Well, wish I had some fabulous news…but still struggling with some big side effects.
I met with my oncologist yesterday when I was at the infusion center. He prescribed an antidepressant and also a steroid to help give me energy and try to stimulate my appetite. The steroid works right away. The antidepressant in 2-4 weeks.
While it is no longer painful to eat and drink, it is a struggle to get stuff down. I drank quite a bit more today than I have in the past 2 weeks, so that’s good. I ate a little as well. I have had about 1450 calories total today, which is definitely more than than I have been able to do. Most of those are calories from juice and Ensure.
The morning was hard with a new side effect hitting…diarrhea…from the chemo pill, probably starting now that I don’t have pain meds making me constipated. I figured they were counteracting each other and I have not taken much of the pain meds lately, so it must be completely out of my system now.
I visited with 2 friends today and was up out off bed a little more. I was hoping to get outside for a short walk, but that didn’t happen. I will try for that tomorrow!
Christy asked me today how my mind is doing. She told me I was tracking our conversation well, so that’s good. I pointed out a pile of papers on the table that I haven’t been able to focus on and haven’t cared enough to ask for help with, and my Bible out that I intended to read when I got up this morning but was feeling too sick and went back to bed. I start to pray and my mind turns mush…with me ending with giving it all to God because He knows, whether I can formulate the words or not. I am not thinking much about the future…Christmas coming in just over a month, decorating, money, food, the condition of my house or whether I have makeup on or my hair done. In my mind I realize I am not thinking about all of this, and don’t care….totally unlike me.
Tomorrow I am going to attempt a parent teacher conference in the morning. We’ll see if I can make it. Mornings are hard. I did not make it to Molly’s conference today, but it is a student led conference so we can do it at home just as easily. I also have a few friends coming to help with things around the house and Linda, plan on making me get out for a short walk when you get here!
Baby steps….today I did not spend all day in bed. I am thankful for that.
Thanks for reading and for all of the comments on Facebook and the blog. I read them all but I’m sorry I am not able to respond to them all. Each comment means so much to me.
Thanks for sharing friend! Your challenges are really tough and it helps to know what to pray for when you send an update… so thanks for including us in the journey ❤
I continue to pray everyday for you Jennifer. He is your strength and He knows the desires of your heart. Rest in Him those times you can’t focus or read. He knows.
Taking you to Him for your every thought and need! May tomorrow be a little better than today.
I read every blog post and talk to our precious father about the things you mention. I am so thankful that there is no need to formulate words and thoughts with Him, because He KNOWS. I pray you get to the parent teacher conference this morning. You are surrounded by love Jennifer, both near and from afar
Jennifer, I just want to tell you how very brave I think you are! God knows your every need. If you have an iPhone there is an audio Bible app called that you version Bible that will read the word to you instead of you having to try to read it. That might bring you great comfort. Continuing to pray for you daily, Bonnie
Yes, I love the YouVersion app and I have it on my Android phone. I can listen to Scripture being read to me and you can choose the version – I chose ESV. I can listen anytime!
This is such a tough time for you and your family. Just know we are praying fervently for you. May you feel God’s arms around you, and His strength lifting you up. God bless you mightily.
You may not be able to pray the way you want but you have all of us praying for you and yes your attempts at prayer are being answered because He reads your heart.
Jennifer, we are on our knees for you today. We love you. May God give you the strength to take those baby steps today. I pray you were able to get out of bed for a bit and go for a walk. I pray you ate some food and read your bible. I pray you made it to the parent/teacher conference. And if you did none of that, take heart, the Lord your God loves you and is holding you in his mighty right hand. I love you, my friend. Lean on those around you right now. Huge hugs. I love you.
Thank you for the updates. You are going through so much but you are not alone. Praise God for the wonderful support and help you have in your community and for God’s presence in your life. Prayers will continue on all fronts. Rest in Him and may you experience His perfect peace in the midst of it all. Praying also that you will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family.
Love,
Jan