Saturday, February 19, 2011
Again...Almost
I was in the ER again. I woke up, feeling horrible. Just about ready to lose it all over again. Vomit, passing out, you know, the regular thing. Miranda took me right to the hospital. The doctors have no definite answer, but they ruled out heart problems, which is nice. They think that it could be because I am such a "lightweight" when it comes to medicine (good thing I have never had alcohol before!), and tapering off the prednisone, my body is really getting thrown through the ringer.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Not A Good Day
So, I have been on prednisone since about September. I have been coming down off of it because it's one of those drugs that you can't "cold turkey" your way off of it. But I have been having a real hard time coming off. My adrenal glands just aren't kicking in the way they should. I have been on high dosage for so long, they have all but shut down. Now they won't wake up!
So I get up this morning, go to the bathroom, and just start vomiting. Miranda is freaked out, and so she takes me to Patient First, the clinic close to our home. I get in to see someone, and no sooner, throw up everywhere, and then pass out. The next thing I remember is Miranda, catching me again (just like she caught me in ABG chamber), pushing me out of the trash can they gave me to throw up in. The nurses help me regain myself, and then stick a swab down my throat so they can run tests. Not a good idea!!! More vomit, more passing out.
After a little bit, they want to do some test with me. I lay down, and they take my pulse and blood pressure. They they sit me up, and do the same tests. And then they have me stand up and do the same tests. Well, I didn't eve get through the sit up portion of the test. And I bet you can guess what happened! Yep, I started throwing up, and passed out again.
So all of this is going on, and I really remember none of it. I was passed out enough, and trying to come to enough, that I don't remember a thing. I can't imagine what Miranda is thinking. She called our parents to let them know what was going on. My mother came to Patient First. Eventually they took me to the hospital.
So I get to the hospital, and have tons of tests run to find out what is going on. I have needles sticking out of me and everything else. I am sure that I was quite the sight! The hospital tried to run the whole lay down, sit up, stand up test. Luckily this time, when I sat up, I was able to detect that I was able to pass out again, and was able to lie down quick enough to ward off that episode again.
Throughout this whole process, I had a slue of visitors. All of our parents had come and gone at some point. The administrator of the hospital and a doctor that Chi Chi is friends with come down and say hello. Mom actually stayed with Miranda and me throughout most of the ordeal. She did take off once to get her own procedure done (had an MRI on her knee). Miranda's sister, Shelby, came to stay with us when she had that done.
So after all of these tests and theories, the doctors concluded that I am suffering "adrenal crisis." The adrenal glands in the body produce steroids that influence hormones, electrolytes, blood sugars, and other stuff like that. Prednisone does the same thing. And so when I take prednisone, my body is telling itself to shut down because an outside source is doing its job. So the adrenal gland stops working. Well, what this means for me is that as I was tapering down off the medications, I wasn't receiving sufficient steroid to produce all the stuff that I need. And how does my body react to it? Vomit, passing out, and all that fun stuff!
So the doctors put some prednisone in my IV, and in minutes, I felt totally fine again. Eventually I got to go home.
This has been quite a traumatic day. I hurt. My body is tired and sore. I don't ever want to do this again!
So I get up this morning, go to the bathroom, and just start vomiting. Miranda is freaked out, and so she takes me to Patient First, the clinic close to our home. I get in to see someone, and no sooner, throw up everywhere, and then pass out. The next thing I remember is Miranda, catching me again (just like she caught me in ABG chamber), pushing me out of the trash can they gave me to throw up in. The nurses help me regain myself, and then stick a swab down my throat so they can run tests. Not a good idea!!! More vomit, more passing out.
After a little bit, they want to do some test with me. I lay down, and they take my pulse and blood pressure. They they sit me up, and do the same tests. And then they have me stand up and do the same tests. Well, I didn't eve get through the sit up portion of the test. And I bet you can guess what happened! Yep, I started throwing up, and passed out again.
So all of this is going on, and I really remember none of it. I was passed out enough, and trying to come to enough, that I don't remember a thing. I can't imagine what Miranda is thinking. She called our parents to let them know what was going on. My mother came to Patient First. Eventually they took me to the hospital.
So I get to the hospital, and have tons of tests run to find out what is going on. I have needles sticking out of me and everything else. I am sure that I was quite the sight! The hospital tried to run the whole lay down, sit up, stand up test. Luckily this time, when I sat up, I was able to detect that I was able to pass out again, and was able to lie down quick enough to ward off that episode again.
Throughout this whole process, I had a slue of visitors. All of our parents had come and gone at some point. The administrator of the hospital and a doctor that Chi Chi is friends with come down and say hello. Mom actually stayed with Miranda and me throughout most of the ordeal. She did take off once to get her own procedure done (had an MRI on her knee). Miranda's sister, Shelby, came to stay with us when she had that done.
So after all of these tests and theories, the doctors concluded that I am suffering "adrenal crisis." The adrenal glands in the body produce steroids that influence hormones, electrolytes, blood sugars, and other stuff like that. Prednisone does the same thing. And so when I take prednisone, my body is telling itself to shut down because an outside source is doing its job. So the adrenal gland stops working. Well, what this means for me is that as I was tapering down off the medications, I wasn't receiving sufficient steroid to produce all the stuff that I need. And how does my body react to it? Vomit, passing out, and all that fun stuff!
So the doctors put some prednisone in my IV, and in minutes, I felt totally fine again. Eventually I got to go home.
This has been quite a traumatic day. I hurt. My body is tired and sore. I don't ever want to do this again!
Monday, February 7, 2011
You had a what?!?!...
Well, today was a first for me. I had a biopsy on a lump on my chest. Before that I had a mammogram. Yes, that's right...a mammogram. I never thought I would have to do that. And I tell you what, it hurt! Part of the reason it hurt is because I still have the mediport in my chest, and so that was being scrunched. Yeah, that didn't feel good.
Interesting experience. One that I don't want again!
Interesting experience. One that I don't want again!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Champion Day
Tonight I had a work meeting. I am in a business called ACN, that deals with telecommunication and energy products and services. One of our Regional Vice Presidents, Joel Frager, came to speak to us. It was a great meeting.
Afterward, I introduced myself to him. He mentioned that two of my business partners, Dennis Jones and Chris Davis, have talked to him about me and my situation. He has also been touched indirectly by cancer. He asked me how I was, and I was happy to report that I was cancer free. He gave me a big hug, and said, "You know, you are a true champion."
It made me feel great. Not prideful, but great. I realize how lucky I am to be a survivor. I have beaten the odds. And I know that I am not the only one. There are many like me. And to you I say, "You are a True Champion."
We also had a check up with Dr Lee, my oncologist. He said that things are looking very good. He showed us before/after pictures of the lump in my neck and mass in my chest, and how it has shrunk. it is amazing!
We also mapped out a schedule with him for the next five years. Doctor visits, CAT Scans periodically to make sure that nothing comes back.
And to make things even better, Ryan and Stephanie welcomed Seren Kanani into the world!
Afterward, I introduced myself to him. He mentioned that two of my business partners, Dennis Jones and Chris Davis, have talked to him about me and my situation. He has also been touched indirectly by cancer. He asked me how I was, and I was happy to report that I was cancer free. He gave me a big hug, and said, "You know, you are a true champion."
It made me feel great. Not prideful, but great. I realize how lucky I am to be a survivor. I have beaten the odds. And I know that I am not the only one. There are many like me. And to you I say, "You are a True Champion."
We also had a check up with Dr Lee, my oncologist. He said that things are looking very good. He showed us before/after pictures of the lump in my neck and mass in my chest, and how it has shrunk. it is amazing!
We also mapped out a schedule with him for the next five years. Doctor visits, CAT Scans periodically to make sure that nothing comes back.
And to make things even better, Ryan and Stephanie welcomed Seren Kanani into the world!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Great News
I met today with Dr Duckett, my pulmonologist. We reviewed my latest lung capacity tests, and he said they were "incredible." Obviously he is saying that in comparison to what they used to be, but i will take it! So that was nice. Then we mapped out the remainder of the prednisone calender. And the magic date is...
APRIL 20!!!!!
So in a few short months, I will be off this stuff and ready to roll along again! What a great excuse for another party!
APRIL 20!!!!!
So in a few short months, I will be off this stuff and ready to roll along again! What a great excuse for another party!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Funeral Robert Russell Robertson
Today was Grandad's funeral. Beautiful ceremony, honoring the man whom we all loved and respected. Miranda and I sang together "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." Mom accompanied us.
I never realized how much I love music until recently. Because of the lung damage and prednisone, I was not able to sing the way I usually can (which isn't the greatest anyway, but I can hold a note or two!). I feel as if it's almost been taken from me, but I am able to keep just enough. Almost as a tease. You older athletes know what I am talking about. Your body and head think about what you could do when you were younger. But when you go out to play right now, and try to execute "fundamental things," you fall flat on your face, or don't do it like you used to. That is how I felt today. So boo to prednisone for that, but yeah for helping me live.
As part of the ceremony, we were able to take part in the Military respects of the 16 gun salute, bugles, bag pipes, the whole nine yards. It was inspirational.
I never realized how much I love music until recently. Because of the lung damage and prednisone, I was not able to sing the way I usually can (which isn't the greatest anyway, but I can hold a note or two!). I feel as if it's almost been taken from me, but I am able to keep just enough. Almost as a tease. You older athletes know what I am talking about. Your body and head think about what you could do when you were younger. But when you go out to play right now, and try to execute "fundamental things," you fall flat on your face, or don't do it like you used to. That is how I felt today. So boo to prednisone for that, but yeah for helping me live.
As part of the ceremony, we were able to take part in the Military respects of the 16 gun salute, bugles, bag pipes, the whole nine yards. It was inspirational.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! No matter what language it is in (and those happen to be the only two I know) it's the same feeling! What a wonderful time. I am grateful to be around to see this Christmas; to be with Miranda, to be with my family. And to make it all the more special, we had a great Christmas gift from the heavens...SNOW!! Yes, Yes, I am not one that likes snow all that much. Living in Connecticut for 13 years, Idaho for five, and Canada for two, I have seen my fair share of snow. But there is something about in on Christmas that makes Miranda call it "magical." I would have to say that I agree!this year for Christmas, Miranda's parents took us all to see The Lion King at the Chrysler. The Touring Broadway company was in Norfolk, VA. it was amazing, and so much fun to see. I saw it on Broadway, and it was so great to be able to see it again.
What a wonderful day!
As if customary on Christmas, may I offer each of you a gift. It's not much, but the most invaluable gift I can give, especially to people like us that are in need of special blessings. I pray the God of Heaven to send His happiness and joy this Christmas season to fill your heart and home as it has mine. May this Christmas be a different one for you, realizing the great gift it is to be alive! But most important, may we always remember the great gift of God's Only Begotten Son, even Jesus Christ, through whom we may live this life in happiness and hope, but also live again forever.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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