It is much more exciting to write a blog entry when you have good news to proclaim! We just received the results of the bone marrow biopsy and there is NO leukemia in her body. Praise the Lord! And to add to the good news, my mom's body has totally engrafted to the transplant ... meaning that the new and improved bone marrow (a.k.a. Aunt Cindy) is producing healthy marrow on its own. Can I get a Hallelujah?!??!?!?! Hallelujah! :)
The doctors told her that on day 60 she would be able to eat out at restaurants and could leave town for short periods of time (before day 60 she wasn't allowed to be more than 30 minutes away from the hospital). So, what did she do? As soon as she turned 60 days old we celebrated by going out to dinner, and then she left me in the dust and took off for the coast! ;) She is currently at the beach with my dad and enjoying every second of this new hope.
And now to get technical for those who like the medical explanation of things... The doctors look at both the lymphoid line (lymphocytes) as well as the mycloid line (neutraphils) when assessing what percentage of the donor is in my mom. She is 100% donor in the mycloid line (which supposedly is the most important because the neutraphils are what fight infection), and she is 46% donor in the lymphoid line (immune function). As long as the neutraphils are 100% donor the lymphocyte percentage will only increase. That's the best explanation I can give - forgive me if this is unclear. If it is, then just disregard this paragraph and walk away knowing that my mom is in REMISSION and FREE FROM LEUKEMIA at this point in time. ;)
It seems unfair that not everyone gets second chances. The reality is that we all (most likely) have one shot at this crazy thing we call life ... and doesn't that make you want to live and love fiercely?! It does for me...
"What's next?", you might ask. Well, she only has to go to clinic at OHSU once a week from here on out until her next bone marrow biopsy on Day 84 (today is day 63). So, until I know more, expect that no news is good news!
Thank you for praying and rejoicing with us through this crazy journey - I hope you are all more than well!
XOXO
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
51 days old
To all of you faithful blog readers, my sincere apologies for not updating this sooner. You can assume that no news is good news, though! ;)
Mom is still doing well - all of her lab work looks great, and everything is as expected thus far. Her energy level is still very low and she has become the Queen of Naps - averaging anywhere from 3-7 per day. It's funny how naps seem to be contagious...at least for me. Ever since I moved in with her I have taken more naps than I ever have. Hmmmm....I need to keep reminding myself that I'm not the one who is sick here. ;)
The next big event is her bone marrow biopsy which is next Monday, July 28th. The results will tell us if they find any leukemia and what percentage of my mom's marrow is actually my Aunt Cindy. It will most likely be 100% because we got a test recently that said that a month ago my mom's marrow was 45% Aunt Cindy's and 55% her own. The human body is so fascinating! So, as soon as we get the results back from the biopsy I will update the blog.
She is still unable to eat at restaurants (until day 60) and she's supposed to stay away from big crowds of people....except we had to sneak out to the theater the other night to see Mamma Mia - we are both suckers for musicals!
Many of you have cooked and brought us yummy meals and/or treats - thank you so much! It may not seem like much to you, but trust me, it really does mean so much to us. It's in the little things where I see the biggest love.
Thank you all for being so faithful in loving and praying for my sweet mom.
XOXO
Lindsay
Mom is still doing well - all of her lab work looks great, and everything is as expected thus far. Her energy level is still very low and she has become the Queen of Naps - averaging anywhere from 3-7 per day. It's funny how naps seem to be contagious...at least for me. Ever since I moved in with her I have taken more naps than I ever have. Hmmmm....I need to keep reminding myself that I'm not the one who is sick here. ;)
The next big event is her bone marrow biopsy which is next Monday, July 28th. The results will tell us if they find any leukemia and what percentage of my mom's marrow is actually my Aunt Cindy. It will most likely be 100% because we got a test recently that said that a month ago my mom's marrow was 45% Aunt Cindy's and 55% her own. The human body is so fascinating! So, as soon as we get the results back from the biopsy I will update the blog.
She is still unable to eat at restaurants (until day 60) and she's supposed to stay away from big crowds of people....except we had to sneak out to the theater the other night to see Mamma Mia - we are both suckers for musicals!
Many of you have cooked and brought us yummy meals and/or treats - thank you so much! It may not seem like much to you, but trust me, it really does mean so much to us. It's in the little things where I see the biggest love.
Thank you all for being so faithful in loving and praying for my sweet mom.
XOXO
Lindsay
Saturday, June 21, 2008
18 Days Old
Today is Cindela's 18th day of life and she is feeling great! Mom has been resting at home since the transplant, while frequenting the OHSU clinic daily for blood work.
As of 2 days ago, the doctor's report showed her counts being practically NORMAL, meaning that Cindy's marrow is officially (and, so far, effectively) taking over. Another bone marrow biopsy is scheduled in 5 weeks, and then we will understand what is really happening inside that body of hers.
So, we are still praising our good God for the results thus far, and we will continue living "one day at a time" with much joy and gratitude.
XOXO
lindsay
As of 2 days ago, the doctor's report showed her counts being practically NORMAL, meaning that Cindy's marrow is officially (and, so far, effectively) taking over. Another bone marrow biopsy is scheduled in 5 weeks, and then we will understand what is really happening inside that body of hers.
So, we are still praising our good God for the results thus far, and we will continue living "one day at a time" with much joy and gratitude.
XOXO
lindsay
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CINDELA!
As you all know, yesterday was THE BIG DAY! Pam meet Cindy...Cindy meet Pam...World meet Cindela. What a powerful experience this has been to watch from the sidelines. The night before the transplant we threw a birthday party for my mom and Cindy - the new birth of Cindela. ;) Here they are blowing out their "birthday" candles. What a celebration of new life and hope for the future!
The actual transplant process was quite fascinating. Aunt Cindy had to be hooked up to the "blood suckers" for 4 hours. She was hooked up to a machine that took her blood from one arm, separated the stem cells from her blood and then inserted that same blood back into her body through her other arm. Four hours later the nurses walked away from my sweet, weary aunt and toward my "mother in waiting" as they carried a bag ... small in size but big in hope.
The actual transplant was very simple (and pretty anti-climactic!). My aunt's stem cells dripped into my mom's PIC-line for a few hours and then .... CINDELA WAS BORN! Mom stayed overnight in the hospital and then was able to go home today. She feels great and is now resting at home. The next 20-30 days they will be monitoring her very closely and watching for Graft versus Host Disease.
Please be praying that my mom's body will accept my aunt's marrow...this is a very important and critical time! I will keep you posted as we know more....
All our love,
Lindsay & the Beall Gang
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Well, my friends, I have officially been black listed as a neglectful blog author. It's been FAR TOO long since I've posted an update. I'M SO SORRY!! But in an effort to protect & defend myself, not too much has happened in the medical arena for Pamela Sue Beall. She has been resting at home and gearing up for the big events that are just around the corner.
As promised, here are some pictures that show mom's darling wig. HOT MAMA! It looks so great on her. I've been contemplating getting one myself - never a bad hair day doesn't sound too bad! ;)
The first picture is of my mom with her three grandchildren on Mother's Day: Claire (4), Ellie (2) and Olive (8 months). Hilary, Ragnar and their girls drove up from California and surprised my mom for Mother's Day. They left in the morning and drove straight through the night - best Mother's Day gift EVER! It's a rare day when the entire Beall Gang can be together. Below is a picture of the whole crew. A Mother's Day we definitely won't forget, that's for sure.
So, today she started her pre-transplant medications and she begins her final round of chemotherapy tomorrow (Wednesday, 5/28). She will be doing outpatient chemo every day until her bone marrow transplant on Monday, June 2nd. The day of her transplant she has to undergo radiation to ensure that her body won't fight back against my Aunt's bone marrow. So, needless to say, her body will be going through a lot of trauma. Please be praying for protection over her weary bones and for strength and joy in the midst of this crazy journey.
The picture on the left is of my Aunt Cindy and my mom. At one of the doctor's meetings we were learning all about how my mom takes on so much of my aunt's internal make-up. She will be inheriting her blood type and her allergies just to name a few. It really is such a bizarre and miraculous process! We said that come June 2nd we're going to be celebrating the birth of Cindela (the name Pamela-Cindy combo). Like they're not already similar enough! ;)
Mom has been feeling GREAT - her counts have been practically normal and she has even made it to the coast a few times. I am leaving my current job and will be moving home shortly after her bone marrow transplant in order to help care for her throughout the summer and for however long afterwards. Though I know it won't be easy, I am so blessed to be at a place in my life where I am able to do this. I know this time will be beautiful and sweet amidst the hardship.
Please keep my mom, Aunt Cindy and our entire family in your prayers. I feel like I always end these blogs by telling you how thankful we are for your love and support, but it's not trite ... we really are!!! Blessings to you all!
Much Love,
Lindsay & fam
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Resting Up...
Dearest friends & familia,
Forgive me for not posting an update sooner! Mama Pamela is still at home and enjoying every moment. She has to take daily "field trips" to OHSU to get blood work done as well as to receive blood and/or platelet transfusions if needed. Lately they have been needed because her body started reaping the effects of her second round of chemo. She has had to receive numerous platelet transfusions because her counts plummeted all the way to ONE.
If only I could get permission to post a pic of my darling mother now, you would be in for a treat. We all know that she is gorgeous, that's obvious, but have you ever seen sweet Pammy Sue with a couple nice shiners?? Her low platelet count caused her eyes to swell up and turn black and blue. My faithful father must gets some scowls from strangers as they pass by, I am sure. Needless to say, she's rockin' some cute shades until this passes. As soon as I'm able to see her, I will snap a pic of her cute wig (as previously promised) and shades for your visual pleasure.
It's been a rough couple weeks as I haven't been able to see mom due to myself being under the weather. A week ago I got diagnosed with shingles and mono. You may ask, "Aren't shingles something adults over 50 get?" Well, you are right, my friends. I defy the odds at the ripe age of 26. At least it was comforting that my doctor told me sometimes shingles in young adults like myself either means I have Multiple Sclerosis or am HIV Positive. Hmmm....comforting. Thanks doc. I never thought I would be so thankful & relieved to receive a mono diagnosis (and by the way, my shingles are a VERY minor case....nothing like the horrid pictures I saw on web MD!). The doctor said that if my mom were to catch either one of my viruses it could kill her (due to her practically non-existent white blood counts). So, needless to say, I have been steering clear from my little comrade. It's been hard!
What's next? Well, mom will continue to visit OHSU for testings until the end of May when they are scheduling her bone marrow transplant. Will inform you as soon as we know the exact date. Until then, she will stay at home as long as she is feeling well. I'm sure she would love to hear from you! She is able to have visitors ... as long as you are healthy and well!
Love to you all!
Lindsay
Forgive me for not posting an update sooner! Mama Pamela is still at home and enjoying every moment. She has to take daily "field trips" to OHSU to get blood work done as well as to receive blood and/or platelet transfusions if needed. Lately they have been needed because her body started reaping the effects of her second round of chemo. She has had to receive numerous platelet transfusions because her counts plummeted all the way to ONE.
If only I could get permission to post a pic of my darling mother now, you would be in for a treat. We all know that she is gorgeous, that's obvious, but have you ever seen sweet Pammy Sue with a couple nice shiners?? Her low platelet count caused her eyes to swell up and turn black and blue. My faithful father must gets some scowls from strangers as they pass by, I am sure. Needless to say, she's rockin' some cute shades until this passes. As soon as I'm able to see her, I will snap a pic of her cute wig (as previously promised) and shades for your visual pleasure.
It's been a rough couple weeks as I haven't been able to see mom due to myself being under the weather. A week ago I got diagnosed with shingles and mono. You may ask, "Aren't shingles something adults over 50 get?" Well, you are right, my friends. I defy the odds at the ripe age of 26. At least it was comforting that my doctor told me sometimes shingles in young adults like myself either means I have Multiple Sclerosis or am HIV Positive. Hmmm....comforting. Thanks doc. I never thought I would be so thankful & relieved to receive a mono diagnosis (and by the way, my shingles are a VERY minor case....nothing like the horrid pictures I saw on web MD!). The doctor said that if my mom were to catch either one of my viruses it could kill her (due to her practically non-existent white blood counts). So, needless to say, I have been steering clear from my little comrade. It's been hard!
What's next? Well, mom will continue to visit OHSU for testings until the end of May when they are scheduling her bone marrow transplant. Will inform you as soon as we know the exact date. Until then, she will stay at home as long as she is feeling well. I'm sure she would love to hear from you! She is able to have visitors ... as long as you are healthy and well!
Love to you all!
Lindsay
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Home Again Flanagan!
Mom finished her consolidation chemotherapy Monday night and got to come home Tuesday morn. She is so excited! She is feeling great and hasn't felt much sickness at all from the treatment. So, the doctors said that since she was doing so well she could go home and just come into the outpatient clinic 2-3 times a week to get blood work done.
If all goes well, she will get to stay home for a month until she receives the bone marrow transplant. So, that is all for now - it's fun reporting good news on here! Thanks to all of you for your sweet friendship and love for my mom and our entire family.
Much Love,
Lindsay
If all goes well, she will get to stay home for a month until she receives the bone marrow transplant. So, that is all for now - it's fun reporting good news on here! Thanks to all of you for your sweet friendship and love for my mom and our entire family.
Much Love,
Lindsay
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Quick Update...
Hello All!
The test results to mom's bone marrow biopsy came back negative - still no leukemia! Hallelujah! She is still spiking fevers (an average of 2 a day) but the team of doctors & nurses don't seem terribly concerned (they say that fevers are not abnormal when ones' counts are so low).
You all would have been so proud of our little exerciser today. I walked with her to the end of the hall and she hopped on the exercise bike ... and then she did some strengthening moves with the thera-band....and then she started doing wind sprints back and forth down the hallway. Okay, I'm kidding about the wind sprints but it offers a funny visual.
The doctors didn't want to wait any longer to start her consolidation treatment so they started today. We were all kind of surprised that they didn't wait until the fevers subsided but I guess they know best, right? She receives the same type of chemo that she had during her induction treatment (the drug is called Cytarabine) but in much smaller doses. Instead of a constant drip for seven days she just receives an hour of chemo a day for six days. So, here we go again! Pray for strength for her weary yet precious bones - pray for protection against depression, discouragement & loneliness - and pray that her heart & mind would be filled with the joy, hope & peace that comes from our good God.
I just finished reading to my mom all of the latest blog comments you all have posted. She wanted me to write (on her behalf) how encouraging and overwhelming your support has been & continues to be. If she could write back to each one of you she would. She said, "The care that has been poured out towards me is overwhelming. Words can't even describe it."
Love to you all - we will keep you posted on how her treatment progresses!
Bless you!
The test results to mom's bone marrow biopsy came back negative - still no leukemia! Hallelujah! She is still spiking fevers (an average of 2 a day) but the team of doctors & nurses don't seem terribly concerned (they say that fevers are not abnormal when ones' counts are so low).
You all would have been so proud of our little exerciser today. I walked with her to the end of the hall and she hopped on the exercise bike ... and then she did some strengthening moves with the thera-band....and then she started doing wind sprints back and forth down the hallway. Okay, I'm kidding about the wind sprints but it offers a funny visual.
The doctors didn't want to wait any longer to start her consolidation treatment so they started today. We were all kind of surprised that they didn't wait until the fevers subsided but I guess they know best, right? She receives the same type of chemo that she had during her induction treatment (the drug is called Cytarabine) but in much smaller doses. Instead of a constant drip for seven days she just receives an hour of chemo a day for six days. So, here we go again! Pray for strength for her weary yet precious bones - pray for protection against depression, discouragement & loneliness - and pray that her heart & mind would be filled with the joy, hope & peace that comes from our good God.
I just finished reading to my mom all of the latest blog comments you all have posted. She wanted me to write (on her behalf) how encouraging and overwhelming your support has been & continues to be. If she could write back to each one of you she would. She said, "The care that has been poured out towards me is overwhelming. Words can't even describe it."
Love to you all - we will keep you posted on how her treatment progresses!
Bless you!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN...
Hello dear friends,
Well, this post has been long-awaited. I keep postponing writing in hope of hearing more news from the doctors so I can better inform you all but then that just keeps you wondering and waiting. Sorry!
On Thursday, April 3rd, my mom was at home and felt a fever coming on. She called her doctor and they admitted her into the hospital ER shortly after. A small thing like a fever for you and me isn't a big deal but for my mom it's serious (due to her white counts still being severely low). It's Tuesday, April 8th, and she's still in the hospital. Her fever continues to spike (as high as 104!) and then drop back to normal multiple times a day. This means that she has some sort of infection in her body but they cannot figure out where it is coming from. They have done countless blood and urine tests but to no avail. She got a CT scan done 2 days ago and the results came back normal. That is great news, for sure! They performed her fourth bone marrow biopsy yesterday and we are awaiting those results today. I think the worst is not knowing. She has had the same symptoms for six days now and as of yet, they have no idea how to treat it. They even sent an Infectious Disease Specialist to look at her. Still no answers....frustrating.
She's a trooper though! She was supposed to start her consolidation round of chemotherapy on Monday (yesterday) but due to this infection they have had to postpone everything. Yesterday I told the nurses to send in a Physical Therapy team to give her a Thera-band and some exercises for her to do so she doesn't just waste away in her bed. Today I had them teach her "fun" exercises that she can do in bed to keep her muscles active. I put "fun" in quotation marks because she doesn't think it's very fun. ;) She kept flashing me her "annoyed eyes" as the physical therapist and I were teaching her exercises and writing up a workout regime. But hey, I guess it's my turn for revenge after all those years she forced me to practice the piano, right? What goes around comes around, Pammy Sue! ;)
We will hopefully hear the results of the bone marrow biopsy later today so I will post the results as soon as I know. In the meantime, please be praying that the doctors will be able to find out what is causing these fevers so that they can treat it and we can move on with her recovery plan. Thank you all for your consistent care and prayers!
Much love to you,
Lindsay
Well, this post has been long-awaited. I keep postponing writing in hope of hearing more news from the doctors so I can better inform you all but then that just keeps you wondering and waiting. Sorry!
On Thursday, April 3rd, my mom was at home and felt a fever coming on. She called her doctor and they admitted her into the hospital ER shortly after. A small thing like a fever for you and me isn't a big deal but for my mom it's serious (due to her white counts still being severely low). It's Tuesday, April 8th, and she's still in the hospital. Her fever continues to spike (as high as 104!) and then drop back to normal multiple times a day. This means that she has some sort of infection in her body but they cannot figure out where it is coming from. They have done countless blood and urine tests but to no avail. She got a CT scan done 2 days ago and the results came back normal. That is great news, for sure! They performed her fourth bone marrow biopsy yesterday and we are awaiting those results today. I think the worst is not knowing. She has had the same symptoms for six days now and as of yet, they have no idea how to treat it. They even sent an Infectious Disease Specialist to look at her. Still no answers....frustrating.
She's a trooper though! She was supposed to start her consolidation round of chemotherapy on Monday (yesterday) but due to this infection they have had to postpone everything. Yesterday I told the nurses to send in a Physical Therapy team to give her a Thera-band and some exercises for her to do so she doesn't just waste away in her bed. Today I had them teach her "fun" exercises that she can do in bed to keep her muscles active. I put "fun" in quotation marks because she doesn't think it's very fun. ;) She kept flashing me her "annoyed eyes" as the physical therapist and I were teaching her exercises and writing up a workout regime. But hey, I guess it's my turn for revenge after all those years she forced me to practice the piano, right? What goes around comes around, Pammy Sue! ;)
We will hopefully hear the results of the bone marrow biopsy later today so I will post the results as soon as I know. In the meantime, please be praying that the doctors will be able to find out what is causing these fevers so that they can treat it and we can move on with her recovery plan. Thank you all for your consistent care and prayers!
Much love to you,
Lindsay
Monday, March 31, 2008
REMISSION & the road ahead...
Hello dear friends...
Today was a big day. Mom had an appointment at 2pm today where she found out the results of her latest bone marrow biopsy. And the results were......NO LEUKEMIA in her bone marrow. ZERO. ZILCH. NADA...HALLELUJAH!
So, in summary of all that the doctor said, mom's Intermediate Risk Leukemia is in remission. The chemotherapy cleaned out her marrow and there is absolutely NO leukemia to be found. WHOO!
Even with all of this great news there are, however, a few complications on the road ahead. They are still concerned about her liver. Even though her bilirubin counts continue to decrease, they are worried that her liver would not be able to handle another dosage of chemo. The doctors are annoyed that they cannot figure out the cause of her liver malfunction (the liver specialists think that it was just a response to all the drugs she was on...but they're not for certain). So, for the next couple weeks they will continue monitoring her as they have been since she's been home.
So, what are the next steps for the sweet Pammy Sue? Well, they are hoping to start consolidation chemotherapy in two weeks. What's that, you ask? Consolidation chemo is the second phase of chemotherapy (the first was Induction Chemo). The goal of this phase is to destroy any remaining leukemia cells that might have re-surfaced since her initial treatment. They will give her fairly high doses of chemo for 3-4 cycles. This time it will probably be done in an out-patient setting. So she will go in for her chemo treatment and then get to come home to recuperate.
There is a 50-60% risk of relapse for mom's type of AML. If she were to get a bone marrow transplant, her risk of relapse would decrease to 20%. So this is obviously the best option. However, one thing we all learned for the first time is that there is a 20-30% risk that the patient will die due to complications from the transplant. We're not going there.
We are hoping that mom's liver withstands this next round of chemo so that they can proceed towards a bone marrow transplant. The type of transplant she will receive is called an Allogeneic transplant. This replaces the abnormal cells in her bone marrow with healthy blood-forming cells from my Aunt Cindy. An Allogeneic transplant has a higher risk of serious side effects than consolidaiton chemo; however, the risk of relapse is lower. If all goes well, she will be receiving my Aunt Cindy's bone marrow in approximately 8 weeks.
So, that's all we know for now. Mom looks absolutely amazing and she says that she feels practically normal. If I can get her permission I will post a cute pic of her new stylin' wig!
Bless you all for your sweet care and abounding love!
Lindsay
Today was a big day. Mom had an appointment at 2pm today where she found out the results of her latest bone marrow biopsy. And the results were......NO LEUKEMIA in her bone marrow. ZERO. ZILCH. NADA...HALLELUJAH!
So, in summary of all that the doctor said, mom's Intermediate Risk Leukemia is in remission. The chemotherapy cleaned out her marrow and there is absolutely NO leukemia to be found. WHOO!
Even with all of this great news there are, however, a few complications on the road ahead. They are still concerned about her liver. Even though her bilirubin counts continue to decrease, they are worried that her liver would not be able to handle another dosage of chemo. The doctors are annoyed that they cannot figure out the cause of her liver malfunction (the liver specialists think that it was just a response to all the drugs she was on...but they're not for certain). So, for the next couple weeks they will continue monitoring her as they have been since she's been home.
So, what are the next steps for the sweet Pammy Sue? Well, they are hoping to start consolidation chemotherapy in two weeks. What's that, you ask? Consolidation chemo is the second phase of chemotherapy (the first was Induction Chemo). The goal of this phase is to destroy any remaining leukemia cells that might have re-surfaced since her initial treatment. They will give her fairly high doses of chemo for 3-4 cycles. This time it will probably be done in an out-patient setting. So she will go in for her chemo treatment and then get to come home to recuperate.
There is a 50-60% risk of relapse for mom's type of AML. If she were to get a bone marrow transplant, her risk of relapse would decrease to 20%. So this is obviously the best option. However, one thing we all learned for the first time is that there is a 20-30% risk that the patient will die due to complications from the transplant. We're not going there.
We are hoping that mom's liver withstands this next round of chemo so that they can proceed towards a bone marrow transplant. The type of transplant she will receive is called an Allogeneic transplant. This replaces the abnormal cells in her bone marrow with healthy blood-forming cells from my Aunt Cindy. An Allogeneic transplant has a higher risk of serious side effects than consolidaiton chemo; however, the risk of relapse is lower. If all goes well, she will be receiving my Aunt Cindy's bone marrow in approximately 8 weeks.
So, that's all we know for now. Mom looks absolutely amazing and she says that she feels practically normal. If I can get her permission I will post a cute pic of her new stylin' wig!
Bless you all for your sweet care and abounding love!
Lindsay
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Blessings
She's home! On Saturday the doctors decided to let my mom come home to be with our family over Easter weekend. What a memorable Easter it was! I called her as she was driving away from the hospital with my dad and she kept commenting on the beauty of the landscape. I guess staring at four hospital walls for 35 days makes one appreciate the small things that many times go unnoticed when they become part of our daily lives...like flowers and rain and chirping birds and home-cooked meals and sunsets ... and on and on and on. My old college Rhetoric professor called this the "Joy of Discovery" - seeing things that you see every day with fresh eyes as if you had just discovered it for the first time. So, moral of the story: don't let the beauty of God's crazy amazing Creation pass you by without standing still in awe and wonder every once in awhile!
One of our dear family friends brought the whole Beall gang Italian food on Saturday night and we had a celebratory homecoming for my sweet ma! And today - I don't think any of us will ever forget this Easter blessing. I couldn't have asked for a better gift - to see our family gathered around the table giving thanks to Christ for His many blessings... I think my mom said it best in her Easter dinner prayer (which she insisted on giving). So we all held hands and waited for her to pray through her emotion: "Thank you Lord for life and for second chances. Thank you for my precious family. And thank you for the small things. For trees and for mountains ... " We're all pretty much emotional time bombs at this point - and I don't think mom's sweet simple prayer left a dry eye at the table.
She goes in to the hospital tomorrow (Monday, 3/24) for more blood tests to see if she is able to stay at home and do outpatient treatment or if she will have to be re-admitted for inpatient. Will keep you posted as we know more. As far as her counts are concerned, they are steadily stabilizing and will hopefully continue to do so until she is able to get her bone marrow transplant.
What a beautiful Easter we have had today!
Once again, thank you all for your amazing love and support.
And thank you, Lord, for trees and for mountains. Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bilirubins...Down they go!
Good news folks! Looks like you all have some powerful prayers because her counts are drastically changing!
Here are her counts as of today:
White: 1.2
Platelets: 106
Bilirubins: 6.6!
HCT (Red): 27.5
It was from Sunday to Monday that her bilirubins dropped so drastically: from 19.6 to 7.5. The liver doctors were shocked....they wanted to do another lab because they thought they might have misread them. Well, they did the lab again today and they had decreased even more! Her coloring is looking better and she is feeling like her old self again! The liver doctors said that they were "signing off" because her liver is functioning properly and all is looking very promising. Good news!
So, the next step? Well, we are still waiting for her white counts to come up significantly so that she can go home for a bit before she receives the bone marrow transplant. On Saturday she had a Dobhoff tube (aka. feeding tube) inserted through her nostril. Lovely, I know. It goes down her throat and straight into her stomach. I am sure that the stabilization of her counts has a lot to do with her getting proper nutrition as well. She is gaining more of an appetite and can't stop talking about Elmer's Pancake House...so we know where we're going as soon as she gets released!
Thank you for your continued prayers and your constant support.
Here are her counts as of today:
White: 1.2
Platelets: 106
Bilirubins: 6.6!
HCT (Red): 27.5
It was from Sunday to Monday that her bilirubins dropped so drastically: from 19.6 to 7.5. The liver doctors were shocked....they wanted to do another lab because they thought they might have misread them. Well, they did the lab again today and they had decreased even more! Her coloring is looking better and she is feeling like her old self again! The liver doctors said that they were "signing off" because her liver is functioning properly and all is looking very promising. Good news!
So, the next step? Well, we are still waiting for her white counts to come up significantly so that she can go home for a bit before she receives the bone marrow transplant. On Saturday she had a Dobhoff tube (aka. feeding tube) inserted through her nostril. Lovely, I know. It goes down her throat and straight into her stomach. I am sure that the stabilization of her counts has a lot to do with her getting proper nutrition as well. She is gaining more of an appetite and can't stop talking about Elmer's Pancake House...so we know where we're going as soon as she gets released!
Thank you for your continued prayers and your constant support.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
And the winner is....
Yes, that's right folks, my dear sweet Aunt Cindy (pammy sue's youngest sister) is a donor match with my mom's bone marrow! Thank the Lord! Sorry Uncle Larry, looks like you're not the giver of life this time around. ;) The doctors were thrilled to share that news with us yesterday. If neither one of my aunt or uncle were a match they would have to go out to the general public to try to find a match ... and who knows how long that would take.
DOCTOR REPORT:
- They did an ultrasound yesterday and found NO abnormalities in the direction of her blood flow (which is what they were hoping for).
- Her bilirubin count is still creeping up (though at a much slower pace). It is currently at 16.5. The doctors don't seem to be too terribly concerned about this; however, they are at a stand still until it deescalates. They are monitoring her closely and hope that her bilirubins will plateau and start dropping very soon..
- Her white count is at 0.8 which is still severely low and her red blood cells are at 27.2. Her platelet counts are improving slowly at 42. I'm sure these numbers don't make much sense without you knowing what they need to be at. Well, in order for them to proceed with the bone marrow transplant, mom's white cell counts need to be at 15 (currently at 0.8) and her platelet counts need to be at 100 (now at 42). So, it could take awhile for these numbers to get to the desired goal....but we are hopeful and confident that they will.
- The good news is that they have an action plan all ready to roll for when my mom's counts recover. The doctors seemed hopeful but frustrated that they're having too wait. But what can you do?
Mom has been such a trooper. One of the Physician's Assistants came in the other night and encouraged her that she needs to prepare her mind and spirit because she still has a long haul ahead. So, keep those prayers and encouraging words flowing - it is at this point where despair and depression seem to hit patients. But thankfully we have something bigger to hope for, right? Our God is the Ultimate Healer and the lifter of our heads.
A quick little story: when my mom called Aunt Cindy to tell her about the bone marrow results we put her on speaker phone. In my mom's soft and weary voice she said slowly, "Well Cin, looks like you won the lottery." My precious Aunt started crying immediately and responded, "What a joy! I am so very blessed and honored! " Her response was so beautiful - don't know that many people who would respond with such joy after hearing that they have to donate their bone marrow. You are one of a kind, Aunt Cindy! My mom ended the conversation by saying, "Well, I guess it paid off being so nice to you all these years." ;) Even in her sickness she is still a wiry little thing, that's for sure.
Will send you more info. as soon as we know.... In the meantime, keep praying for her counts to recover. Thank you again for everything you have done for my sweet ma and for our family.
Lovingly,
Lindsay
DOCTOR REPORT:
- They did an ultrasound yesterday and found NO abnormalities in the direction of her blood flow (which is what they were hoping for).
- Her bilirubin count is still creeping up (though at a much slower pace). It is currently at 16.5. The doctors don't seem to be too terribly concerned about this; however, they are at a stand still until it deescalates. They are monitoring her closely and hope that her bilirubins will plateau and start dropping very soon..
- Her white count is at 0.8 which is still severely low and her red blood cells are at 27.2. Her platelet counts are improving slowly at 42. I'm sure these numbers don't make much sense without you knowing what they need to be at. Well, in order for them to proceed with the bone marrow transplant, mom's white cell counts need to be at 15 (currently at 0.8) and her platelet counts need to be at 100 (now at 42). So, it could take awhile for these numbers to get to the desired goal....but we are hopeful and confident that they will.
- The good news is that they have an action plan all ready to roll for when my mom's counts recover. The doctors seemed hopeful but frustrated that they're having too wait. But what can you do?
Mom has been such a trooper. One of the Physician's Assistants came in the other night and encouraged her that she needs to prepare her mind and spirit because she still has a long haul ahead. So, keep those prayers and encouraging words flowing - it is at this point where despair and depression seem to hit patients. But thankfully we have something bigger to hope for, right? Our God is the Ultimate Healer and the lifter of our heads.
A quick little story: when my mom called Aunt Cindy to tell her about the bone marrow results we put her on speaker phone. In my mom's soft and weary voice she said slowly, "Well Cin, looks like you won the lottery." My precious Aunt started crying immediately and responded, "What a joy! I am so very blessed and honored! " Her response was so beautiful - don't know that many people who would respond with such joy after hearing that they have to donate their bone marrow. You are one of a kind, Aunt Cindy! My mom ended the conversation by saying, "Well, I guess it paid off being so nice to you all these years." ;) Even in her sickness she is still a wiry little thing, that's for sure.
Will send you more info. as soon as we know.... In the meantime, keep praying for her counts to recover. Thank you again for everything you have done for my sweet ma and for our family.
Lovingly,
Lindsay
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Day 20: keep on truckin'
Dearest friends...
I know many of you have become loyal bloggers and check it on a daily basis ... or multiple times a day for some of you ... i know who you are! ;) My point being, I am sorry to keep you waiting in anticipation for updates.
Ever since sharing the good news about not finding leukemia in mom's bone marrow things have been a bit interesting. Ever since she stopped receiving chemotherapy they have been monitoring her very closely. She was receiving platelet transfusions but her body was rejecting them (they were wanting to keep her levels to at least 50...they should ideally be 150 but hers were only at FIVE). Thankfully, they found a cross-match and now her platelet levels are looking good.
Her white blood cell counts are severely low (1.6 when it should be between 4.4 and 11). She had a CT Scan to see if she had internal bleeding. Results show that her bleeding has stopped, which is great, but they found that her liver is not functioning properly. She had an ultrasound done yesterday to look at her liver more closely. Her bilirubin count has skyrocketed. It is currently at 11.2 when it should only be between 0.2 and 1.5. Yikes! For those of you who, like me, thought bilirubins were lyrics from a Wee Sing ditty, let me give you a wee bit of medical info for the not-s0-medically-minded...
Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. When bilirubin levels are high, the skin and whites of the eyes may appear yellow (jaundice). Jaundice may be caused by liver disease (hepatitis), blood disorders (hemolytic anemia), or blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine.
In mom's case, her high bilirubin count is due to a blockage in her bile duct. The opening of her duct starts at 1.4 centimeters and then decreases to 0.7, causing a backup of bile in mom's liver that cannot get to her colon; therefore causing jaundice. I tried singing Willy Wonka's "Oompa Loompa" to her but she didn't find it very funny... ;)
They think that the chronic narrowing of her bile duct could be due to a gull bladder surgery that went awry 10-15 years ago (where they nicked her bile duct during surgery...). There is a procedure called ERCP which goes in and opens her ducts but the risk of infection is too great with her white counts being so low that they are going to wait.
She is losing handfuls of hair but still looking gorgeous! For the first time in her life she is thankful for having such thick hair. ;) She is still very nauseas and finding it hard to eat ... but she is still smiling nonetheless.
Thanks for all your fun & thoughtful comments on the blog! When she has the energy she reads them herself and other times she loves just closing her eyes and having us read your sweet words to her. She loves you all dearly and is overwhelmed by your support. She wants to write an update from herself as soon as she feels up to it.
The Beall family loves you and we are so very humbled by your care!
luv,
lindsay
I know many of you have become loyal bloggers and check it on a daily basis ... or multiple times a day for some of you ... i know who you are! ;) My point being, I am sorry to keep you waiting in anticipation for updates.
Ever since sharing the good news about not finding leukemia in mom's bone marrow things have been a bit interesting. Ever since she stopped receiving chemotherapy they have been monitoring her very closely. She was receiving platelet transfusions but her body was rejecting them (they were wanting to keep her levels to at least 50...they should ideally be 150 but hers were only at FIVE). Thankfully, they found a cross-match and now her platelet levels are looking good.
Her white blood cell counts are severely low (1.6 when it should be between 4.4 and 11). She had a CT Scan to see if she had internal bleeding. Results show that her bleeding has stopped, which is great, but they found that her liver is not functioning properly. She had an ultrasound done yesterday to look at her liver more closely. Her bilirubin count has skyrocketed. It is currently at 11.2 when it should only be between 0.2 and 1.5. Yikes! For those of you who, like me, thought bilirubins were lyrics from a Wee Sing ditty, let me give you a wee bit of medical info for the not-s0-medically-minded...
Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. When bilirubin levels are high, the skin and whites of the eyes may appear yellow (jaundice). Jaundice may be caused by liver disease (hepatitis), blood disorders (hemolytic anemia), or blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine.
In mom's case, her high bilirubin count is due to a blockage in her bile duct. The opening of her duct starts at 1.4 centimeters and then decreases to 0.7, causing a backup of bile in mom's liver that cannot get to her colon; therefore causing jaundice. I tried singing Willy Wonka's "Oompa Loompa" to her but she didn't find it very funny... ;)
They think that the chronic narrowing of her bile duct could be due to a gull bladder surgery that went awry 10-15 years ago (where they nicked her bile duct during surgery...). There is a procedure called ERCP which goes in and opens her ducts but the risk of infection is too great with her white counts being so low that they are going to wait.
She is losing handfuls of hair but still looking gorgeous! For the first time in her life she is thankful for having such thick hair. ;) She is still very nauseas and finding it hard to eat ... but she is still smiling nonetheless.
Thanks for all your fun & thoughtful comments on the blog! When she has the energy she reads them herself and other times she loves just closing her eyes and having us read your sweet words to her. She loves you all dearly and is overwhelmed by your support. She wants to write an update from herself as soon as she feels up to it.
The Beall family loves you and we are so very humbled by your care!
luv,
lindsay
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hallelujah!
Mom's bone marrow biopsy results came back and they couldn't find any leukemia! Praise the Lord! Also, the results of her colonoscopy showed that she had colitis (inflammation of the colon) as well as an ulcerated colon. They took a biopsy on the colitis and we are awaiting results of that (hopefully will receive on Monday).
Good News Report: The doctors were so excited to share the news of the bone marrow biopsy with mom. They couldn't see any leukemia in the bone marrow (not to say that there couldn't be any, but it is still great news!). They can't call it remission yet until further screening is done, but what they did see means that she won't need any more chemo as of now. Phew! Also, her bleeding has stopped which is amazing! So right now their focus is to get mom strong and as healthy as they can.
She has been doing so well that they just moved her out of ICU into the Oncology Unit on the 5th Floor. She is in great spirits and is enjoying having her family close by. We're trying to make her stop being so social so she can get some rest, but you know her...that's hard to do!
On Day 28 they will be doing another bone marrow biopsy to see if they find any leukemia. So until then, we as a family are just thanking the Lord for today and rejoicing in life!
Blessings & Love to you all!
Lindsay & the entire Beall Gang
Good News Report: The doctors were so excited to share the news of the bone marrow biopsy with mom. They couldn't see any leukemia in the bone marrow (not to say that there couldn't be any, but it is still great news!). They can't call it remission yet until further screening is done, but what they did see means that she won't need any more chemo as of now. Phew! Also, her bleeding has stopped which is amazing! So right now their focus is to get mom strong and as healthy as they can.
She has been doing so well that they just moved her out of ICU into the Oncology Unit on the 5th Floor. She is in great spirits and is enjoying having her family close by. We're trying to make her stop being so social so she can get some rest, but you know her...that's hard to do!
On Day 28 they will be doing another bone marrow biopsy to see if they find any leukemia. So until then, we as a family are just thanking the Lord for today and rejoicing in life!
Blessings & Love to you all!
Lindsay & the entire Beall Gang
Friday, February 29, 2008
Day 15: Change of Scenery
Dearest friendlings,
Yesterday was a wild day. Good news is that the doctors decided to do mom's bone marrow biopsy yesterday at 3pm so that we wouldn't have to wait through the weekend to find out the results. So, we will be getting the preliminary results back sometime this afternoon. Don't you worry, I will post another blog as soon as we find out anything. ;)
Sorry for the semi-graphic description to come...All day yesterday mom's bowel movements were pure blood and no stool. Not good. She had 3 bowel movements like this before things took a turn. Her blood pressure plummeted to 70/? and she was very weak and light-headed from the blood loss. They called in a rescue team immediately and there were probably 5-6 people frantically connecting her to a heart monitor and other various machines. They instantly gave her a platelette as well as a blood transfusion to up her counts. This helped but it didn't stop the bleeding. They wheeled her over to ICU, which is where we are currently. Goodbye Floor 7, Room 7....we will miss you! Seriously, that nurse staff became like family to us...and I know that floor won't be the same without our social & vibrant Pammy Sue, that's for sure.
Throughout the night it seemed as if she was losing more blood than they were able to pump in, but this morning her counts are looking good. They have 5 TEAMS of doctors on her case because they are unsure what could be causing this bleeding. It could be an infection in her colon that is causing it to be inflamed or it could just be a severe side-effect from the chemo treatment. So, she is getting a delightful colonoscopy procedure done this morning at 10am, we are told. The G.I. doc (gastro-intenstinal) said that she will know immediately what is causing this bleeding as soon as they are able to get a camera visual. So, that's good news.
So, needless to say, last night was the roughest night she's had in the hospital, that's for sure. Please be praying for the results of the colonoscopy as well as the results from her biopsy. We are hoping and praying that this is all treatable and that this crazy night was just a minor & temporary bump in the road.
She was conscious and aware through it all (though a wee bit loopy, which caused much laughter). Here is a little story for you all just to describe the kind of woman my mom is (which I am sure you already know...). When the team of doctors and nurses were frantically buzzing around her and hooking her to machines, my mom tenderly grabbed the arm of one of the nurses who had been on leave for a few days and said, "Honey, I am so sorry about your dog." My mom had remembered that this nurse's dog had just recently died and was concerned about her. The nurses were shocked that she was thinking about somebody else in the midst of all she was going through. Pamela Sue, a giver of love and life.....if I am half the woman that she is I will be more than satisfied.
I will let you know as soon as we get the results back from the biopsy as well as the colonoscopy. My Aunt Cindy & cousins Rosalie & Jens came in from Corvallis last night. Kyle & Wendy are coming in tonight from Bend and Hilary will be flying in from California tonight. Looking forward to our whole family being together during this time. Thanking you for your prayers.
Loving you all,
Lindsay
Yesterday was a wild day. Good news is that the doctors decided to do mom's bone marrow biopsy yesterday at 3pm so that we wouldn't have to wait through the weekend to find out the results. So, we will be getting the preliminary results back sometime this afternoon. Don't you worry, I will post another blog as soon as we find out anything. ;)
Sorry for the semi-graphic description to come...All day yesterday mom's bowel movements were pure blood and no stool. Not good. She had 3 bowel movements like this before things took a turn. Her blood pressure plummeted to 70/? and she was very weak and light-headed from the blood loss. They called in a rescue team immediately and there were probably 5-6 people frantically connecting her to a heart monitor and other various machines. They instantly gave her a platelette as well as a blood transfusion to up her counts. This helped but it didn't stop the bleeding. They wheeled her over to ICU, which is where we are currently. Goodbye Floor 7, Room 7....we will miss you! Seriously, that nurse staff became like family to us...and I know that floor won't be the same without our social & vibrant Pammy Sue, that's for sure.
Throughout the night it seemed as if she was losing more blood than they were able to pump in, but this morning her counts are looking good. They have 5 TEAMS of doctors on her case because they are unsure what could be causing this bleeding. It could be an infection in her colon that is causing it to be inflamed or it could just be a severe side-effect from the chemo treatment. So, she is getting a delightful colonoscopy procedure done this morning at 10am, we are told. The G.I. doc (gastro-intenstinal) said that she will know immediately what is causing this bleeding as soon as they are able to get a camera visual. So, that's good news.
So, needless to say, last night was the roughest night she's had in the hospital, that's for sure. Please be praying for the results of the colonoscopy as well as the results from her biopsy. We are hoping and praying that this is all treatable and that this crazy night was just a minor & temporary bump in the road.
She was conscious and aware through it all (though a wee bit loopy, which caused much laughter). Here is a little story for you all just to describe the kind of woman my mom is (which I am sure you already know...). When the team of doctors and nurses were frantically buzzing around her and hooking her to machines, my mom tenderly grabbed the arm of one of the nurses who had been on leave for a few days and said, "Honey, I am so sorry about your dog." My mom had remembered that this nurse's dog had just recently died and was concerned about her. The nurses were shocked that she was thinking about somebody else in the midst of all she was going through. Pamela Sue, a giver of love and life.....if I am half the woman that she is I will be more than satisfied.
I will let you know as soon as we get the results back from the biopsy as well as the colonoscopy. My Aunt Cindy & cousins Rosalie & Jens came in from Corvallis last night. Kyle & Wendy are coming in tonight from Bend and Hilary will be flying in from California tonight. Looking forward to our whole family being together during this time. Thanking you for your prayers.
Loving you all,
Lindsay
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Recovery Time!
Hello sweet friends & family...
Last night mom finished her first round of intensive chemotherapy. Now it's waiting time....
My Aunt Cindy and I got an update from the doctor today regarding what to expect for these upcoming weeks. Here goes...
Mom has what they call "Secondary Leukemia". They call it "secondary" because she has had Breast Cancer before; therefore; they treat her current condition as a high-risk case. Shockingly, the doctor said 1 out of 50 breast cancer patients develop some form of leukemia in their lifetime (due to the type of radiation and/or chemotherapy they receive). Crazy unfortunate statistics! So, if you have ever had breast cancer make sure you are getting regular bone marrow biopsies done (for preventative purposes).
Now that her intensive 7-day treatment of chemo is over, they will be monitoring her very closely in the hospital for the next week. On Day 14 (next Saturday) they will perform another bone marrow biopsy to assess how her body has responded to the treatment. There are 3 possible outcomes to this biopsy:
Outcome 1: The leukemia goes into remission and she immediately will get a bone marrow transplant (hopefully from Uncle Larry or Aunt Cindy...lucky winners!). Pray for this outcome!
Outcome 2: The chemo treatment doesn't work; therefore, they reroute the treatment process & give her different chemo. Pray against this outcome!
Outcome 3 (most common): The chemo has been somewhat effective but they still find leukemia in her bone marrow. If this is the case, they will give her 5 more days of the same chemo she has been receiving, and then on day 28 they do another bone marrow biopsy to see if it was effective.
So, as of now, we just wait and pray. She has been exhausted the past few days and all she seems to do is sleep. But when she is up and alert she is full of hope and love and humor. Below are a few pics for your visual pleasure.
Picture 1: My mom and dad on the OHSU tram on the day we arrived here.
Picture 2: Me and my mom cozied up in her bed watching Anne of Green Gables on her computer.
Picture 3: My mom and her granddaughter, Olive (Kyle & Wendy's baby).
Picture 4: My mom wanted you all to see a picture of our family from Sean & Courtney's wedding on February 2nd .
More soon... Love you all & thanks for your support!
Last night mom finished her first round of intensive chemotherapy. Now it's waiting time....
My Aunt Cindy and I got an update from the doctor today regarding what to expect for these upcoming weeks. Here goes...
Mom has what they call "Secondary Leukemia". They call it "secondary" because she has had Breast Cancer before; therefore; they treat her current condition as a high-risk case. Shockingly, the doctor said 1 out of 50 breast cancer patients develop some form of leukemia in their lifetime (due to the type of radiation and/or chemotherapy they receive). Crazy unfortunate statistics! So, if you have ever had breast cancer make sure you are getting regular bone marrow biopsies done (for preventative purposes).
Now that her intensive 7-day treatment of chemo is over, they will be monitoring her very closely in the hospital for the next week. On Day 14 (next Saturday) they will perform another bone marrow biopsy to assess how her body has responded to the treatment. There are 3 possible outcomes to this biopsy:
Outcome 1: The leukemia goes into remission and she immediately will get a bone marrow transplant (hopefully from Uncle Larry or Aunt Cindy...lucky winners!). Pray for this outcome!
Outcome 2: The chemo treatment doesn't work; therefore, they reroute the treatment process & give her different chemo. Pray against this outcome!
Outcome 3 (most common): The chemo has been somewhat effective but they still find leukemia in her bone marrow. If this is the case, they will give her 5 more days of the same chemo she has been receiving, and then on day 28 they do another bone marrow biopsy to see if it was effective.
So, as of now, we just wait and pray. She has been exhausted the past few days and all she seems to do is sleep. But when she is up and alert she is full of hope and love and humor. Below are a few pics for your visual pleasure.
Picture 1: My mom and dad on the OHSU tram on the day we arrived here.
Picture 2: Me and my mom cozied up in her bed watching Anne of Green Gables on her computer.
Picture 3: My mom and her granddaughter, Olive (Kyle & Wendy's baby).
Picture 4: My mom wanted you all to see a picture of our family from Sean & Courtney's wedding on February 2nd .
More soon... Love you all & thanks for your support!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Day 7
Hello All!
My sincere apologies for not updating this blog more frequently. I know that many of you check it on a daily basis hoping to receive news about the sweet Pammy Sue. So, forgive me - I will be more diligent in keeping you all up to speed.
So, my mom is in her 7th day at OHSU and she is just now starting her 6th day of chemo. Her chemo doses are fed to her through her "pick line" 24 hours a day. The nurses have grown fond of her and are amazed at how much life she brings into this wing of the hospital. Two days ago I was coming down the hallway on my way to visit her and I heard her roaring laugh (roaring in a pleasant, feminine way, mom). ;) I told the nurses that they should sound proof her room because she is too cheerful and has far too many visitors. :) Needless to say, she has brought much joy and life to the Oncology Unit here at OHSU.
The first 4 days were a breeze for her. She kept saying that she felt like she was on vacation....taking naps, watching movies, having constant friends and family around, getting served, and she even has a constant companion that she gets to roll around with her wherever she goes (her IV rack). So, she is never alone.
This place is slowly becoming our family's home away from home. And yes, I admit, I have been caught by the nurses a few times cuddling in bed (twin size, might I add) with my mom watching Anne of Green Gables.
Yesterday was her worst day. Nausea is setting in. She didn't have much of an appetite at all and she slept for most of the day. It's hard watching her body reap the consequences of this chemo. But her spirits remain high and her faith strong.
As far as medical information goes, we are still waiting to find out test results which will tell us if her leukemia is low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk. In the meantime, I guess we just wait and see how her body responds to this treatment. Her results from the Mugascan (heart test) were excellent - telling us that her heart is stronger than normal.... I think we all knew that already though.
She has so loved all of your notes of encouragement, telling of stories & memories, phone calls & visits. Please keep them coming and NEVER feel like you are burdening her. The hardest times for her are on the horizon so the more support the better!
My mother is forcing me to write another little tuturial to you Baby Boomers (most likely) regarding how to navigate this blog. To write your own and/or read other people's comments, go to the comment link under any of the entries. In order to send a comment it asks you to "Choose an Identity". Click the "Name/URL" button and just type in your name (leave the URL section blank). Or else you can click "Anonymous". Either way works. Make sure you fill in the word verification as well (just copy the characters that you see in the picture above). Anyway, it sounds confusing but it really is fairly simple. If you are still having problems please feel free to email me at lindsay.beall@gmail.com and I can walk you through it.
Much love and thanks from Pam and the Beall gang!
My sincere apologies for not updating this blog more frequently. I know that many of you check it on a daily basis hoping to receive news about the sweet Pammy Sue. So, forgive me - I will be more diligent in keeping you all up to speed.
So, my mom is in her 7th day at OHSU and she is just now starting her 6th day of chemo. Her chemo doses are fed to her through her "pick line" 24 hours a day. The nurses have grown fond of her and are amazed at how much life she brings into this wing of the hospital. Two days ago I was coming down the hallway on my way to visit her and I heard her roaring laugh (roaring in a pleasant, feminine way, mom). ;) I told the nurses that they should sound proof her room because she is too cheerful and has far too many visitors. :) Needless to say, she has brought much joy and life to the Oncology Unit here at OHSU.
The first 4 days were a breeze for her. She kept saying that she felt like she was on vacation....taking naps, watching movies, having constant friends and family around, getting served, and she even has a constant companion that she gets to roll around with her wherever she goes (her IV rack). So, she is never alone.
This place is slowly becoming our family's home away from home. And yes, I admit, I have been caught by the nurses a few times cuddling in bed (twin size, might I add) with my mom watching Anne of Green Gables.
Yesterday was her worst day. Nausea is setting in. She didn't have much of an appetite at all and she slept for most of the day. It's hard watching her body reap the consequences of this chemo. But her spirits remain high and her faith strong.
As far as medical information goes, we are still waiting to find out test results which will tell us if her leukemia is low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk. In the meantime, I guess we just wait and see how her body responds to this treatment. Her results from the Mugascan (heart test) were excellent - telling us that her heart is stronger than normal.... I think we all knew that already though.
She has so loved all of your notes of encouragement, telling of stories & memories, phone calls & visits. Please keep them coming and NEVER feel like you are burdening her. The hardest times for her are on the horizon so the more support the better!
My mother is forcing me to write another little tuturial to you Baby Boomers (most likely) regarding how to navigate this blog. To write your own and/or read other people's comments, go to the comment link under any of the entries. In order to send a comment it asks you to "Choose an Identity". Click the "Name/URL" button and just type in your name (leave the URL section blank). Or else you can click "Anonymous". Either way works. Make sure you fill in the word verification as well (just copy the characters that you see in the picture above). Anyway, it sounds confusing but it really is fairly simple. If you are still having problems please feel free to email me at lindsay.beall@gmail.com and I can walk you through it.
Much love and thanks from Pam and the Beall gang!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
OHSU, Fight Fight Fight!
Well, we are finally here at OHSU (Oregon Health Science University). After a long day waiting around the hospital for mom's bed to open up she finally got settled in her new "condo", where she will be residing for the next month.
She arrived at the hospital at 8am yesterday morning (February 15th) to get some testing done. She had a Mugascan (which determines the strength of the heart before undergoing chemotherapy) and then she got a Pick line inserted into her upper left arm (where she will be receiving her chemo treatment). My dad keeps telling people that she got mugged and picked. Yeah, another one that he is still laughing at. ;) So, after her tests were done at 10am she waited at the hospital until 6:30pm before getting into her room! Don't you worry, we took a lot of tram rides and played a lot of cards. She is now settled in her new abode and ready for this crazy journey.
Today at 5pm she started her chemo treatment. She will be receiving her "chemo drip" 24 hours a day for the next 7 days. Good news is that she can have visitors at all times. So, if you are planning on visiting give a call to the hospital (she is in the Oncology department in the main hospital - 7th floor, Room 7) or call my dad's cell phone (503)312.6940 to see if she is feeling up for visitors. FYI - she cannot have live flowers or plants in her room so you can save your cashola and write her a nice card instead.
She meets with her doctor on Monday so we will update you as soon as we know more. Again, thanks for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers - we love you all and are so thankful for you!
Best,
Lindsay & the entire Beall fam
She arrived at the hospital at 8am yesterday morning (February 15th) to get some testing done. She had a Mugascan (which determines the strength of the heart before undergoing chemotherapy) and then she got a Pick line inserted into her upper left arm (where she will be receiving her chemo treatment). My dad keeps telling people that she got mugged and picked. Yeah, another one that he is still laughing at. ;) So, after her tests were done at 10am she waited at the hospital until 6:30pm before getting into her room! Don't you worry, we took a lot of tram rides and played a lot of cards. She is now settled in her new abode and ready for this crazy journey.
Today at 5pm she started her chemo treatment. She will be receiving her "chemo drip" 24 hours a day for the next 7 days. Good news is that she can have visitors at all times. So, if you are planning on visiting give a call to the hospital (she is in the Oncology department in the main hospital - 7th floor, Room 7) or call my dad's cell phone (503)312.6940 to see if she is feeling up for visitors. FYI - she cannot have live flowers or plants in her room so you can save your cashola and write her a nice card instead.
She meets with her doctor on Monday so we will update you as soon as we know more. Again, thanks for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers - we love you all and are so thankful for you!
Best,
Lindsay & the entire Beall fam
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Update...
Well hello dear friends! My sweet mom as well as our entire family are absolutely overwhelmed with the response to this blog. Your prayers and words of encouragement have brought life, encouragement and joy to all of us. Thank you-thank you-thank you! It is very clear that this woman is one loved cookie!! ;) She continues to amaze me with her zest for life and her constant laughter.
My mom wanted me to write a quick little "How To" section for all you first time bloggers (most likely in her generation;) ). I know some of you were having trouble finding out how to read other people's comments. Scroll down to the bottom of the post. You will see it say "Posted by Lindsay Beall at 2:51pm" Directly to the right of the that says "38 comments"...or whatever number it is.... Click on the the "Comments" and it will take you to a page where you can read others comments as well as write one of your own. Hope this helps.
Now here are some words from Pamela Sue herself...
Dear Family and Friends,
Even though the process is taking longer than I thought, I finally will meet with a specialist at OHSU this Thursday to find out the details of my treatment. We will update the blog at that time. In the meantime, all of your encouraging notes have made these days of waiting so much easier. I really feel your thoughts and prayers and am energized by your care and concern.
Love you all,
Pam
My mom wanted me to write a quick little "How To" section for all you first time bloggers (most likely in her generation;) ). I know some of you were having trouble finding out how to read other people's comments. Scroll down to the bottom of the post. You will see it say "Posted by Lindsay Beall at 2:51pm" Directly to the right of the that says "38 comments"...or whatever number it is.... Click on the the "Comments" and it will take you to a page where you can read others comments as well as write one of your own. Hope this helps.
Now here are some words from Pamela Sue herself...
Dear Family and Friends,
Even though the process is taking longer than I thought, I finally will meet with a specialist at OHSU this Thursday to find out the details of my treatment. We will update the blog at that time. In the meantime, all of your encouraging notes have made these days of waiting so much easier. I really feel your thoughts and prayers and am energized by your care and concern.
Love you all,
Pam
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Rock & Roll
Well, here goes....
Last night we got the news that my mom has been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. I know, it's a mouthful, so from here on out we'll refer to it as AML.
She had been feeling sick and fatigued for the past couple weeks but we just figured that it was a seasonal cold combined with the fatigue that comes with putting on a family wedding. That's right, our very own Sean Gaynor Beall got married last week (February 2nd) to the beautiful Courtney Reynolds (now Beall). Whoo! It's about time, Seanski. He got a winner, that's for sure!
The day of Sean's rehearsal dinner (February 1st) my mom went to the doctor to get antibiotics so she would be well for the wedding. For some reason they took her blood and realized that her white, red & platelet cell counts were severely low (50% of what they should be). Her doctor immediately made an appointment to have multiple scans done. She met with an Oncologist to remove some of her blood marrow for testing. It is there where they found the leukemia cells.
A little history on AML....
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow - the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It's called acute leukemia because it progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells, rather than mature ones. It's called myelogenous leukemia because it affects a group of white blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells & platelets. AML is the most common form of leukemia. It worsens quickly if not treated, but it initially responds well to treatment.
Well, I think my dad put it best when he said at least aCUTE myelogenous leukemia is better than anUGLY myelogenous leukemia. Mwahaha....yeah, he's still laughing about that one. Don't encourage him. ;)
So, what's next? Well, right now I am sitting in the hospital room watching Pamela Sue nap as she receives a 4-hour blood transfusion. She will be admitted to OHSU early next week where she will start intensive chemotherapy and will be in the hospital for a month.
Yes, of course it's hard to hear such news as this but boy, is this woman a fighter! When she called all of us kids to share the lovely news she kept saying (as we were all blubbering on the other end of the line), "You know, it is what it is and we are going to take this one day at a time and rejoice that we have today." The Lord is her strength and source of joy...and we are all going to cling to that as we begin this crazy journey together.
It's obvious that this woman is SO LOVED by so many people - we have already been bombarded with phone calls, emails and visits. She is definitely blessed to have you all as a source of support ... and we are blessed to have her in our lives, that's for sure!
More to come...
Much love,
Lindsay Sue Beall
Last night we got the news that my mom has been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. I know, it's a mouthful, so from here on out we'll refer to it as AML.
She had been feeling sick and fatigued for the past couple weeks but we just figured that it was a seasonal cold combined with the fatigue that comes with putting on a family wedding. That's right, our very own Sean Gaynor Beall got married last week (February 2nd) to the beautiful Courtney Reynolds (now Beall). Whoo! It's about time, Seanski. He got a winner, that's for sure!
The day of Sean's rehearsal dinner (February 1st) my mom went to the doctor to get antibiotics so she would be well for the wedding. For some reason they took her blood and realized that her white, red & platelet cell counts were severely low (50% of what they should be). Her doctor immediately made an appointment to have multiple scans done. She met with an Oncologist to remove some of her blood marrow for testing. It is there where they found the leukemia cells.
A little history on AML....
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow - the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It's called acute leukemia because it progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells, rather than mature ones. It's called myelogenous leukemia because it affects a group of white blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells & platelets. AML is the most common form of leukemia. It worsens quickly if not treated, but it initially responds well to treatment.
Well, I think my dad put it best when he said at least aCUTE myelogenous leukemia is better than anUGLY myelogenous leukemia. Mwahaha....yeah, he's still laughing about that one. Don't encourage him. ;)
So, what's next? Well, right now I am sitting in the hospital room watching Pamela Sue nap as she receives a 4-hour blood transfusion. She will be admitted to OHSU early next week where she will start intensive chemotherapy and will be in the hospital for a month.
Yes, of course it's hard to hear such news as this but boy, is this woman a fighter! When she called all of us kids to share the lovely news she kept saying (as we were all blubbering on the other end of the line), "You know, it is what it is and we are going to take this one day at a time and rejoice that we have today." The Lord is her strength and source of joy...and we are all going to cling to that as we begin this crazy journey together.
It's obvious that this woman is SO LOVED by so many people - we have already been bombarded with phone calls, emails and visits. She is definitely blessed to have you all as a source of support ... and we are blessed to have her in our lives, that's for sure!
More to come...
Much love,
Lindsay Sue Beall
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