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
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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!
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