A Quick Update, Ways You Can Help and More....
Change of plans
So this week has been quite the adventure. We had a freak snow short lived snowstorm here in South Carolina last weekend and though I enjoyed watching it fall, I did spend a good bit of time wondering and worrying about how I was going to make it to my first new chemotherapy session 30 minutes away from home bright and early Monday morning.
At the last minute I was able to go in and switch my appt time to an afternoon slot and we got to the infusion lab without much fuss. They accessed my port (which was a bit of an ordeal) but then at the last minute before they ran the drug my oncologist paused my start date for a week so I could go to Charleston for an endoscopy surgical procedure. So... while I had been preparing myself all week to deal with the realities and unknowns of chemotherapy, I was suddenly thrust into the idea of a trip to Charleston (3 hours away) and a 5:30am Tuesday surgery I had not had time to process about AT ALL.
Thankfully my daughter and son took over things at home (did I mention we have a litter of puppies right now?) and Paul and I packed up some quick bags and headed to Charleston Monday night.
Overnight at the hotel I woke up aspirating. For those who don't know, this is a common side effect of my big Esophagectomy surgery from 2023. It is quite unpleasant, definitely potentially dangerous, and leaves me feeling punky and struggling to breathe for days afterwards.
I managed to clear my airway, got about an hour's more sleep then headed up to the hospital. Usually, Paul drops me off at the door and I knew pretty quickly that things were not like they should be when I had to sit down before making it all the way to the check in desk. Thankfully, I decided to not be stubborn and allowed them to get a wheelchair for me to navigate the rest of the hospital halls to the surgery floor.
Check in @ the Hospital
Once I got called back to preop there was a flurry of activity at my bedside. They were trying to determine if the procedure should be called off or happen as scheduled. Ultimately, they decided to take some labs, do an x-ray, give me some preventative medication in case I aspirated when they intubated me, and tacked on a bronchoscopy to the surgery plan.
The entire point to even driving to Charleston for the procedure was to hopefully visualize the concerning new area in my new esophagus and biopsy it, so I was glad (but nervous) they felt comfortable to proceed.
The Findings
Fast forward. The surgeon thought my esophagus looked normal. He did see some inflammation from excess acid production around the area pinpointed on the PET scan. He said he cant 100% rule out that there is cancer in that area as it could be on the outer wall of the esophagus but in his opinion, he thinks it is probably picking up on the inflammation, and it is not a recurrence there. (This would be a huge blessing!!!). He said that since I still have to contend with the lymph node that the chemotherapy plan is still a great one and it will seek out cancer cells wherever they are so if it isn't inflammation in the esophagus we are covered.
The verdict on my lungs was not pneumonia thankfully and just pneumonitis again (inflammation of the airway) caused by the aspiration event.
Lung/Cough Concerns (open to advice)
I recovered and he sent me home. I have resumed working but y'all, my lungs are so tight and junky sounding. I am doing all the things I can think of to address it. I have increased my water, am taking Mucinex, doing my nebulizer treatments, using a heating pad, drinking hot honey tea... and still I just can't stop coughing. Please... share with me your tried-and-true tricks and tips. At this point I would try anything once. I am supposed to start this chemo on Monday morning, and I am kind of concerned about doing so with my lungs in the shape they are in. It is a junky cough. My o2 dips when I exert but sitting it is fine. No fever. My whole ribcage is just sore and I know I need to get this all clear asap.
Prayers
I would like to ask for continued prayers as we continue to step into this. I am feeling wrapped in His arms as we head into this next leg of the journey. I do have some medical anxiety, especially regarding new medications. Prayers for peace and comfort as we get this all underway. I know I can do this, but knowing I am covered in prayer just reminds me I am not having to face it alone.
Ways to Help
You guys are such beautiful people. I have appreciated those who have reached out to grieve with us, comfort us, and commit to standing alongside us through this. I just don't have words to really express how much it means to us and what a difference it all truly makes. Many have asked how they can help. It is honestly difficult to ask for and accept help. However, I have also been the friend/ family member on the other side feeling helpless wanting to just do something...anything. So, I am trying to not be too proud or stubborn.
One of the most beautiful things about our humanity is how we rally around each other. Some of us are those drop everything and come sit with puppies and teenagers overnight so I can go have surgery types. Some are the drop off cookies or soup at our door types, others send the most encouraging emails, letters, and cards that always seem to arrive at the MOST perfect moment and speak right into the situation. Some help ease the burden of the financial realities of being sick in January right at the reset of health insurance calendar years knowing we are missing work because of symptoms and appointments. Others give small tokens and gifts that bring smiles. There are prayer warriors, keepers of the testimony who recite it back when I forget, and those who come alongside my kiddos and husband to their burdens are made a bit lighter as they hold onto me. I appreciate each and every one of you and the mark you have made, are making, and will make in my story. Thank you.
Therefore, here are some links:
Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2KIJTBF00QTDM?ref_=wl_share
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-4-the-slots-as-they-care-for-angel
Address:
Irmo, SC 29063
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