed. A social worker informed me last week that high doses of Vitamin A can often bring on a swift bought of depression. Judging from all the emotions I had in the hospital, I think its best to check it out fully and talk to my doctor. It isn't safe to fool around with such things.

And even though I'm home, I'm still isolating myself from the general public since we don't know if my immune system numbers have finally reached safe levels. I had blood drawn last night, and should get those numbers on Thursday. I imagine all is well as I haven't spiked a fever, but better safe than a trip back to the hospital if I get really sick.

Since being home, I haven't been sleeping well. I guess I'm still on hospital time; IV change at midnight, blood draw at 3:00 a.m., vitals at 4:00 a.m., etc. I think a sleeping pill is in order for this evening.

And since this is Jenelle's website, I thought I'd give an update on her as well. Unfortunately, Jenelle is showing an increase in seizures lately. We haven't heard her in the middle of the night, but she has had a lot at daycare. We have an appointment for Dr. Shields in early March, so I'll continue to monitor it and discuss it with him then. Perhaps another adjustment in medication is in order.

Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers. I'll update again after our follow up this Thursday.

7 comments:

Timestep said...

Kelly, it also sounds like Post tramatic Stress (well, not exactly since the stress still exists - but the return to the hospital bringing up emotions still unresolved from the first hospitalization.

Can you also ask about a counselor to help you deal with the emotions that surround this?

I'm not saying it's not depression, I just think it's a compound problem.

HUGS.

Anonymous said...

Kelly, gosh you've been through and are going through so much. I think you're wise to be vigilant about your emotions. I am sure your exhaustion is contibruting to your feelings of depression too. Hang in there and know that we're all thinking of you and praying for you. With love, Veronica

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed, too, with your insight for yourself. I'm sure knowing that you have good medical care, and that you are tracking yourself carefully reassures everyone who cares about you that you are in the best possible circumstances.

Many thanks for sharing your experiences here. It is a privilege to pray for you and your family.

Barbara

Gators_Rule said...

Kelly,

Outwardly, you seem so strong. I'm sorry the last stay was so tough emotionally. You are right in getting it checked out.

I'm also sorry to hear about Jenelle's increased seizure activity. I hope you are able to get that straightened out through her meds.

V is right! We are all keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Randy and others have asked me how you are doing. We're just one big family!

Linda

Anonymous said...

As always, thinking about and praying for you, Brett, and the kids.
With love, Linda Kline

Me said...

Just stopping in to say 'eh'. I think of you a couple times each day for no reason whatsoever and even though I'm not always sure what to say in the comment section here I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. :)

Tonie Auer said...

I know what the problem is ... my mother told me to never pray for patience because God would give me trials to test my patience. What you need to pray for is strength. God, give me the strength to handle these trials. Those simple words have guided my prayers throughout my life. Is my life any easier? Probably not, but my frame of mind is such that God only gives us what we can handle. We all knew you were a pillar of strength - apparently God thinks so, too.

Seriously, you are in the prayers of so many powerful prayer warriors across Texas - God is with you, even in those darkest moments.

We love you. Surround yourself with the people who love you and let them hold your hand.

Hang in there.