I was having a lot of pain on Tuesday evening and by 3a it became unbearable and my oncologist recommended I go to the ER. Tom called 911 because I wasn’t able to get out of bed, much less into the car on my own.
The ambulance arrived and somehow managed to get me out of the house without waking the girls. Tom let them know what was going on and one of my friends came over super early to be with them when they woke up. The ER was a pretty slow process, but they did run a number of tests and started an IV to get my pain under control. The two main concerns were the pain in my back and my difficulty breathing. The most recent CT scans showed some fluid accumulating around my right lung and hinted at a possible infection.
After several hours, they decided to admit me, primarily because they were concerned about possible pneumonia. My oxygen levels weren’t stable and everytime they took me off oxygen support my blood oxygen would drop into hypoxic levels. Because the hospitalization was lung related, that triggered a potential COVID diagnosis. I was given a COVID test and moved to a quarantine area of the ER. Tom had to leave and I wasn’t allowed any visitors. Initially I felt abandoned, alone without a call button or the pain medication I had scheduled. Fortunately, that was quickly remedied and ultimately the care was good.
I was transferred to a COVID possible room in the hospital later that evening, I was really groggy and don’t remember a lot of it. Later Thursday morning, my COVID test came back negative and I was able to move to a normal wing within the hospital.
Fortunately I can have visitors again (though only one per day) and Tom is sitting with me now (and ‘Tom’ is actually writing this blog post for me…if that isn’t obvious by the very different writing!). I have more tests today and still waiting for some clarity on next steps and how long I will be at the hospital. The blood culture for pneumonia takes 24-48 hours to get back. I am hopeful for an update (and a return home) soon.
I wanted to post something sooner, but wasn’t able to. I have been pretty sleepy so it may take me a little while to respond to text messages. Thanks for continuing to pray for our family.
Update tonight:
Pain is more under control but still the – problem is not fixed.
The CT today was compared to the one Dr Leung did a couple weeks ago and there is more fluid around the right lung, probably from the cancer and probably causing the pain. They are going to try and drain that tomorrow.
With the pain being under control, I have been able to get up out of bed and walk down the hallway.
I met with a few people from two different therapy departments that are helping me think of ways to do basic things at home with the issues that I’m having. That was very helpful.
I met with a palatine care nurse practitioner and she is helping me look at how we will manage the pain outside of the hospital.
Constipation and bloating – That needs to be resolved before I leave the hospital. I compared a picture of me now to my pregnancy pictures, and I look 4 months pregnant. My stomach is the exact same shape as when I was 4 months pregnant with Molly. Something is definitely wrong.
There have been some very uncomfortable parts to the day, but overall it was a good day and I was even able to help Ashley with homework while sitting in the hospital.
And that picture reminds me about my oxygen. I am still on oxygen. We need to resolve that as well.
Thanks for updating us Tom (and Jennifer).
I am sending prayer requests to everyone we know, and Tom, please text me (number in Jennifer’s phone) if there’s anything our PTA/Drama Club crews can do…we’re all on standby.
We all love you, Jennifer, and your entire family, and you are all in my constant prayer.
Hugs and love,
Laura
Sending you love and many prayers. Tom, contact me if you guys need anything – homework help, errands cleaning, anything. Jennifer, rest well. You’re in good hands ❤
I’m so sorry to hear you’re in the hospital. Praying for you and your family! Please let me know if I can help in any way. Sending hugs and love!
Jennifer, we are praying for you without ceasing. I love you.
Praying for all of you to feel God’s presence and for God to guide and direct those who are caring for you.
Hugs
Dear friend… hugs and prayers to you!!!!
Continuing to pray for you and Tom and girls. Much love to you and hugs!
Praying for you and your family tonight! ♥️
Thank you for sharing and yes I continue to pray.
We love you Jennifer. Praying for you all.
Thinking of your family, Jennifer. Thank you for updating us.
We will be praying for these things to be resolved. If your girls ever need any homework help, have them text me & I can have one of our college kids text or facetime with them. They like helping each other out & tutoring other students whenever they can. They remember it better than we do because it was only a few years ago that they went thru it themselves & it keeps their skills sharp too.
As hard as it is to rest in the hospital, I pray you have a restful nights sleep. Thanks for the updates, it helps me to pray more and worry less. You encourage me to pray. I remember my aunt, who had pancreatic & liver cancer, had fluid build up in her abdomen to where she looked pregnant too & she would go in to have all the extra fluid drained from her abdomen when she felt very bloated. Her Dr. said it was her bodies response to everything she was fighting off, like when you have a sprained ankle, infection, cancer, etc. your body sends extra fluids to that area to heal. She felt better after having all the extra fluid drained off. Praying you feel better soon. Much love,
Continue prayers for you Jennifer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the girls as well. Hoping you will be able to go home very soon. God Bless you , Tom and your beautiful girls. Hugs
Dear Jen – Prayers continue from your “prayer squad” at The Bridge Bible Fellowship
( I know – it will always be Reseda Baptist to you) We love you and pray they will get things under control so you can be back home with Tom and the girls. Love and BIG hugs
I’m praying that remedies come swiftly and that you will go home feeling better and with a plan that will make life easier. Much love to you and your family!
I just want to hug you! Both of you! Instead I am up tonight praying for relief and rest for you. I hate that you are suffering. Just sleep as much as you can. God is holding you. Sending you baskets full of love and kisses.
Praying your medical team will do all that’s needed to bring you swift relief from your pain and discomfort. Praying your hospital stay will be short so you can get home with your family soon. So thankful for a negative Covid test! It’s clear that you are loved and supported by so many dear friends and family that are willing to step in to help with your families needs. The Lord is carrying you all in His loving arms. Praying for you and your family daily. ❤️
Thank you for the update, Tom/Jen. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of these issues but I’m so thankful you were able to get medical care quickly. I’m praying for quick relief from the pain, bloating, and everything else you have or haven’t mentioned. God knows every need! I stand with all of your other prayer warriors. We love you so much! That photo of you helping with homework blew me away. Even when you’re in agony you still put others first. What a blessing you are! God bless you dear one. May God grant you His perfect peace and comfort.
We echo the sentiments
of all the others who are keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers. May God continue to wrap His arms of love around you all and protect your hearts…and give you relief
We’re praying for you all, with love. God is with you, inside of you every minute; let his rays of warmth and love blanket you in peace.
Tom thank you so much for the update. My continued prayers for all of you. Jennifer I love you so much. Stay strong my love. God has this
Dear Jennifer, My love and prayers are with you and your precious family as you journey through this valley. Though we’ve never met, my heart still feels your pain as though you were my daughter. Your courage and strength are witness to the power of the Spirit living within you. May God continue to bless you with His promises. His love for us is beyond our understanding. He’s by your side always. My love and blessings …
Oh Jennifer… my love and prayers are sent to you and your family.. thank you so very much for the updates.