😨. Arrrrrgggghhhh!

[JoGee]

Yesterday I did get my port put in. It was painful most of the night, so E brought me one of the pain pills I had left....so I did get a few hours' sleep before today's appointments.

First stop today, the Lab. Got my blood tested and the port set up for use. She said I was having a bad reaction to the port, so she changed the entire dressing.

Second stop, the Oncologist's office. Turns out my red and white cells really plummeted. I was in no shape for Chemo.
They will do a bone marrow biopsy on me on Monday, and try to figure out what's going on.
In the meantime they have taken me off a couple of my meds.

The upside of today: my feet are almost feeling like normal feet. I have walked more without a walking aid today, but I can't keep it up for very long before it feels bad. It'll all fall in place before too long, no doubt.

[JoGee]

Ellis' Version:

Another episode in the continuing saga of Jo Grace and her discordant health experiences.
(Mood music is heard in the background.)
Yesterday, Grandma/Mom/Aunt/Jo had a port inserted in her left shoulder to facilitate the infusion of chemotherapy. Thus started her foray into the InPort business in anticipation of InPorting her first delivery today. As luck would have it with her (aka Mahvelous Marlene) a visit to her oncologist revealed that her red cell count and platelet count have been slowly, inexplicably dropping to below normal levels at a steady slope for several months. So, before they start the chemo they want to perform a bone marrow biopsy. We'll have to suspend the employment of workers in her InPort business for now. She is scheduled for the biopsy next Monday after which time we shall hopefully see what the answer is.

On a happier note, her leg edema seems to be lessening and she can walk without her walker for short distances. She has, however, decided not to enter a marathon in the near future.

Tune in again for another episode of "Jo's Anatomy".
(Music fades away.)

[ladyebug]

Jo and Ellis, I hate what you are going through. We are dealing with something close to this, as well, and life has drastically changed. I am thinking of you every day and hoping things go well.

John had a bone marrow biopsy 2 months ago. Just want you to know he was asleep and had no problems after. No pain at all.

[boffler]

Ladies and Gents even though I may not express it often enough, you all are in my prayers, I send my love, hugs, concerns, prayers, to all of you, know that you are thought of often...

[Mayebarnes]

Jo,,, give Ellis a hug from me... we are crying on the inside and he is making us laugh.... so sorry you are on this merry go round of meds and pain.. etc etc.

Prayers for you both...

I bet it felt good to just walk a bit!... keep fighting Gal!!!!!!!!!!..

[JoGee]

Elaine, they assured me the bone marrow biopsy would be painless. They said NP Sandy was the best in the hospital, and she's on my medical team. I watch your posts, too, and you & John are close in my thoughts as well.

As are you, Sharon. Thanks.

Maye, thanks. A DD told me this morning that she sees E's humor as his way to cope, and to keep the facts light for others. They can read as much or little into it as they can take, but the facts are there. I believe she is right.
And, yes, walking again does feel good, even if it's relatively short distances right now --- it'll increase with time.

[Paula A]

Jo and Ellis, I appreciate the updates and send my hugs, thoughts and prayers for you both.
If there is anything else I can send, just say it!

[maxie]

I totally missed this post this morning. Sorry about the problems...I also think of you often and send my prayers.

[JoGee]

Thanks Paula & Maxie.
We'll get through this, too, I'm sure. They just don't make it easy, do they.

[JoGee]

At the Cancer Center, I had my labs done first. The skin around my port was irritated, and so they had to draw the blood with a needle. They said to ask my doctor about a numbing cream for the area.....I have to put that on 90 minutes before my lab work. She said new ports require more pressure when inserting the needle. 😫

Then I went for the bone marrow test, done in the doctors office - along with a lab specialist and another nurse. They clearly explained the procedure, and the fact that the doctor would be guiding me with questions ("do you feel anything sharp?", "do you feel pressure?"). These were indicators of whether I needed more numbing. There was a point where I thought she should be done (I was right), but she got more "stuff" out of my bone and marrow. I was concentrating on deep breathing, so I wouldn't have to feel every little sharp prick. Overall, while it wasn't totally "easy" as they said, but it was not a terrible experience
So the basic stuff she removed should tell why my blood levels are whacky.
Whether all I've gone through so far has caused the mess, or some other genetic reason. The extra bone & marrow she took will be going to investigate the chromosomes in my DNA, for more clues.
So, they are still withholding the chemo. Plus my prescription meds.

Except I asked for a refill on Lasix so I can work on getting my feet unswollen. The nurse will talk to the NP to see if I should be getting a higher dose. My nighttime leg/foot massages, my daily mechanical leg/foot massages help; at least it seems foot pain is decreasing, in which case I can get around a bit more on my own. (In fact, I asked some of the nurses to not be so quick to offer me a hand in doing things, as the more often I do it on my own the better I'll be at it.)

I'll be glad when the results of the blood tests are in, and we can get back to the business of my healing.

E will probably wait for the test results before creating his version in dramatic form. 😄