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Thursday, October 7, 2010

MEDICATED


I am happy to say that this week has gone by very quickly. It hasn't exactly been a fantastic week, but I am hanging in there. Starting Tuesday, I began to feel some side effects of the oral chemo that I'm on. I was experiencing a headache, sore and achy body, and just some sores in some areas. Another wonderful side effect is joint pain, which has done a pretty good job of making me feel like a 90 year old woman. So the doctors finally convinced me to go on a PCA, which is like a morphine drip that I can access with a button whenever I need more. (don't worry they still have control over how much you are taking). But Tuesday night was extremely miserable, due to the fact that the morphine dose wasn't high enough,and was not touching my pain. To make a long story short, they have raised the dose, and gave me some other good things that make all the side effects a little better. As you can expect, all the medicine makes me very tired and somewhat loopy, but I will take that over pain any day.

Just thought I would give you a quick little update. Today, things are looking brighter. Any little bit of relief makes me appreciate feeling good that much more. Counts are still at zero, but hopefully that will change soon. Also, I am gaining back my weight that I have lost over the course of time. HOLLA! Now to regain my muscles. Although I think I will wait until I no longer feel like a cripple. That's all for now! Thanks for all the prayers and support, they are what get me through the day.

Rachel

7 comments:

  1. Good thing the chemo doesn't make you LOOK like a 90 year old woman - you are still gorgeous as ever. We'll start praying specifically for your numbers to head back up. Yay for doctors and for medicine that makes you feel better. Have you seen any lightning storms from your fourth floor perch?

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  2. Rachel, I check your blog everyday. I want you to know that we are praying for you everyday. I am amazed by your courage and determination. You are an inspiration for our family as I am sure you are to many. I am praying that your numbers will come up and that you can get your bone marrow transplant soon. Matt just did a bone marrow transplant for his brother who also has leukemia. He is slowly starting to recuperate. It is truely a miracle. So grateful for modern medicine that can do miracles! We are praying for a miracle for you. Love your cousin Lynette Bayles (Aunt Dutches daughter).

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  3. YAY for morphine and oxycodone!! Im glad you can laugh about feeling like a 90 year old.. Cami has some of the same side effects, she walks up the stairs all wobbly and puts her hand on her knee to help her get up. Once again, can I say YAY for morphine and oxycodone?? We are thinking about you all the time Rach and sending prayers your way. Im glad things have started looking up.

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  4. We think of you and pray for you all the time. Hang in there, you are dang tough :) Taylie says you can do it!!!

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  5. Rachel- I met your aunt last week at an event that I spoke at and she told me about you. Sending you lots of strength to make it through these challenging times. You have a terrific attitude and a fabulous support system, together those will help you conquer whatever obstacles you encounter. You will be back out on that court in no time, just give your body time to heal itself and you will be unstoppable!!!! All my best, Muffy Davis- 4 time Paralympic medalist

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  6. Woot Woot!!You rock girl! I hear you met my little sister and Millie. Jealous!! I want to meet you too. When your better of course. in the meantime go check out the poster Dell made. It says Rachel Steele Strong! Love you girl lots of prayers!!

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  7. Prayers can helps a lot to everyone,i will pray to all of you. Br Strong.

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