An Update
Hello! This is just a quick update. I’ve been really sick since yesterday. I think I caught a bug or something and was very, very ill all day throwing up and such. On top of that, I had a “bilateral” bone marrow biopsy. Which means I got a needle inserted deep into my pelvis bone not once, but twice. It was hands down the worst experience I’ve had in the hospital so far. I won’t go into the gory details, but throwing up on a biopsy table is one memory I’d like to forget.
My body temperature is also up and down, I was running a fever last night and this morning. I thought it may be related to the flu, but my doctor said it may be related to the cancer. They took some blood cultures to make sure I don’t have an infection.
The biggest news I’ve received in the past couple days is that they didn’t get enough viable samples from my chest biopsy to make a proper diagnosis. I met with a thoracic surgeon yesterday and he’s going to cut either into the bottom of my throat or side of my chest to insert a scope to get larger samples of the growth in my chest. The good news is that I will be put under anaesthesia for the procedure. I’m up for anything if I’m put to sleep for it! The bad news is I won’t know exactly what kind of lymphoma it is or how it’s going to be treated for another week. So the waiting game continues.
I’m taking a road trip tomorrow to get a test at a hospital 75 minutes away. Hopefully I’m feeling a little better by then so I can enjoy my brief escape from the hospital. I’m still very weak and can’t walk around. Ironic, because I’m finally off the bed rest order! I haven’t been on the computer much, just lots of sleeping and resting, which is what I’ll be doing for the rest of the day. So don’t fret if you don’t hear from me :)
Posted on June 29, 2011, in Uncategorized and tagged cancer. Bookmark the permalink. 75 Comments.
The Great Balancing Act 
Thanks for the update, Susan. I can’t believe they have to go get the samples again. Love and hugs.
Hugs! Hope they find out exactly what it is soon!
I was linked to you by Janetha, I am so sorry and will be keeping you in my prayers!
Wow. That procedure sounds heinous. I am sorry to hear that AND you are sick. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. My prayers are with you.
Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling so badly! :( That sounds downright miserable! Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated! You could probably set a record for the number of people in the most places thinking of you and praying for you! :) Rest up! I hope tomorrow is a better day!!!
SO sorry to hear you’ve been feeling worse. Sending you all of the positive love and energy I have!!! :)
Aww Susan! Sorry to hear that you are feeling so terribly. Thanks for the update – I think of you often and will continue to send positive vibes your way.
Thanks for the update. How horrible to catch a bug – talk about adding insult to injury! Hope you shed that bug soon! ~ Sending good thoughts and lots of prayers!
I am sorry about the procedure. I know it must be horrible! Double horrible since you are sick.
I hope you feel better. Take as much rest time as you need, you need your strength!
Thank you for updating–I know everyone is obsessively checking your blog for updates. Well.. at least I am ;) I am sorry about the shitty sickness and the rough times. I wish I was magic.
What Janeetha said.
Stay strong Susan!
We are all thinking of you!
lots of hugs.
I definitely understand not wanting to be on the internet when you are tired. I hope you are able to enjoy the time you have with your family and friends when they visit. I want to wish you the best of luck with the thoracic surgeon and I hope you feel 99.9% better by tomorrow!
I hope you’re feeling much better by tomorrow and enjoy some time outside of the hospital. In our prayers!
I’m thinking about you, Susan. I have to say, you seriously have the best attitude- even though this is a tough post, I can still sense how strong and positive you’re staying! I’m sincerely proud of you. And remember- good days come with the bad days, so things can only look up! Hope you feel better very soon.
Oy, that sounds rather awful (the procedure), so sorry. I hope the next one goes well and they can get the sample they need. Hang in there and stay strong. Enjoy being off bed rest too.
I just learned about your story and your blog from Caitlin’s Healthy Tipping Point, and I was blown away. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts, and I wish you an amazing and speedy recovery surrounded by your friends and family. You seem to have an amazing outlook on the whole ordeal and I think that will really help. I really enjoyed your post on the hospital food; you would think that the hospital would provide HEALTHY food to help the recovery. I hope you feel better and i wish you and your family the best!
Thank you for updating us, dear Susan. I wish I could get the biopsy instead of you. Damn. I’m glad you will get out some tomorrow and I hope it is a beautiful day for you. Your strength will come back in time and I’ve been reading some positive things about percentages, etc. that make me KNOW you are going to get through all of this with your usual wonderfulness, genuineness, and overall incredible spirit.
Thinking of you and sending all the positive energy I can create your way.
Allison
Awwww Susan that sounds pretty miserable. I really hope that you are feeling better for your trip tomorrow. Is there any news on your blood clot?
My blood is still coagulating, although the thinners are helping. I’ll be on blood thinners for a loooong time :(
Hello,
I have been a silent reader for a while now but I just wanted to say you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers! Stay strong -Robin
Oh my goodness,that doesn’t sound like much fun! Nevertheless, thank you so much for the update Susan! We love hearing from you, even if it’s not always the best news. Good luck with that trip to get the other test done – like you said, at least it’ll mean getting out of the hospital walls for a little while. Thinking of you lots! :)
Hi Susan,
I’m a fellow (west coast) Canadian and I just found your blog this morning, thanks to Caitlin@HTP. I’m always looking for Canadian blogs to follow and one day hope to be one of those bloggers!
I’m sorry to hear about the tough times you are going thru and my thoughts are with you. I’d imagine it would be extremely tough, but it would seem that a positive attitude keeps a person going…as Caitlin quoted on her blog the other day…”If you’re going through Hell, keep on going…!”
I look forward to following your blog and offering the only thing I can, kind words and encouragement, as you go through your treatment.
I hope you feel better for your road trip!
Nikki :)
Enjoy your time away from the hospital!!!!
I hope you’re feeling somewhat better soon. You’re a strong woman and have so many of us praying for you! And, you’re going to be my inspiration to push myself at the gym tonight to be healthy and strong as well. Thank you and stay strong!
I just found your blog through Healthy Tipping Point. Obviously we don’t know each other, but I’m following you now and will be thinking of you often and sending strong, positive vibes your way!!
Susan I think about you all the time…you are such a trooper. Hope they can give you a proper diagnosis soon. Stay strong!
You are so brave and amazingly strong! Thank you so much for continuing to write and update everyone. I’m sending healing energy your way!
Hang in there Susan. At least it will be nice not to breathe hospital air for just a little bit.
No word of a lie, I started to tear up the second the air hit my face today. It had been 8 days since I smelled the outdoors.
Susan I have been thinking about you nonstop the past few days and I am so sorry to hear about all this…that needle in your pelvis twice just made me shudder in pain and agony for you. And that you have to repeat some of this. I hope you ARE feeling stronger tomorrow so that you can enjoy your time out of the 4 walls of your hospital room.
I am thinking about and praying for you :)
I’ve only heard bad things about those bone biopsies…sorry was as awful as it sounds :(
When my dh went through the same cancer it was the bone marrow biopsy that was the worst one. So you are done with that one! You can handle anything now. Enjoy your road trip tomorrow.
So glad to hear from you Susan…but like everyone else, I’m so sorry you’re feeling so, well, shitty! I’m sure that having to deal with illness on top of a painful procedure didn’t make anything any easier. Man, I’ve heard they’re the worst pain in the world…and I’m so sorry you had to endure that. I really don’t know why they don’t knock people out for that one. Stress doesn’t make it any better…when you’re expecting pain, I swear it makes it worse. (I’ve had a lumbar puncture before…and epidurals are now the most nerve wracking thing ever for me.)
Good luck tomorrow on your trip to the other hospital…and I hope they can get a good sample and ease your mind of the anticipation. Keep your chin up pretty lady!
Susan, thinking about you constantly. Sending good juju and prayers your way. Your attitude is inspirational!
:( I, like others, had been wondering what’s been going on. Amazing that you keep the positivity flowing through all of this. It will be your saving grace. Know that you have a whole lot of us rooting for you! :) :)
Thank you for your updates and so sorry to hear about more struggles. Sending loving thoughts (and a package this weekend) your way. xo
Thinking of you constantly. I know I have not commented much on your blog before, but every since finding out about your cancer I just cannot get you out of my head. I’m ALWAYS thinking of you & praying for you.
Hi Susan, I’m new but i’ve been catching up on your posts. You’re an inspiration, you’re so strong and I wanted you to know that i’ll be praying for you. :)
Sorry to hear about the sickness. Hope it is just a passing bug that goes quickly. I’m with you on being put to sleep for the procedures. It’s better for everyone if they just knock me out!
Hope your next tests go well.
You are a strong lady!! Let me tell you! Just hearing about the needle in the pelvis thing makes me feel sick.
Thinking of you and I hope you enjoy your trip tomorrow too! Hopefully the sun will be shinning!
I’ve been catching up on your blog today. I can not believe what you are going through. That needle sounds terrible. You will be in my thoughts, enjoy your break from the hospital.
I am totally with you on being asleep for medical procedures. I wish they could do that more often, I am a baby about some of that stuff.
I’m a baby when it comes to needles too, which makes it all so much worse!
I’m so sorry you had to have a bone marrow biopsy! They look horrible (I’ve seen 2 first hand and felt just awful for the people getting them.) I don’t know why people are conscious for them…. I mean conscious sedation would be an improvement. Good luck on your other tests, I hope they go more smoothly!
good luck with everything – am thinking of ya!
Enjoy your time out of the hospital! Lots of love and prayers!
Thinking of you often! Remember you are truly amazing and I don’t know how you do it! Love the positive attitude about being up for anything as long as your sedated :-). I am off to Amherst Shore on Canada Day and will be thinking of you! Take care
I just found your blog through Caitlin (healthy tipping point) – My healing thoughts are with you. Be well!!!
Hi Susan, I found your blog just this morning through Healthy Tipping Point. I wanted to echo what the other posters said– you and your family are in my thoughts and sending much love and positivity your way. You are VERY, VERY brave. I have faith that you will get through this. One day this will all be a bad memory AND a testament to your strength and resilience!!
I hope you can enjoy some fresh air and a good rock out jam session on your “road trip” tomorrow! positive vibes and lots of love as always!
Hope you get to feeling better and good luck with trip. Take care Hun.
Hang in there. I hope the road trip is good and you start feeling better. Good luck with everything!
Feel better, lady- hang in there! xoxo
I’ve been praying for you Susan. Those tests sound so invasive, but I’m glad they’re going to get down to see what kind of lymphoma you have. I hope the test goes well tomorrow.
Lots of prayers and good wishes are with you from your Swallow cousins. You are one tough cookie and your determination and positive attitude will see you through this along with the loving support of your family. We look forward to seeing you at Amherst Shore!
Susan, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just read all your posts about your diagnosis. I am praying for you and sending positive thoughts your way. You already have been so strong through all of this! You WILL get through this!
Can you BA the next car from the ambulance? Just thinking of things to keep you occupied. :-)
Hi. I read about you over on Healthy Tipping Point. I’m wishing you all the strenghth you need to pull you through this!
Hi Susan! I found your blog/story through Healthy Tipping Point. I just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you. My 36 year old brother in law just kicked Stage IV Hodgkin’s in the arss in less than 6 months and I know you can do it too! Hang in there. Stay positive!
waiting is hard but it’s gonna be okay. nothing will happen to you that you can’t handle :) but bone marrow biopsy is really painful from what I’ve heard. but you have the latest technology and the best doctors there so it’s okay :)
I know it’s not much, but you are in my thoughts. I’ll be reading along and supporting you silently on this side of the screen. :)
I know it sucks to hear that they have to go in for another biopsy, but at least you’ll have some answers soon on what kind of treatment you’re gonna follow! You’ll rock those tests, Susan (and yay for being put under!). Enjoy your mini escape outdoors, I hope the sun will be shining for ya! Stay strong girlfriend!
Thank you for the up date! I’m so sorry to hear you have to the test again thats crappy : (
I hope you feel better for your road trip, thinking of you x x
Poopie…I hope you feel a bit better today. I’ve always heard horror stories about bone marrow testing. I’m sorry you had to go through that twice. That just sucks :( I probably would have passed out! Enjoy the fresh air during your escape :D
I did pass out! I didn’t go into all the gory details, but they had to lift me off the biopsy table into a wheelchair and back on to a stretcher, during which I was still throwing up. Awful, I know.
Yucky! I’m so sorry to hear about the double biopsy. On top of being sick, I’m sure it just sucked. Since you’re probably not dancing right now, I’m going to do a little happy dance in your honor for anesthesia on your upcoming procedure. What a relief!
i am thinking of you Susan :) so strong, hang in there xx
I’ve never been to your blog before tonight but I just want to say I’m thinking of you and sending every healthy, positive vibe I have your way.
Wow, what a tough couple of days! Hope your trip goes well and that you have strength and good news soon x
I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you so much. Thanks for keeping us updated. Sorry to hear about the longer waiting game and the painful testing and the illness. Things come in threes right? Maybe that means you will have three GOOD pieces of news coming your way too. Or, heck….let’s make that more than three. :)
You are! Amazing! Brave! And wonderful!
I hope you’re feeling better today
Hi! I’m a new reader of yours, after seeing a couple other blogs I read talk about you. Just a question for you…. When you stated you had a persistent kink in your neck, does that actually have something to do with the lymphoma? Or was that just something else and by chance they found the lymphoma? It caught my eye because I have been dealing with a kink in my next for 2 months now, and my family dr just prescribes pain meds, which I do not want, so I have been seeing a chiropractor on a weekly basis. I hope you are doing well! *sending many positive thoughts and prayers*
Natalie – good question! The “kink” or rather “pain” in my neck was the result of a blood clot in my throat, which was caused by the cancer squeezing the veins in my chest. It differed from a usual kink because it was swollen and the veins around it were colourful (because they were being constricted!). I seemed to be the only one who didn’t recognize those as unusual symptoms, and my doctor right away knew something was up. If you’re concerned, be persistent about getting a CT scan, it will give a better idea if something more serious is happening!
Completely new blog reader here – found you through Peanut Butter Fingers but I have been addicted to reading your story for the last few hours. What an amazing amount of strength you have! I too have had pain in my neck for some time and swollen lymph nodes – I went to the doctor (despite not wanting to) and found out everything is okay, but because you share your story, even if just one person catches a disease early – you could be saving a life.