Ryan has been hooked up to his IV machine today - getting lots of stuff! His hemoglobin was 7.1 this morning so he is getting 2 bags of blood. His platelets were down to 12, so he will be getting a bag of platelets when the blood is done. He is also about 2 1/2 hours away from finishing a 12 hour bag of chemo. At 2:30, he'll be starting another chemo - that will last just 1 hour. Then, he'll be done with chemotherapy. The doctors have said that they would allow him to go home this afternoon if he wants, he's not sure yet what he'll do. He is having some joint pain and has been taking morphine for that. This pain started after the transplant and it seems that every time he gets chemo, he has the pain more often. He is sleeping now.
He is otherwise subdued, but the doctors say that he looks better today than he did yesterday. Also, his chemistry levels are better today than they were yesterday and the doctors feel comfortable letting him come home when he is ready.
-A
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Back in Columbus
I think scarlet and gray are starting to grow on Ryan, ha ha. We came to his appointment on Tuesday hoping that maybe they would get good blood results back so that we would think the temperatures were coming from an infection, but that was not the case.
Ryan's white count wasn't too high - 7.7 ( in the normal range), but it was up from 2.3 the day before and there were blasts in the blood, not there on Monday.
Dr. Devine gave us a choice - go home or try one other chemotherapy regimen that will hopefully make Ryan feel better. We not sure at this point as to our next steps. Ryan's fever did come down earlier this evening, so we are thankful for that.
-A
Ryan's white count wasn't too high - 7.7 ( in the normal range), but it was up from 2.3 the day before and there were blasts in the blood, not there on Monday.
Dr. Devine gave us a choice - go home or try one other chemotherapy regimen that will hopefully make Ryan feel better. We not sure at this point as to our next steps. Ryan's fever did come down earlier this evening, so we are thankful for that.
-A
Monday, July 26, 2010
Not Feeling So Well
Last night before he went to bed, Ryan was running a bit of a fever, it was still hanging on this morning. When he got to the hospital to get blood drawn, it was gone. By the time his platelets arrived, his fever was back up a little and when he came home, it was around 99.3.
We put some plastic under Aubrey's swing set, so we're ready to put the sand it. We need a cover for it though - Ryan talked about how he could probably make one, but it appears that we might be headed back to the hospital. Just as we were getting ready to eat supper, Ryan got sick and then his fever went up to 100. We are headed to Columbus first thing tomorrow morning, so please keep us in your prayers. Ryan's white count was 2.3 today, still below normal so we're not sure exactly what's going on. Ryan thinks he may have to be admitted. I'm praying that his fever will go away and he will regain his strength quickly.
-A
We put some plastic under Aubrey's swing set, so we're ready to put the sand it. We need a cover for it though - Ryan talked about how he could probably make one, but it appears that we might be headed back to the hospital. Just as we were getting ready to eat supper, Ryan got sick and then his fever went up to 100. We are headed to Columbus first thing tomorrow morning, so please keep us in your prayers. Ryan's white count was 2.3 today, still below normal so we're not sure exactly what's going on. Ryan thinks he may have to be admitted. I'm praying that his fever will go away and he will regain his strength quickly.
-A
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A Little Tired
Ryan has been a bit tired today. He thinks that maybe his hemoglobin is a little low - if so, they'll give him blood tomorrow at Wayne Hospital. He napped for most of the afternoon at my parents' house. He put the canopies on the swing set tonight, just a couple more things and it will be completely done! He felt a little nauseous before supper and so he took some nausea medicine and laid down - he hasn't gotten up yet to eat supper.
We pray that this is just passing nausea and that his counts are jumping rapidly again.
-A
We pray that this is just passing nausea and that his counts are jumping rapidly again.
-A
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Enjoying Life
Ryan and I both worked on Friday and then went to our friends' house - Wade and Jacci - for a wonderful supper and a time to catch up a little. Aubrey and Isaac and Luke played hard and Aubrey fell asleep in the car not long after we left their driveway.
Today we went to the Annie Oakley parade with my parents and niece, Camryn. It was hot, but we found a shady spot where the wind was blowing a little and it wasn't too bad while we were watching the parade.
A friend of Ryan's from college (and his girlfriend) came to visit this afternoon and he and Ryan put up some curtains and a set of blinds for me. Now Ryan is at a bachelor party and I've got the rest of the evening to myself.
Ryan goes back to Wayne Hospital to get blood drawn on Monday and then a trip to Columbus on Tuesday.
We continue to pray for strength for Ryan and that his numbers recover as they are supposed to.
-A
Today we went to the Annie Oakley parade with my parents and niece, Camryn. It was hot, but we found a shady spot where the wind was blowing a little and it wasn't too bad while we were watching the parade.
A friend of Ryan's from college (and his girlfriend) came to visit this afternoon and he and Ryan put up some curtains and a set of blinds for me. Now Ryan is at a bachelor party and I've got the rest of the evening to myself.
Ryan goes back to Wayne Hospital to get blood drawn on Monday and then a trip to Columbus on Tuesday.
We continue to pray for strength for Ryan and that his numbers recover as they are supposed to.
-A
Thursday, July 22, 2010
More Platelets
Ryan went to Wayne Hospital for his blood draw again today and stayed all day for more platelets. They like to keep him above 10, but he was 18 today and they called Columbus and the clinic said that they want to try to keep him above 20 now, so he had to stay for a bag of platelets; he got home around 3:30. It didn't take quite as long as it did on Monday.
My mom came today and helped me finish cleaning up in the house; I've been wanting to do some "spring" cleaning. It was a little late, but at least I got it done :) I finally got my office put back together. Ever since Ryan got me my new bookshelf for mother's day I've been wanting to get my books organized and the room rearranged, but I would do a little and then get sidetracked - everything got put back in its place today.
We were blessed to have several of Ryan's friends here tonight helping clean some things up around the house and the barn. They worked for almost 3 hours and made a huge dent in some of the projects that we've been talking about getting done. Thank you so much guys!
Aubrey even got to have a few visitors tonight, Greta and Landyn came over with their moms tonight (both of their dads were here working) and the three of them played on the swingset and with tractors for a long time. It didn't take much to get Aubrey in bed tonight, she was tired!
Thank you God for great friends and family.
-A
My mom came today and helped me finish cleaning up in the house; I've been wanting to do some "spring" cleaning. It was a little late, but at least I got it done :) I finally got my office put back together. Ever since Ryan got me my new bookshelf for mother's day I've been wanting to get my books organized and the room rearranged, but I would do a little and then get sidetracked - everything got put back in its place today.
We were blessed to have several of Ryan's friends here tonight helping clean some things up around the house and the barn. They worked for almost 3 hours and made a huge dent in some of the projects that we've been talking about getting done. Thank you so much guys!
Aubrey even got to have a few visitors tonight, Greta and Landyn came over with their moms tonight (both of their dads were here working) and the three of them played on the swingset and with tractors for a long time. It didn't take much to get Aubrey in bed tonight, she was tired!
Thank you God for great friends and family.
-A
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Moving Along
Things are going well here at the Wulber household. Ryan went to Wayne Hospital yesterday to get his blood drawn - both the lines on his picc line were closed so it took them a while to get orders and such to be able to work on it to get it opened. They finally got things fixed and he got a bag of platelets and was home about 4:30 - so much for doing anything yesterday :)
I on the other hand, was very productive. With my mom's help, I got my upstairs cleaned and got two rooms downstairs cleaned. I also mowed the yard and later I cleaned out my van and even washed all the bugs off the front. I'm in a cleaning mood for some reason. I am trying to get my office straightened out - I plan to have it done by the end of the week.
Ryan and I worked on the swingset a little on Saturday, but haven't had the chance to get back at that yet, but another couple of hours and we think we'll have that finished. We are getting new doors and handles installed as I type on our porch and the back of the house. I'm excited to get that done! Our bricks are almost finished - Chris just has to come back and wash everything down. We're checking projects off our list, unfortunately the summer is also dwindling - there's more that I want to do!
Ryan goes back to Wayne to get his blood drawn again Thursday. His hemoglobin was 9 yesterday and his white count was still down at .24. We are praying for his platelets to come up on their own by Thursday and that his white count is still under control. We go back to Columbus next Tuesday to see Dr. Devine and figure out how things will play out.
Ryan went to work this morning and worked half a day and he's working on scheduling some more student visits before school starts - I think he's ready to head back to school and get some routine, me too!
We prayed for a miracle Sunday and we're living every day as if that's coming true. Please continue to pray for healing with us.
-A
I on the other hand, was very productive. With my mom's help, I got my upstairs cleaned and got two rooms downstairs cleaned. I also mowed the yard and later I cleaned out my van and even washed all the bugs off the front. I'm in a cleaning mood for some reason. I am trying to get my office straightened out - I plan to have it done by the end of the week.
Ryan and I worked on the swingset a little on Saturday, but haven't had the chance to get back at that yet, but another couple of hours and we think we'll have that finished. We are getting new doors and handles installed as I type on our porch and the back of the house. I'm excited to get that done! Our bricks are almost finished - Chris just has to come back and wash everything down. We're checking projects off our list, unfortunately the summer is also dwindling - there's more that I want to do!
Ryan goes back to Wayne to get his blood drawn again Thursday. His hemoglobin was 9 yesterday and his white count was still down at .24. We are praying for his platelets to come up on their own by Thursday and that his white count is still under control. We go back to Columbus next Tuesday to see Dr. Devine and figure out how things will play out.
Ryan went to work this morning and worked half a day and he's working on scheduling some more student visits before school starts - I think he's ready to head back to school and get some routine, me too!
We prayed for a miracle Sunday and we're living every day as if that's coming true. Please continue to pray for healing with us.
-A
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Lazy Sunday
I think Sundays are my favorite day of the week. We go to church and I almost always feel better about life when I leave church. Then we go to my parents' house and have lunch, most times Jake and Brandi and the girls come over too and we all have a good time at lunch and visit for a while afterwards. Aubrey and Ryan usually take naps so I get some time to read. Sometimes we swim, sometimes we stay for supper - it just depends. We usually don't have anything else planned for the day, so we just play it by ear.
Today after church, much of the church family stayed around and we had a little prayer time for Ryan (and Aubrey and I). That was an emotional time, but comforting as we know so many people are praying and believing for God's healing of Ryan.
We also celebrated Kaitlyn's birthday tonight at the Golden Corral - supper was good and the fellowship was wonderful.
Ryan is working on something for school right now and I think I'm joining him on the couch here shortly.
-A
Today after church, much of the church family stayed around and we had a little prayer time for Ryan (and Aubrey and I). That was an emotional time, but comforting as we know so many people are praying and believing for God's healing of Ryan.
We also celebrated Kaitlyn's birthday tonight at the Golden Corral - supper was good and the fellowship was wonderful.
Ryan is working on something for school right now and I think I'm joining him on the couch here shortly.
-A
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Working Again
Ryan doesn't take much down time. He was up and outside at 8:00 this morning. They were pouring the footer for new grain bins we're putting up, so he had to check things out. Also, last night when we left Relay for Life, my van had a flat tire, so he took that to town to get fixed. He worked on the swing set when he got home and then took a nap, then worked on the swing set a little more. We have only a couple more things to finish up and it will be done :) Aubrey used the swings and slide today and she had a blast.
I drug him to the grocery tonight; he and Aubrey ended up staying in the car though. We're taking it easy tomorrow.
We continue to pray that God is healing Ryan through his power or through the medicine and that his white count will remain under control so that in a few weeks he is able to get some of Russell's immune cells.
-A
I drug him to the grocery tonight; he and Aubrey ended up staying in the car though. We're taking it easy tomorrow.
We continue to pray that God is healing Ryan through his power or through the medicine and that his white count will remain under control so that in a few weeks he is able to get some of Russell's immune cells.
-A
Friday, July 16, 2010
Relay for Life
Tonight, Darke County held its annual Relay for Life event. Ryan was able to participate for the second year in a row. Ryan was pretty darn sure that he was coming home today and when the doctor came in this morning, he asked her if she had any reason to keep him in the hospital, she couldn't come up with one, so she let him go. His white count is still low - .4; his platelets were 6 today, so he got a bag of platelets and he also got blood. His hemoglobin wasn't too low, but since he isn't getting his blood drawn until Monday, she wanted to make sure his counts stayed up until then. We left around 2:15, sat in traffic on 70, and got home a little after 5. We enjoyed the evening in Versailles at Relay for Life for about 3 hours then headed home to bed.
We are thankful that our family is all sleeping under the same roof tonight.
-A
We are thankful that our family is all sleeping under the same roof tonight.
-A
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wanting Out
Ryan told me first thing this morning that they put him on all pill antibiotics. He said the nurse practitioner told him that she'd get him out as soon as possible. Ryan is sure it will be tomorrow. Unless they need to watch him for some reason, I think he probably will get to come home tomorrow. It is possible that he'll need to get some platelets before we head home, so we'll see what they say in the morning.
They unhooked Ryan from his IV pole for a walk again tonight. We walked all around downstairs and then walked outside around about half of the hospital. It was warm, but the wind was blowing a bit and Ryan was happy to get outside. He is feeling well. His hemoglobin came down a little from yesterday; his platelets also came down - they are 12 today. His white count was .4 this morning.
**********
My mom has asked her email friends, family, and our church family to join in prayer this Sunday at 12:00 noon for Ryan's healing and I just want to extend that invitation to anyone who reads this blog. We will surely be blessed by the prayers.
Thank you all so much for loving and caring for our family by holding us up in prayer.
-A
They unhooked Ryan from his IV pole for a walk again tonight. We walked all around downstairs and then walked outside around about half of the hospital. It was warm, but the wind was blowing a bit and Ryan was happy to get outside. He is feeling well. His hemoglobin came down a little from yesterday; his platelets also came down - they are 12 today. His white count was .4 this morning.
**********
My mom has asked her email friends, family, and our church family to join in prayer this Sunday at 12:00 noon for Ryan's healing and I just want to extend that invitation to anyone who reads this blog. We will surely be blessed by the prayers.
Thank you all so much for loving and caring for our family by holding us up in prayer.
-A
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Chemo's Over
Well, Ryan has had his final dose of chemo for this hospital stay. We pray it is the final dose of chemo for the rest of his life. I was back home today, doing laundry, paying bill, etc. and I talked to him several times - seems like I always happen to call when he's trying to eat :). When I called his this evening around supper time, he was actually out walking in the hallway. He likes to walk down on the first level because there are lots of places to walk and he gets a nice bit of exercise. He was doing an even longer loop today than what we normally do.
Ryan's white count was down to .6 today. His platelets were 14 and his hemoglobin was 9.2. He is feeling well, but couldn't get his doctor to tell him when he might be able to come home yet; he'll keep pestering.
We pray for things to continue to be positive and that the doctor's and nurses are thinking about what is best for Ryan in making future decisions.
-A
Ryan's white count was down to .6 today. His platelets were 14 and his hemoglobin was 9.2. He is feeling well, but couldn't get his doctor to tell him when he might be able to come home yet; he'll keep pestering.
We pray for things to continue to be positive and that the doctor's and nurses are thinking about what is best for Ryan in making future decisions.
-A
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Moving Up
Ryan changed rooms again today. He was doing well and there obviously was a patient who needed the higher level of care that Ryan had been getting, so he was moved to the 10th floor and someone else was given his room. Ryan was unhooked from the heart monitor and backed way off his fluids today. After his morning antibiotics ran, he was unhooked from the IV machine and was able to take a shower. We visited with Mike today until lunchtime and then after lunch we took a nice long walk around the first floor and the 11th floor. Ryan started asking the doctor when he's going to get to come home; the doctor wouldn't commit to anything today.
Ryan will have chemo night starting around 9 and then again tomorrow around 9 in the morning; then he'll be finished with what we pray is the last chemotherapy he will need.
Ryan's white count was .8 today; hemoglobin was 8.7; we don't know what is platelet count was. The nurse gave him a count sheet, but it was after I left and he says the platelet count wasn't on there. He ate well today. He said they came in this morning and asked him about what he wanted for lunch, but when lunch came, it wasn't what he ordered. I got him nuggets from Wendy's. He said his supper was much better tonight.
Here's something Ryan had in his email and we listened to today - kind of interesting to think about.
We thank God continually for showing us his blessings.
-A
Ryan will have chemo night starting around 9 and then again tomorrow around 9 in the morning; then he'll be finished with what we pray is the last chemotherapy he will need.
Ryan's white count was .8 today; hemoglobin was 8.7; we don't know what is platelet count was. The nurse gave him a count sheet, but it was after I left and he says the platelet count wasn't on there. He ate well today. He said they came in this morning and asked him about what he wanted for lunch, but when lunch came, it wasn't what he ordered. I got him nuggets from Wendy's. He said his supper was much better tonight.
Here's something Ryan had in his email and we listened to today - kind of interesting to think about.
We thank God continually for showing us his blessings.
-A
Monday, July 12, 2010
Constant Checking
I started the day with a phone call from the nurse practitioner - she wanted to inform me that overnight Ryan had had a temperature of 102.4 and his blood pressure dropped and heart rate went up again as it did the other night. Ryan was feeling better when she called and she told me that he was sitting up in bed reading a phone book. I thought that was pretty strange for Ryan, so once we were done talking, I called him. He was in bed, eating breakfast, and I asked him about reading the phonebook. He said he wasn't reading the phone book and so I asked him what he was reading. He told me that he was reading the Fastline (tractor ads and such), I thought that was quite funny that the nurse practitioner that it was a phone book. :)
Around 9:30, Aubrey, my mom, and I got to the hospital. Ryan was awake for a while, but then fell asleep, so Aubrey amused herself by pushing her stroller around and then drawing on the white board in the room. Around 11, she and mom took off to head for home.
Ryan's white count was down to 1 today, platelets were 10 and so he got a bag of platelets, his hemoglobin was 8.3 and so he didn't need any blood today. Ryan's temperature has been hanging out around 99 today, it was 97 the last time they took it around 8. His blood pressure was low this morning and they've been watching it all day - the last two times they've taken it, it was getting much closer to normal.
The doctors are watching his chemistry levels very closely because as the chemotherapy kills the white blood cells, they break down and release potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc. into his blood. They have to make sure these levels stay in a certain range, so they check these levels two to three times during the day. Things look good tonight. He has been sleeping since after he ate supper. He hasn't needed any nausea or pain medicine today, so that is a positive note.
He will have two more doses of chemo, tomorrow night and Wednesday morning. Then we will see after that how he is feeling, what his counts are doing, and then they'll decide when he gets to come home. Hopefully, not too many days after; it is nice to stay in a hotel, but when it isn't for a fun trip, it isn't so fun (although Aubrey likes the swimming pool).
Prayers for Ryan's temperature to stay down and his blood pressure to level off at normal. We are also prayerful that the chemo will be strong enough to get the leukemia under control so Ryan will be able to get some immune cells from Russell to give his immune system a boost.
-A
Around 9:30, Aubrey, my mom, and I got to the hospital. Ryan was awake for a while, but then fell asleep, so Aubrey amused herself by pushing her stroller around and then drawing on the white board in the room. Around 11, she and mom took off to head for home.
Ryan's white count was down to 1 today, platelets were 10 and so he got a bag of platelets, his hemoglobin was 8.3 and so he didn't need any blood today. Ryan's temperature has been hanging out around 99 today, it was 97 the last time they took it around 8. His blood pressure was low this morning and they've been watching it all day - the last two times they've taken it, it was getting much closer to normal.
The doctors are watching his chemistry levels very closely because as the chemotherapy kills the white blood cells, they break down and release potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc. into his blood. They have to make sure these levels stay in a certain range, so they check these levels two to three times during the day. Things look good tonight. He has been sleeping since after he ate supper. He hasn't needed any nausea or pain medicine today, so that is a positive note.
He will have two more doses of chemo, tomorrow night and Wednesday morning. Then we will see after that how he is feeling, what his counts are doing, and then they'll decide when he gets to come home. Hopefully, not too many days after; it is nice to stay in a hotel, but when it isn't for a fun trip, it isn't so fun (although Aubrey likes the swimming pool).
Prayers for Ryan's temperature to stay down and his blood pressure to level off at normal. We are also prayerful that the chemo will be strong enough to get the leukemia under control so Ryan will be able to get some immune cells from Russell to give his immune system a boost.
-A
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Ups and Downs
Overall, Ryan seems to be doing better today than yesterday. I think things were actually going well, until I arrived . . .
First of all, I sat in traffic for an hour on the way over here because there was an accident on 70 and I couldn't get around. So, when I finally got here, some of our friends Todd, Julie, and Chloe were here. After they left Ryan napped for just a little while, then Dr. Marinella (Ryan's oncologist from MVH) peeked his head in and then visited for a while.
After the visitors were gone, things went a bit downhill. Ryan's temperature had been hovering in the 99's all day, the last temperature taken was 100.4. His blood pressure has been generally low, it was a little high the last time they took it.
A good bit of news - he is off the oxygen he had been on since Friday night. His white count was 2.8 the last time his blood was checked, which is good, but there are still many blasts (a sign of the leukemia) in the cells that are there. He will start chemo again tonight around 9:00. He had to get platelets and blood today because both counts were low, but that was done by the time I got here and the counts came back looking better.
Ryan also got sick a little tonight and then took some nausea medicine, so now he's sleeping, but he's a bit restless. He has not yet eaten any supper, but he says he's going to try it; he ate both breakfast and lunch today.
I was happy to see Ryan perked up and sitting up in bed when I arrived today; a little disheartened that he got sick and isn't feeling the greatest right now. We pray and believe tonight that his fever will finally let loose and go away and that he is able to eat some supper and have a good night's sleep.
-A
First of all, I sat in traffic for an hour on the way over here because there was an accident on 70 and I couldn't get around. So, when I finally got here, some of our friends Todd, Julie, and Chloe were here. After they left Ryan napped for just a little while, then Dr. Marinella (Ryan's oncologist from MVH) peeked his head in and then visited for a while.
After the visitors were gone, things went a bit downhill. Ryan's temperature had been hovering in the 99's all day, the last temperature taken was 100.4. His blood pressure has been generally low, it was a little high the last time they took it.
A good bit of news - he is off the oxygen he had been on since Friday night. His white count was 2.8 the last time his blood was checked, which is good, but there are still many blasts (a sign of the leukemia) in the cells that are there. He will start chemo again tonight around 9:00. He had to get platelets and blood today because both counts were low, but that was done by the time I got here and the counts came back looking better.
Ryan also got sick a little tonight and then took some nausea medicine, so now he's sleeping, but he's a bit restless. He has not yet eaten any supper, but he says he's going to try it; he ate both breakfast and lunch today.
I was happy to see Ryan perked up and sitting up in bed when I arrived today; a little disheartened that he got sick and isn't feeling the greatest right now. We pray and believe tonight that his fever will finally let loose and go away and that he is able to eat some supper and have a good night's sleep.
-A
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A Better Day
Today seemed to go a little smoother and not quite as exciting as yesterday. Things we are thankful for:
1. Ryan's temp was 99.8 last time it was checked.
2. Ryan's white count came down from 42,000 this morning to 8,000 at about 6:00 tonight.
3. Aubrey is allowed in Ryan's room, she visited today.
4. Ryan's blood pressure seems to be normal, as does his heart rate, and pulse.
5. Ryan's chemistries from the last blood draw this afternoon looked "almost normal" (doctor's words).
6. Dr. Devine stopped in, just to tell Ryan that he has been thinking about him and that he's sorry he's back in the hospital.
7. Aubrey is sleeping in her own bed.
8. I will be sleeping in my bed soon.
9. Ryan seemed more alert and remembered to call me after they took him temp at 10:00.
God is great, all the time.
Please continue to pray for Ryan's temperature to return to normal. He is also holding a little fluid, so pray that that will begin to go away.
The first two doses of chemo are over, they will begin again with two doses 12 hours apart either tomorrow morning or tomorrow night around 9. This every 12 hours, then off 24 has me confused as to when it begins :)
-A
1. Ryan's temp was 99.8 last time it was checked.
2. Ryan's white count came down from 42,000 this morning to 8,000 at about 6:00 tonight.
3. Aubrey is allowed in Ryan's room, she visited today.
4. Ryan's blood pressure seems to be normal, as does his heart rate, and pulse.
5. Ryan's chemistries from the last blood draw this afternoon looked "almost normal" (doctor's words).
6. Dr. Devine stopped in, just to tell Ryan that he has been thinking about him and that he's sorry he's back in the hospital.
7. Aubrey is sleeping in her own bed.
8. I will be sleeping in my bed soon.
9. Ryan seemed more alert and remembered to call me after they took him temp at 10:00.
God is great, all the time.
Please continue to pray for Ryan's temperature to return to normal. He is also holding a little fluid, so pray that that will begin to go away.
The first two doses of chemo are over, they will begin again with two doses 12 hours apart either tomorrow morning or tomorrow night around 9. This every 12 hours, then off 24 has me confused as to when it begins :)
-A
Never a Boring Moment
Some people review their lives and realize that they very seldom did anything exciting. I cannot say that about Ryan and I, and especially Aubrey. Our lives have a been a whirlwind of activity, but in the last few sleepless nights - watching Aubrey try to sleep in her stroller, watching Ryan sleep in a hospital bed right across the room, I thank God that I'm not living a boring life. Some days it would sure be easier to know that when I make plans to do something, whatever I plan will come to pass, but that rarely happens in our family. I think I have a "go with the flow" daughter for that reason :)
I left the hospital yesterday a little after 4 and headed towards my parents' house to pick up Aubrey. We ended up meeting in Greenville and eating supper, and then headed to walk around Farm Power of the Past because I figured Aubrey would enjoy seeing the tractors. Little did I know so much was happening in Columbus and the night I thought I was going to enjoy sleeping in my own bed was not actually going to happen. Sometime around 8:30 I received a voicemail on my phone from Nathan (my brother-in-law). I had checked my phone all night, and texted Ryan (I know, we don't text), but I never received an answer from him.
I had told Ryan I would call him once I got Aubrey in bed, but since we went to Farm Power of the Past, that was going to be later than I expected, so I tried calling him around this 8:30 time. No one answered and then Nathan's voicemail came through. I tried calling Ryan again, tried calling Rachel, and searched crazily through my phone for Nathan's phone number, but could not find it anywhere. I ended up calling the hospital and speaking with Ryan briefly, and doctor, and two nurses, I think. By then, I was almost sick to my stomach. I was pretty worked up and still trying to drive home, still trying to get hold of Rachel or Nathan. I called my mom to tell her I was returning to Columbus, then called Ryan's dad trying to find Nathan's number. I finally found it and got the picture of what was happening at the hospital.
Around 6:30, Ryan got sick, then got a high fever (104). From 6:30 to around 8:30 the nurse was in his room almost constantly trying to make him comfortable and figure out the best thing for him. When I finally talked to Nathan, they were considering moving Ryan to ICU, which eventually did not happen. They have moved him to a progressive care room, where the nurses can give him a little more attention.
When Aubrey, Mom, and I arrived at the hospital a little after midnight, Aubrey was awake and Ryan's fever had come down to around 102.6, it later fell even more than that, but was up to 103 around 5:00 this morning. At 8:30 this morning, his fever was back down to 100.6, progress. We are hoping that with continued ice packs and more chemotherapy, his white count will continue to fall and his fever will release (as it did 2 weeks ago). The doctors were in this morning, they felt that Ryan looked better than he did last night at 6. Ryan was complaining of a little pain in his side, they said probably his spleen which is working overtime, trying to help rid his body of the leukemia that is breaking down from the chemo.
When Ryan started chemo last night, his white count was 54, it was down to 42 this morning. There will be more chemo sometime today and then 24 hours off and two more doses; then 24 hours off, and the last two doses.
I am thankful to God that I was able to come over last night; we are extremely thankful that Ryan seems better this morning than even a few hours ago; I'm thankful that my mom and Aubrey are 5 minutes away at the hotel and I get to see our daughter and take a shower here very shortly. We are thankful for efficient and caring nurses and doctors who want what is best for Ryan. I am thankful that I know a God who is big enough to heal Ryan if that is his will for us. I am thankful that we have so many friends and family members who spend time in prayer for us. Many days I want normal, but I think that normal doesn't always remind me that God is in control.
Praying for the fever to release, and Ryan's white count continue to drop with his chemotherapy. Praying for peace for all involved.
-A
I left the hospital yesterday a little after 4 and headed towards my parents' house to pick up Aubrey. We ended up meeting in Greenville and eating supper, and then headed to walk around Farm Power of the Past because I figured Aubrey would enjoy seeing the tractors. Little did I know so much was happening in Columbus and the night I thought I was going to enjoy sleeping in my own bed was not actually going to happen. Sometime around 8:30 I received a voicemail on my phone from Nathan (my brother-in-law). I had checked my phone all night, and texted Ryan (I know, we don't text), but I never received an answer from him.
I had told Ryan I would call him once I got Aubrey in bed, but since we went to Farm Power of the Past, that was going to be later than I expected, so I tried calling him around this 8:30 time. No one answered and then Nathan's voicemail came through. I tried calling Ryan again, tried calling Rachel, and searched crazily through my phone for Nathan's phone number, but could not find it anywhere. I ended up calling the hospital and speaking with Ryan briefly, and doctor, and two nurses, I think. By then, I was almost sick to my stomach. I was pretty worked up and still trying to drive home, still trying to get hold of Rachel or Nathan. I called my mom to tell her I was returning to Columbus, then called Ryan's dad trying to find Nathan's number. I finally found it and got the picture of what was happening at the hospital.
Around 6:30, Ryan got sick, then got a high fever (104). From 6:30 to around 8:30 the nurse was in his room almost constantly trying to make him comfortable and figure out the best thing for him. When I finally talked to Nathan, they were considering moving Ryan to ICU, which eventually did not happen. They have moved him to a progressive care room, where the nurses can give him a little more attention.
When Aubrey, Mom, and I arrived at the hospital a little after midnight, Aubrey was awake and Ryan's fever had come down to around 102.6, it later fell even more than that, but was up to 103 around 5:00 this morning. At 8:30 this morning, his fever was back down to 100.6, progress. We are hoping that with continued ice packs and more chemotherapy, his white count will continue to fall and his fever will release (as it did 2 weeks ago). The doctors were in this morning, they felt that Ryan looked better than he did last night at 6. Ryan was complaining of a little pain in his side, they said probably his spleen which is working overtime, trying to help rid his body of the leukemia that is breaking down from the chemo.
When Ryan started chemo last night, his white count was 54, it was down to 42 this morning. There will be more chemo sometime today and then 24 hours off and two more doses; then 24 hours off, and the last two doses.
I am thankful to God that I was able to come over last night; we are extremely thankful that Ryan seems better this morning than even a few hours ago; I'm thankful that my mom and Aubrey are 5 minutes away at the hotel and I get to see our daughter and take a shower here very shortly. We are thankful for efficient and caring nurses and doctors who want what is best for Ryan. I am thankful that I know a God who is big enough to heal Ryan if that is his will for us. I am thankful that we have so many friends and family members who spend time in prayer for us. Many days I want normal, but I think that normal doesn't always remind me that God is in control.
Praying for the fever to release, and Ryan's white count continue to drop with his chemotherapy. Praying for peace for all involved.
-A
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sometimes we wonder...
why God doesn't directly show us his plan at the beginning of a journey - a marriage, going to college, having children, hearing that you (or a loved one) has cancer . . . We don't know what God's plan for Ryan's (and ultimately mine and Aubrey's) life is, but we are praying, seeking his will, and believing that whatever happens in our situation is for God's glory.
I know there are many people who read this blog that I have never met; this winter we met a couple at Miami Valley who came to me and said you look familiar. I didn't know her, but we told her who we were and she knew who we were immediately. I still don't remember exactly (because Ryan's leukemia had just relapsed then), but she has relation at CTC and they had been praying for us, following our joys in getting Aubrey's room done, and celebrating our baby turning one - without ever meeting us in person. I believe that this blog is touching others' lives; that's not why I started it - it was a way to "get out" of returning 15-20 phone calls a day when Ryan first got sick; not that I didn't want to talk to people, but I was tired and had a 7 month old daughter to take care of by myself :)
So, over the past 16 months, I've chronicled our lives. The fun things we've done, the trials and long hospital stays we've had, prayer requests for our family, and it still continues.
Ryan was admitted to the James Cancer Hospital again tonight. Yesterday when he got his blood drawn, his white count was in the high normal range, but there were no blasts (one of the markers they look for to watch the leukemia). Ryan had a low grade fever last night, which went away after taking tylenol. It returned around 10:30 or so this morning and so he called the outpatient clinic. They decided that we better head over so they could check things out. Today, Ryan's white count was over doubled from yesterday - 28 (which is actually 28,000), 68% of those 28,000 cells were blasts, up from 0 yesterday. This tells us that the transplant he had was basically unsuccessful and the chemo that they did 2 weeks ago was also not successful in clearing out the leukemia in his marrow and blood cells. He is making white cells, but they are not healthy normal white cells. After seeing the nurse practitioner, they decided Ryan should be admitted and another type of chemo tried.
This is scheduled to begin tomorrow and it appears that he will be in the hospital for at least 10 days. He is a bit bummed about this; we were going to work on the swingset for Aubrey today and had planned to finish it this week. I guess that won't happen . . .
We believe in God's power and ability to do miracles, we are praying that God's will will be played out in our lives. We pray that whatever chemo regimen is decided on tomorrow that Ryan will handle it well and that he will get home to Aubrey as soon as possible.
Thank you for praying for our family, even if you have never met us; we believe God hears each and every prayer lifted to him.
-A
I know there are many people who read this blog that I have never met; this winter we met a couple at Miami Valley who came to me and said you look familiar. I didn't know her, but we told her who we were and she knew who we were immediately. I still don't remember exactly (because Ryan's leukemia had just relapsed then), but she has relation at CTC and they had been praying for us, following our joys in getting Aubrey's room done, and celebrating our baby turning one - without ever meeting us in person. I believe that this blog is touching others' lives; that's not why I started it - it was a way to "get out" of returning 15-20 phone calls a day when Ryan first got sick; not that I didn't want to talk to people, but I was tired and had a 7 month old daughter to take care of by myself :)
So, over the past 16 months, I've chronicled our lives. The fun things we've done, the trials and long hospital stays we've had, prayer requests for our family, and it still continues.
Ryan was admitted to the James Cancer Hospital again tonight. Yesterday when he got his blood drawn, his white count was in the high normal range, but there were no blasts (one of the markers they look for to watch the leukemia). Ryan had a low grade fever last night, which went away after taking tylenol. It returned around 10:30 or so this morning and so he called the outpatient clinic. They decided that we better head over so they could check things out. Today, Ryan's white count was over doubled from yesterday - 28 (which is actually 28,000), 68% of those 28,000 cells were blasts, up from 0 yesterday. This tells us that the transplant he had was basically unsuccessful and the chemo that they did 2 weeks ago was also not successful in clearing out the leukemia in his marrow and blood cells. He is making white cells, but they are not healthy normal white cells. After seeing the nurse practitioner, they decided Ryan should be admitted and another type of chemo tried.
This is scheduled to begin tomorrow and it appears that he will be in the hospital for at least 10 days. He is a bit bummed about this; we were going to work on the swingset for Aubrey today and had planned to finish it this week. I guess that won't happen . . .
We believe in God's power and ability to do miracles, we are praying that God's will will be played out in our lives. We pray that whatever chemo regimen is decided on tomorrow that Ryan will handle it well and that he will get home to Aubrey as soon as possible.
Thank you for praying for our family, even if you have never met us; we believe God hears each and every prayer lifted to him.
-A
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Prayers Needed
Ryan had to get platelets and magnesium today; he was in Greenville from around 8:00-3:00. When he got home he didn't do much - he went outside for a little while. He was supposed to be hanging some pictures for me in the front room, but those didn't get hung. Around 6, I touched his arm and thought he felt a bit warm so I made him take his temperature. It was 100.5, so he called Columbus. They told him to take tylenol and wait until morning to see what happened.
His white cell count was 11.8 today, in the normal range, but up a good bit from Monday. His platelets were only 12 (they're supposed to be above 150) so that's why he got platelets. His hemoglobin was 10.8, which isn't in the normal range yet, but it is going in the right direction.
I had a rough day today; I'm being a bit selfish, but I wanted my pictures hung and my bookshelf moved since Monday and they haven't gotten done yet. When Ryan got a fever, I was further upset because I didn't really want to drive to Columbus tonight.
The tylenol has brought the fever down - it was 98.7 when he just took it a few minutes ago. Please pray that the fever will drop and stay down, that his platelets will begin to build on their own, and that I can start over and have a better day tomorrow.
Here's a picture of Aubrey
-A
His white cell count was 11.8 today, in the normal range, but up a good bit from Monday. His platelets were only 12 (they're supposed to be above 150) so that's why he got platelets. His hemoglobin was 10.8, which isn't in the normal range yet, but it is going in the right direction.
I had a rough day today; I'm being a bit selfish, but I wanted my pictures hung and my bookshelf moved since Monday and they haven't gotten done yet. When Ryan got a fever, I was further upset because I didn't really want to drive to Columbus tonight.
The tylenol has brought the fever down - it was 98.7 when he just took it a few minutes ago. Please pray that the fever will drop and stay down, that his platelets will begin to build on their own, and that I can start over and have a better day tomorrow.
Here's a picture of Aubrey
-A
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy Birthday America
We spent yesterday at my parents' house celebrating the 4th of July. Aubrey and Mamaw and I went to the parade and met Jake and Brandi to watch Camryn. It was very, very hot there. We came home and went swimming! Then we had to have some ice cream to finish cooling down.
We went to see fireworks last night as well. Aubrey thought they were a little loud, but she really liked them. This was her first fireworks; we didn't go last year because Ryan was in the hospital.
Today Ryan had to get his blood drawn and checked again. We thought he would probably have to get platelets, but he has made it another day. His white count was 5; hemoglobin 10.2; platelets were 16. So, he goes back again Wednesday to have things checked. We worked on the swing set a little night and took a walk.
Please pray that his platelets will continue to build and be up even higher on Wednesday.
-A
Saturday, July 3, 2010
No Infusions Today
Ryan did get up early this morning and head into Greenville to get his blood drawn. He wanted to be back home early enough that he didn't waste all day getting the job done. He was gone almost two hours to get his blood drawn and get his dressing changed, so he didn't get home as early as he thought, but the whole day was not wasted. He laid down for a little while when he got home because Aubrey was supposed to take a nap, but that didn't happen, so he got up and took her outside while I did some work in the kitchen. After lunch they both took naps.
We went to Red Lobster for supper tonight, used a gift card that we received in the mail! It was great. We went with some friends of ours that live in Troy and then we went to their house and made smores and Aubrey played with one of their daughters on the swing set. They both ate plenty of marshmallows, but they ran around enough to get rid of all their energy before bed time. I had been wanting to eat at Red Lobster two weeks ago when I came home Friday night and Ryan wasn't feeling well. It tasted even better after waiting so long :)
We saw a few fireworks while we were in Troy tonight and Aubrey thought we were having a birthday party. I told her it was America's birthday, but I don't think she understood. She was happy when I told her we would see more fireworks tomorrow. We'll see if she stays awake for them.
Ryan's platelets were 15 today, lower than Thursday, but not low enough to infuse unless he's bleeding. His hemoglobin stayed the same from Thursday and his white count made a small jump again. We are praying that his platelets kick in and begin rebuilding so that he doesn't have to get platelets Monday. I'm worried that because of the 4th, there won't be many people around and that it could take all day to get a bag of platelets to Greenville.
-A
We went to Red Lobster for supper tonight, used a gift card that we received in the mail! It was great. We went with some friends of ours that live in Troy and then we went to their house and made smores and Aubrey played with one of their daughters on the swing set. They both ate plenty of marshmallows, but they ran around enough to get rid of all their energy before bed time. I had been wanting to eat at Red Lobster two weeks ago when I came home Friday night and Ryan wasn't feeling well. It tasted even better after waiting so long :)
We saw a few fireworks while we were in Troy tonight and Aubrey thought we were having a birthday party. I told her it was America's birthday, but I don't think she understood. She was happy when I told her we would see more fireworks tomorrow. We'll see if she stays awake for them.
Ryan's platelets were 15 today, lower than Thursday, but not low enough to infuse unless he's bleeding. His hemoglobin stayed the same from Thursday and his white count made a small jump again. We are praying that his platelets kick in and begin rebuilding so that he doesn't have to get platelets Monday. I'm worried that because of the 4th, there won't be many people around and that it could take all day to get a bag of platelets to Greenville.
-A
Friday, July 2, 2010
Going Well
Things are going well around home. Ryan worked with Shayne (his hired helper) out in his shop yesterday. They got a lot of things cleaned up and some more junk ready to be hauled away to the junk yard. We are getting new mortar put in our bricks, and that work is continuing and going well. Ryan's sister and her husband (Rachel and Nathan) came over yesterday to help Ryan with Aubrey's swing set. As it turned out, Ryan was trying to haul wheat to the elevator, Rachel watched Aubrey while I went to the doctor, and Nathan worked on the swing set. He got a lot of work done.
Ryan spent most of the morning in Greenville waiting to get his blood drawn yesterday, but his numbers were up a little from Tuesday, so he didn't need to get any infusions. He goes again tomorrow to get blood drawn. He's planning to get there very early to get in and out a little faster (he hopes). We plan to have an enjoyable 4th of July weekend.
-A
Ryan spent most of the morning in Greenville waiting to get his blood drawn yesterday, but his numbers were up a little from Tuesday, so he didn't need to get any infusions. He goes again tomorrow to get blood drawn. He's planning to get there very early to get in and out a little faster (he hopes). We plan to have an enjoyable 4th of July weekend.
-A
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