Mommy-Of-Three

I'm Falling for You....(but not in a good way)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 23:08:00 +0000

So we got thrown a little curveball this weekend.

Treatment last week on Thursday went seemingly well. Labs were normal.

Then on Saturday night, I started having hematuria (blood in my urine). I called my oncologist on call and they said to observe it over the weekend, sometimes it just occurs without a definite cause, but resolves on its own. Sunday, my urine color improved, and the bleeding seemed to be getting better.

Monday morning, I didn't feel great but I blamed it on the post-treatment slump that hangs around for a few days. Jason and I began our usual morning routine where I go to the bathroom, get dressed, get ready to start the day. Except when I moved from the wheelchair to the toilet, I was lightheaded and passed out. Jason moved me to the floor and stayed with me until I came to, and we decided to call the squad to take me to the hospital.

So Monday, What I believed would be a 23 hour observation, turned into 5 days in the hospital, receiving various blood products (blood transfusion x 3 units, platelets x 4 units), IV fluids, a foley catheter, and prolonged observation. Oh, and a few more bruises from my fainting episode.

My labs: WBC 1.06 (normal 5-20; risk of infection when low), hemoglobin 6.4 (normal 7+; when low, may be lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath), and platelets 5 (normal 100+; responsible for making clots to stop bleeding; when low, may have trouble stopping bleeding, risk of internal bleeding, risk of bleeding from things that ordinarily wouldn't make me bleed).

My urine was dark dark red (almost purple) and had many clots in it, which meant they needed to run a continuous bladder infusion (CBI) so the catheter wouldn't clot off and become obstructed.

The urine color improved over the next 24 hours after the blood and platelet transfusions and CBI.

So here we are, Friday. Everything moving in the right direction. They topped me off with a unit of platelets this AM, and I got discharged and came home late afternoon. Home to my family. Home to all my comfort items and my own bed(s). Home to my pups. Home.

Asking for prayers that my blood counts rebound and stabilize so I can continue my treatments. I've completed 1 cycle of immunotherapy, 6 cycles of chemo, and 2 rounds of radiation. Dr. Gupta sees a chemo "vacation" in my future, so hopefully that will come soon.

"No medicine cures what happiness cannot." - Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (Quote from my page-a-day calendar...I'm going to sprinkle some of these quotes into my blog posts because they are very positive and optimistic, and who can't use a little of both!?!?)

This is day 222.

Let's Talk about those Scans

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:13:00 +0000

Last week was a busy week. I had a full body PET scan on Tuesday and an MRI of my liver on Wednesday, Dr, appointment on Thursday and finally Treatment on Friday.

Dr. Gupta reviewed the scans before our Thursday appointment. The PET scan noted the bladder mass, liver tumors, and bone mets that we have known about. The good news is there is no involvement of new organs- no abdominal organs like kidneys, intestines, pancreas, or stomach. Nothing in my head or lungs or heart. Hallelujah!

The MRI specifically looked at the liver tumors. It looks like there is necrosis (dying tissue) in the spots, so it seems like the chemotherapy is hitting the liver tumors. I saw a radiation oncologist to see if radiation is necessary, and he doesn't want to do radiation to the abdomen with my enteritis / colitis.

Dr. Gupta feels like we can complete another few rounds of chemo and then take a break. I think that sounds wonderful!

Treatment on Friday went well. Not only did I get my chemotherapy, but also 2 units of red blood cells for a low hemoglobin. My other numbers (WBC and platelets) were stable this week, so I didn't need any special treatment for them. I feel pretty crummy the next day after treatment- very achy and sore and tired. It takes a few days to recover fully, and then it's time for another treatment.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

This is day 210.

Post Holiday Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:38:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've written a blog post, but honestly, I've been living life and enjoying the holidays with family and friends, so no regrets on the lack of updates.

I'm sure you're all eager to hear about my Christmas and New Year's holidays. I spent as much time as I could with my family and friends. We celebrated with family and friends, and enjoyed all the traditions that we have created and come to love. We enjoyed Christmas Eve worship with our church family. We dearly missed those family and friends we lost this year, and look forward to the new year and all the new opportunities to grow our bonds with those people who remain. This year, we will celebrate graduations for Sydney and two of my nieces- Mallory and Olivia, and a wedding for another niece- Audrey.

Medically, in December, I finished round 6 of chemotherapy. I now have a PET scan and MRI this week (Tuesday and Wednesday), an appointment with the oncologist (Thursday) and start round #7 of chemotherapy (Friday). I will probably also need to squeeze a blood transfusion into this mix, so we will be spending a lot of time in hospital rooms this week and/or next.

In general, I'm doing pretty good with the treatments. I have some nausea and occasional vomiting in the first 2 days after treatment, and am usually pretty tired and run down. Coincidentally, my sense of taste is usually thrown off track during treatment weeks, so I feel less like eating. Determined not to end up back in the hospital for failure to thrive, I force eat foods even when I don't feel like eating, sometimes even eating foods when they taste like cardboard. Ick.

I'm getting better strength-wise as well. It amazes me how quickly your body can lose muscle mass and strength, but how long it takes to get that strength back. My lengthy hospital stay in September really threw my body a curveball, and the peripheral neuropathy is making recovery more difficult. However, I'm finding small ways I can work toward more normal activities of daily living.

I've found that some of the things I used to complain the most about are things I dearly miss now- grocery shopping, cooking, meal planning, doing laundry, doing my hair and makeup, even just being able to get myself out of bed and go to the bathroom independently. Thankfully, Jason has been incredibly supportive, and helps me when I can match my ambition to my energy and my stamina. Last week, that meant preparing a lasagna and a meatloaf. It also means sitting up long enough to play a card game with my kids and my sister.

Meanwhile, I have a lot of time to watch / play Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy most nights. I also watch Shark Tank and have binge-watched some true crime documentaries. I love sports, and I've become a Cleveland Cavaliers fangirl, and of course following my Ohio State Buckeyes in their quest for a national championship.

Soon I will have an update for you about my scans and the next plan of action we will do, whether it is to continue chemo if the tumors seem stable or improving, or change treatment strategies if it seems like the tumors are worse or not improving as we hope. Until then, keep up the powerful prayers you are sending up on my behalf. I appreciate all the thoughtful and encouraging messages and love from you, my family and friends!

This is day 205.

Creating Christmas Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:08:00 +0000

Saturday night, we loaded up the family truckster and headed out for some Christmas fa-la-la-la fun at the Christmas Factory. Apparently, we weren't alone in our desire to celebrate a little Christmas spirit, because I see some of my friends also posted pictures from their evening there as well!!

There were photo ops aplenty! Here's Kennedy and Preston and the Abominable Snowman!

The whole family- Christmas sweaters, Christmas jammies and all!

Awweee! Aren't they cute?! And in love?!

Lots of displays, Christmas music, lights and sounds!

All the "kids"!!

We finished the evening with dinner at Hideaway, one of our favorite restaurants for fish. If you've never eaten there, you're missing out!

This was a fun way to spend an evening, especially during my week off of treatment. I love having all the kids around, and hearing about their lives.

"This Week in Medicine" has labwork and a RN visit on Monday, then treatment at main campus on Tuesday, assuming all the labwork is acceptable.

In non-medicine, our NNP Christmas lunch was today, and I was so excited to see my friends from work. I have been blessed to work with the most amazing group of ladies- mentors, colleagues, but most importantly - friends! Ironically enough, today is my first "official" day of joblessness. It's the first time since I was 16 that I've been unemployed (that's 32 years, folks!!). No better way to spend it than with my co-workers, I guess!

This is day 183.

(Not quite) Ready to Run

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:30:00 +0000

Since being hospitalized then in the care center and back to the hospital and now home, my nutrition and exercise suffered severely. I lost 60 pounds total, along with a lot of muscle mass and strength. Since I've been home, I've worked with PT and OT therapists trying to regain the ability to simply change positions in bed on my own.

My legs have neuropathy, and feel like pins and needles tingling all over all the time, along with having seriously cold feet all the time. Because of the neuropathy, I've had to start at square one and relearn how to stand and walk.

I'm working through all the exercises that the therapists give me, and this week I'm glad to say I'm finally standing and walking pretty confidently with my walker. Here's video proof:

It's definitely a weird sensation walking on legs and feet that you can't feel. I now need to work on my core strength so I can move from sitting to standing on my own. Being able to get myself in and out of my bed or my chair will be so freeing! Then there's no limit to what I can do!!

Busy Week

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:17:00 +0000

This has been a busy week for us.

Monday was a day off school, but Sydney had some odds and ends errands to do that included a dentist appointment and referral to get her wisdom teeth removed. Also replaced the chipped window in the Jeep.

Tuesday FINALLY my home nurse got rid of my catheter and had a followup visit with urology to make sure I wasn't retaining urine. Everything checked out fine, so I've got no strings attached- That's a freedom that couldn't come soon enough. I also had pre-treatment labs drawn.

Wednesday was eventful. Our first event was Sydney's athletic commitment day at her high school. She signed her commitment letter to play lacrosse at Capital University in Columbus (separate post coming soon).

It was also treatment day at Main Campus. The labs were done ahead of time, so we were set for a quick afternoon visit. A slight change of plans when the labs were reviewed- I needed a blood transfusion as well, so more labs needed to be done. However the labs took too long to come back, so the infusion center was closing before I could get the transfusion.

Thursday I felt pretty crummy after the chemotherapy, so Thursday was a dayy of rest and not doing anything productive. Human Resources at Akron Children's called and told me I would be officially terminated from my job on December 15th as you can only have 180 days to return to work. I don't see myself returning to work any time soon, so if I were to want to work again, I would have to reapply for an open position. I suppose it makes sense for the company to now try to fill my position, but it's just kinda sad. I worked there for 26 years (combined Aultman and then Akron Children's after the merger).

Friday was blood transfusion day. We were able to do the transfusion at Mercy, so it was much more convenient and although it was a 5 hour day, I'm thankful there wasn't a one hour drive on either end of that. Friday night we went to a Christmas party in downtown Canton and enjoyed an evening out of the house with friends.

Saturday, my sister was in town visiting my cousin, so they stopped by for a visit and some brunch. It's always refreshing to have visitors and spend some time catching up. My friend Anna also stopped by with a golden glittery poinsettia and Christmas cookies.

We're watching conference championship games and thinking Ohio State should be playing today, but we wait a couple of weeks for the playoffs to start- December 20-21. There's less anticipation with 12 teams getting in, but it will still be exciting to be included in the selection. Are you excited about the first College Football Playoff??

Decorating for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:43:00 +0000

This weekend is filled with tradition in our house. The OSU-Xichigan game is front and center on our "can't miss" list. "The Game" is steeped in tradition, and is the final checkbox for the regular season. Unfortunately, this year's loss, tacked onto the past 3 years' losses, means we have seniors who never beat Xichigan and that's a darn shame!

We'll focus on the better tradition for this weekend- decorating for Christmas. While the college kids are home for the Thanksgiving holiday, we take advantage of their visit and put up our tree and other decorations. The bins come up from the basement, and while we unpack the physical decorations of Christmas, we also unpack all the stories and memories of Christmases past.

Part of our family's tradition is making homemade pizzas. The kids always shape their pizzas into Christmas shapes and "decorate" them with their toppings- olives, sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, cheese. Dad goes full Italian and tosses his pizza dough, and we all laugh because it usually turns into some sort of comic relief.

Once we're done eating our pizza creations, we decorate the tree and the house.

This year, we have new furniture, paint, and carpet, so it really feels like new decorations.

I love the coziness of Christmas.

I love the smell of Christmas.

I love the glitter and glamour of Christmas.

I love our Christmas.

Thanksgiving 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Holidays were always a special treat at the Norchs' house. The house filled with busy energy as the holiday approached, and the preparation and anticipation of a fun family gathering was palpable in the air.

Now, we are faced with celebrating the holidays without Jim and Becky.

As the three boys divided up the food responsibilities, the to-do list resembles the one Jim and Becky used to have. Our recipes and ingredients list are hers. Somehow the boys have become the filler of Jim and Becky's shoes- the people that have to continue the traditions without them. It’s an impossible job and an impossible task. But a task they undertake willingly, in order to pass on the times and traditions that Jim and Becky loved.

I can still see Becky standing in the kitchen with her apron on, recipe book open. Cooking away, making the kitchen smell of deliciousness- the savory scents of a full turkey dinner and the sweet smells of homemade pies. She made it look so simple.

I can see Jim tending to the turkey, mashing the potatoes, and making sure all the pieces of the dinner come together. He made it look stress-free.

The table in the dining room was beautifully set with a festive tablecloth and the special dishes from the china cabinet. The table which was always able to accommodate however many people came to celebrate, now set with 2 fewer place settings.

We're faced with carrying on their tradition, and we can only hope to replicate the spirit and excitement of the holidays. We can attempt to recreate her recipes and her plans. But the magic of them is missing. That’s not something you can recreate with chicken broth and noodles. We are faced with continuing traditions, and creating new memories for our kids, and maybe one day, their kids.

So, we buy the noodles and potatoes. We make the turkey and casserole and prepare the traditional food from Becky's recipe book. Maybe we even microwave the corn and forget to put it on the table, like Becky used to do. The boys will do their traditional holiday shot of whiskey. Things will keep going, but there will be a slight ache and longing for days gone by.

This emptiness will stay with us. It’s proof of LOVE that is missed. This is a time to feel blessed that we were loved beautifully enough to be worthy of someone creating family traditions to celebrate with us, and blessed that we have the opportunity to gather together and continue that tradition for someone else.

Medical Update - 11/26

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 01:49:00 +0000

Today was a day full of appointments and treatment at main campus.

We started our day with Dr. Gupta, my oncologist. Dr. Gupta reviewed my CT scan and had mostly good news to report. The bone mets are stable- no new tumor growth on bones, and what is there appears to be healing. The bladder primary source is stable also, but she would like to review some slides from the biopsy to see if there is any genetic testing that could guide some additional treatment. Finally, she found two small spots on my liver, which could be densities vs new tumors. She ordered an MRI and consult to radiation because they could be targeted and treated while they are still small and new.

Next appointment was with Dr. Angelini, the hematologist. She is following my platelet count. She was involved on my case last week when they went through the pre-approval process for my N-Plate platelet stimulator injections. The injections seem to be working because my platelet count has increased to 212 today! Dr. Angelini is just following closely now, making sure that the low platelet count was related to bone marrow suppression from radiation and chemo, and not some other process like a clot consuming them.

We also talked with the dietician and learned some tips to help with my chemo taste buds. She also gave us some ideas of ways to add protein and calories to my diet. I'm calling my diet the "Eat anything, eat everything, and add gravy" diet. I gained 3 pounds in the past week, and this is good news for me (I have lost 60 pounds since I've been diagnosed- I was very ill and not eating at all for close to 4 weeks apparently. This was during a time when I don't really remember what was happening, and I didn't blog because I was quite ill with enteritis).

My labwork today came back all normal; for those who are following the nitty-gritty and want numbers- WBC 17K, hemoglobin 8.9, platelets 212, K+ 4.9. No additional infusions needed to replace electrolytes or blood product transfusion today. RN did a PICC dressing change and cap change.

We finished the appointments and reviewed the lab results, then waited for the chemotherapy meds from pharmacy. The chemotherapy takes about 1 hour 10 minutes (30 minutes for each drug and 10 minutes to flush them through the PICC line afterwards) so the treatment is really the shortest part of the day. We were at the hospital from 8am until about 4pm. Yes, it was a long day. Yes, I'm exhausted at the end of the day. Yes, I'm blogging to update everyone, but No, I'm not taking visitors or callers tonight.

My plan tonight is eat some dinner (done), blog (doing), and watch some TV. Kennedy wants me to start watching St. Denis Medical, which is a new show similar to The Office, but in a healthcare setting. Humor sounds like a great idea, so I'm gonna give it a go. Let me know if you have a great show to binge watch. I'm always looking for something new to consume some boredom time.

This weekend looks to be anything but boring. Coming up- Nurse home visit tomorrow, Thanksgiving 2.0 on Thursday, and Christmas decorating/pizza baking on Friday. "The Game" on Saturday. Browns football on Sunday. F1 race in Qatar. Lots to look forward to!

This is day 163.

Thankful in the Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We hosted Thanksgiving Day 1.0 (Kimble version) at our house today.

The cleaning and preparation for visitors over the past week brought with it great anticipation and excitement. I was so excited to host my family and enjoy a day with visitors and good food. My sister and brother-in-law drove from Pemberville, and our OSU college kids carpooled from Columbus. My mom prepared much of the food, I made the salad, and my sister was in charge of rolls. Everything was delicious, even with my chemo taste buds that make everything taste funny.

The excitement of the day caught up to me after dinner and I required a nap. Once I had a few minutes to read my devotional and reflect, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with feelings of pride and sentimentality as I watched my family enjoy each other's company. As the kids laughed at Papa's jokes, and Uncle Jeff and the boys talked everything Jeep, life seemed normal and "cancer" wasn't the center of the universe for a few hours. It was a much needed escape from reality.

Today's devotional was centered around thankfulness, and reminded me to be thankful in the good and the bad times. "Joy amid life's sufferings proves God is above all...Thank him for the hurt, the ugly parts. While in the fire, we see God more clearly." While this year seems to be overtaken by "the fire"- my cancer diagnosis- I look back and remember all the joy we have had in the past year, and the occasions we will look forward to in the next year. I reflect on relationships that have become stronger because of my health crisis, and friends and family who have held my hand, held me up during some of the toughest times I will ever face. I am so thankful for all the "gifts"- tangible and intangible- that I have received over the past year and look forward to what is to come.

Tomorrow's CT Scan and Train of Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 02:56:00 +0000

Tomorrow is a big day for me. I have a CT scan to check the cancer's response to the chemotherapy. My team will be hoping to see no new growth of new tumors or existing tumors. We would be thrilled to see shrinkage of existing tumors, but because my treatments have been so irregularly timed, it may take longer to see this.

On a completely unrelated side note....

My lovely daughter, who knows how pathetic my gardening skills are, got me a waxed amaryllis plant. This bulb, encased in wax, needs only indirect sunlight, never needs watered, grows almost an inch every day, and blooms with a bright red flower weekly. In the Victorian language of flowers, amaryllis means "love, beauty, and determination", and can also represent hope and achievement. It's a perfect flower for my lounge!!

I'm prepping for Thanksgiving, ordering my groceries online, and anticipating our dinners with both sides of our family on Sunday and Thursday. I think the holidays will not only feel different but will take on a different meaning to me and my family now that we look at them through the lens of a health crisis. I'm certainly looking forward to being surrounded by my family. I'm hoping to soak up every minute I'm able to, and create some meaningful memories with my loved ones. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition that makes your holiday memorable? A favorite recipe, perhaps?

Speaking of holidays, have you started Christmas shopping yet? I'm in the "idea" phase of gifting, looking for ideas and making a list. I'm thankful for Amazon, and the ability to online shop....I have a lot of time on my hands these days, and my laptop is geared up to find some deals! Do you have any can't-miss gift ideas that are a hit with your family?

So, apparently I'm starved for conversation as the "completely unrelated side notes" take up more space than the update, and this post sounds less like a one-sided update and more like a conversation starter. Feel free to comment on any question, I'll answer back to you and maybe this will soothe my apparent desire for conversation, since visitors have been somewhat limited.

This is day 158.

Update: Nov 17

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 20:19:00 +0000

Some beautiful fall flowers to brighten my lounge! Thank you, Anna, for the festive foliage!!

Why stop at fall? My sister visited and brought this seasonal celebration with her!! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

And to top it all off, I now have a digital photo frame in my lounge, so if you want to send a picture of you or a picture of an inspirational quote, I would love to see new things pop up on the frame!! Photography has been such an important part of my life, it only seems right to have a fun way to enjoy photography during this time. The code changes every day, so send me a message get linked to my photo frameo circle!!

This week's agenda:

-Monday: Labwork

-Tuesday: Review labs and possibly get NPlate and neulasta injections (in Cleveland)

-Tuesday: Psychologist appointment (virtual)

-Friday: CT scan (in Canton)

Prayer requests:

-Good labwork results with platelets, white blood cell count and cell line counts, and potassium and magnesium values

-CT scan with improved or stable tumors

Thank you all for continuing to support and cheer me on! I'm humbled by the outpouring of love and friendship I've received and felt from everyone!!

This is day 154.

All is calm, all is bright....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 22:33:00 +0000

My sister brought the holiday spirit for me! Love the glow of a Christmas tree!!

Update: November 13

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:47:00 +0000

It's hump day and we're working our way through the week with good energy and vigor. I had pre-labs drawn on Monday to prepare for treatment on Wednesday, and there were several abnormals that needed immediate correction- potassium and magnesium, as well as continued low platelets. Because nothing is ever simple.

My oncology team had me come to Main campus to get the electrolyte correction infusions. They were able to correct the electrolytes first. then they held a special case review to get me approved for a medicine to stimulate platelet production called NPlate. It is time-released in a little implanted injector, similar to a dexcom. Once I was able to get this new med, they could give me my chemo.

So yesterday proved to be a very long, very busy but very boring day, if that's possible., stuck in a lounge chair for 9 hours. However, it saved me a second trip to Cleveland this week for chemo, so we toughed it out.

Today has been rest and recover in my lounge bed mostly. I am starting to feel stronger in my legs, and am now able to reposition myself in bed a little better.

Jason helped me stand up to my walker today, and I took a walk around my lounge. It's weird to walk when my legs are numb, but I am working on moving them in spite of the lack of feeling.

Later, Jason took me on a wheelchair ride around the neighborhood. The sun was out and it was 55 degrees, but it was chillier than I thought. I came back home and tried to take a nap.

Tonight, I'll hang out with my mom while Jason bowls. She'll help me with dinner and we'll catch up on the week's happenings.

Tomorrow, Occupational therapy will be by to work with me, and I have a visit planned with one of my lacrosse mom friends.

This is day 150.

Currently:

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 20:23:00 +0000

Currently.......

Reading: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods.

Snacking: Pumpkin Spice Chai and a lemon cake from Starbucks

Watching: Camera/photography videos

Self: Gave myself a manicure

Listening: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, audiobook from Hoopla

Activity: color by number on the computer

Gaming: Ticket to Ride (Ride On) on the computer

Treatment plan: labs on Monday or Tuesday and Treatment on Wednesday

Asking for: thoughts and prayers for continued strength and improvement.

I'm feeling quite good and have had much stronger energy and stamina since a blood transfusion the other day. As far as treatment goes, Wednesday's treatment was delayed because my platelet count was low (70) and needed to be 80 to do the treatment. So team decided to give me a little longer between treatments to recover.

My biggest complaint this week is how funny chemotherapy makes food taste. Everything tastes like cardboard except for some sweet things. Anything savory is not very good, especially tomato-based tastes. My oncologist recommended taking a zinc supplement. Does anyone have experience with weird chemo taste buds??

This is day 145.

PICC Me

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:48:00 +0000

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday were unplanned hospital days for me.

We ventured up to Cleveland on Tuesday for my chemotherapy and, of course, ran into IV issues right from the start. My silly veins require ultrasound guidance to start the IV, and this time- we got an IV but when we went to use it for chemo, it didn't have a blood return, so it was not useable, even though it was flushable and patent (darn hospital policy).

So.....last Wednesday was PICC line day. Why not a port? They will not insert ports if you are inpatient; ports have to be inserted outpatient. So instead, I got a PICC line in my left arm, and was thankfully able to get my chemo Wednesday afternoon and come home on Thursday.

For my nurse and nurse practitioner friends....I was so impressed by the PICC placement team and procedure- it didn't hurt except for the lidocaine, and went in so quickly using ultrasound, less than 15 minutes. And they use some type of sensor that sat on my chest and detected tip position, so it doesn't even require a chest x-ray to confirm position. So cool!

Side effects have been minimal this time around. Food tastes funny, but I’m making it a point to eat anyways. A wee bit of nausea, but no vomiting.

This weekend, we did some fun stuff.

Trick-or-treat on Halloween. We had so many goblins this year compared to other years. Sydney went around the neighborhood dressed like a hot dog with her friend.

Saturday afternoon neighborhood walk. While the sun was out. The fresh air was divine!

Saturday night dinner at 91 Wood Fired Oven while Dillon was home from school- it’s nice to take the college kids out for a nice dinner!!

The kids carved pumpkins on Sunday, even though a day or two late, hence the turkey!

I'm believing that all the prayers are working as my side effects have been tolerable and minimal. Let's all keep up the good work and continue prayers as we go into a new week. My treatment date this week is Wednesday afternoon, and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers if you can take a second or two during that time to think of me.

This is day 141.

Mom's Day Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:10:00 +0000

Today, it's a big day.

I left the house for a non-appointment.

I'm dressed in normal clothes. I'm putting on shoes and socks. I'm even "doing my hair."

3 Brothers with my family. Philly cheesesteak sammie, fresh cut fries. A little Browns action on the big screen. How about a Browns W?!?

It was a good day. Chemo tomorrow. Pray for a good night"s sleep tonight, an easy IV start tomorrow, and few side effects this week.

This is day 133.

A Day In My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:04:00 +0000

Home. No place like home sweet home.

The past couple weeks have been two weeks of adjusting to new everything. After a week at rehab, and then a week in the hospital, I knew exactly where I wanted cared for.

Being home isn't easy, but 1000% worth it. Thank God for family that has been able to care for me. Thank God for a husband that is able to lift me. Thank God for a husband that isn't scared or intimidated by the hard parts of caring for me- bed baths, and briefs and appointments and therapy. He's my hero.

I'm lucky to have a home that can accommodate my "new" hospital bed and wheelchair. Today, I'm up and sitting in the chair while I blog, but I do spend a good deal of time in bed napping. I have my own little office-turned-bedroom, but currently I'm able to sleep in my "real" bed and just spend day time in my "new" bed.

I thought I'd share a quick snapshot of a day in my life now.

My day starts around 9am. I wake up and have a few meds to take. I sometimes eat some applesauce with mango juice flavored whey protein mixed in. Remarkably good and tasty- would recommend.

9:15am- bathroom break. Get dressed. All the morning things.

9:30am- wheelchair time in the living room. Usually doesn't last a long time.

10:00am- by this time, I'm in my little office / bedroom and sometimes have physical or occupational therapy. Some days, I have a bed bath. Therapies are hard, no bones about that. Getting strong is hard work.

11:00am- I've probably checked my email, looked at online news, picked out an activity by this time. I have a few computer activities that I work through- color by number or online coloring books, card games like euchre and pinochle, logic problems, and some photo editing.

12:30pm- wake up, snack / lunch. I love comfort foods. Sydney likes to bring home food after school and before practice - (sometimes she spoils me with lemon bundt cake or cinnabon), but also sometimes my mom makes something delicious, and sometimes Jason has something in store. Soups always hit the spot!! Sometimes I have a visitor, sometimes I just enjoy a book or more puzzling.

1:00pm- Reposition. Read. Rest. Feel helpless. Need help with repositioning. There's always times I feel frustrated. Currently reading: The Teacher by Freida McFadden. I liked her other books so I'm giving this one a chance- 30% done.

2:00pm- Probably watch TV- reality TV of some sort- yes, I'm a glutton for punishment. Wanna talk Survivor?? It seems I can't stay awake to watch these at night, so I record them and watch in the daytime. Will probably binge watch some other TV too- Jason has been trying to get me to watch a few series....

3:00pm- Bathroom break perhaps. Nap time most likely.

4:00pm- Let's try the wheelchair again. Maybe therapy in the afternoon, and maybe a day off. Hopefully this time my back hurts less. I'm healing a broken vertebrae. No nerve compression on the last scan. Let's hope it stays that way.

5:00pm- Dinner, or thoughts of dinner. Time with family. I wish I could cook more. Who knew I would miss my kitchen?!?!

6:00pm- Finish eating, and think about bed. Jason is usually working on a project, or has an activity like bowling or something social, so he gets some time off and I get visitors to keep me occupied. For some reason, my dogs have been crazy this time of night. They decide to wrestle or play toys and provide me ample entertainment, often to the point they need a time out!!

7:00pm- Drowsy. Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy have become mostly obligate viewing. Gotta keep the brain fresh!

8:00pm- Bedtime. Occasionally I stay up later and watch TV, but bedtime has gotten earlier for me (and it was already early).

9:00pm- Good night all!! Sweet dreams! See you around 9:00am tomorrow!!

This is day 130.

I Love a Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:31:00 +0000

Things were dicey for a few weeks and there was a lot of stress and such. But it's Friday, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, and I have an appointment with the oncology team to figure out how to coordinate care closer to home so we can resume chemotherapy.

The "meat and potatoes" of today's post is long overdue. I've thanked you once, twice, many times, but I don't want ANYONE to have the impression that we are not grateful or thankful for what you have done. So many of you have blessed my family with something thoughtful or special to help us during this time. I began writing thank you notes and lost track after about 2 weeks. But I definitely wanted to take time and thank everyone who has loved on our little family, via cards, gift cards, gift, blankets, flowers, food, visits, lawnmowing, house cleaning, cooking, dog sitting. I know this is a little less than personal way to thank people, but between my energy and my memory recall, writing a note to each person became and overwhelming task. I do hope you understand.

And what better way to finish a "Thank you" post than with a blanket parade?? I've received some beautiful warm blankets that were assembled by some very special people among many other things. These pictures are from about a month ago, so pardon the fact that I'm so able-bodied. Gosh, I miss being able to stand and walk around.

We call this my Yoda robe. Sleeves and a hoodie pocket for the win

Made by Kennedy

Thank you Brenda R. and the ladies who tied the edge knots and said a prayer with each knot! They even chose purple and yellow flowered fleece for my Jackson Polar Bears!!!

Aunt Penny knows how to quilt, and this is another beautiful creation. This is completely handmade.

From Aunt Theresa's coworker. Also came with a little prayer square.

Anyways, y'all are so thoughtful and crafty and kind to make something that would keep me comfortable, and warm. Seems like you know what a girl needs when she's feeling like a punching bag.

My oncology appointment with the local doctors did not go well. He was very pessimistic and thinks I will be unable to tolerate chemo again, so the strategy should be comfort and quality of life. That is not the impression we have from our Cleveland team, so I think we are leaning toward continuing our treatment plan up at Main Campus. I'm asking for specific prayers that we are making the right decision, and have the strength and well-being to do better with chemotherapy treatment again.

Love y'all!!

This is day 126.

Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:52:00 +0000

ER visit yesterday to rule out sepsis. Blood pressure was 80/60. HR 135. Temp 100.7. Ended up with a UTI diagnosis. Also got a blood transfusion for hct 23%. Rest of the blood counts (white cell lines) are good. Platelets are good. Feeling better today.

Wheel of Unfortune

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Norch) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:19:00 +0000

(Record scratch.)

(Scene: Country Lawn Rehab Center)

Character: It's ME. Hi! I'm the problem, it's me!...

So you're probably wondering how I got here..."

Hi guys! I took a little break from my blog because I have just been going through the trenches with this medical stuff. Hard and heavy "stuff" and terrible fatigue.

I finished two rounds of radiation and a round of chemo and with it came some very unpleasant side effects that caused me to be readmitted to the hospital, namely diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.

I was severely dehydrated due to persistent and never ending diarrhea and in a lot of pain. I had abdominal cramps that felt like labor pain, and lost my appetite so I was not eating.

The diarrhea and dehydration became severe enough that I needed a lot of replacement IV fluids and more scans on my abdomen to make sure there was no obstructions or other problems. I also developed thrush which made my mouth painful and have no appetite or taste.

On top of the abdominal pain and dehydration, the chemo caused me to become severely neutropenic. My white blood cell count was 0.1 (normal more than 5) and I had thrombocytopenia ( low platelet count), my count was 9 before the transfusion- normal is 50+ ideally, but 20 was acceptable, and low hemoglobin (6.7) normal 10, and hematocrit (20.1). Normal 35-45. I needed transfusions of platelets and packed red cells, and treatment with neupogen to stimulate my bone marrow to make white blood cells.

As you might imagine when one blood count is messed up, a whole bunch of others fall in line and get messed up too. My electrolytes were severely depleted and I needed several replacement IV'S.

Before and during my hospitalization I was growing weaker and weaker and needed a lot of help for my daily care.

So I had a 5-day retreat (haha) at Cleveland clinic Mercy filled with IV fluids, shots, blood draws more IV fluids, more shots, more blood draws.

On Monday I was moved to a short-term rehab center to build my strength and learn to use mobility equipment so I can go home, as well "regrowing" my immune system.

Folks, this is not easy at all! Truth is, now I am battle tested I have scars to prove it. Literally.

Hematoma....meet petechiae.

Honestly, my emotions have been one giant roller coaster ride. There are days when I cannot get out of bed. There are also days when I want to cry all day long. There are also days when I find something that makes me smile. I run the whole gamut of emotions for sure.

Obviously the physical pain gets top billing most often when I talk about my illness. However, I cannot under emphasize the impact of missing things that seem small or trivial to some people but are a big deal to me.

Kennedy and Dillon moved into their college apartment and dorm in the middle of August.

Sydney has been a real trooper figuring out all her homecoming plans for herself, filling out college applications, and settling into a new lacrosse offseason practice schedule.

Jason has been working hard maintaining the house, caring for the kids, cooking dinner, cleaning, visiting. He's basically Chemo Ken doll when I think about how amazing he is.

And we mustn't forget the pups.

I struggle to find the words to thank everybody for all your care and concern, your thoughts and prayers, and any other way you have supported my family during this very difficult time.

Y'all let me have it when I took a break from blogging for a few weeks... It made me realize how many people care and how many people want to be there for my family, and this is something I will be eternally grateful for. Thank you, and 1 million hugs coming your way.

This is day 102.