BLOG 25

02 May 2010

Hello to my support team, family & friends,

Much has happened in the last 2 weeks, since my last blog and in order keep everyone informed, writing another blog is necessary. Most of the time I keep alot of people informed via Facebook and Twitter. However, I am aware that not everyone can use FB & T for social networking purposes. So, during this phase of the journey, I will blog a little more to keep everyone informed of the finer details of life at the moment.

In my last blog, I mentioned that I had taken a couple of falls and although for both of them, there was moisture on the ground, it was unusual for me to slide without being able to stop (particularly) my R leg. From that point on, I took extra care around the house and started using a stick for extra stability, especially outside on un-even ground. Unfortunately, though over the ensuing weeks, pain in the sacrum/S1 and weakness started to increase and it became apparent to me, when I had trouble lifting the leg in/out of my car, that something was not right. Another challenge now to face. So, over the last week, I have been visiting and consulting with my Hematology consultant and registrar, in person and via phone about my symptoms and particularly the pain. My Hematologist consultant issued me some Morphine (Endone) last week to stay on top of it.

Within 48 hours of that call, we had arrived at a scheduled urgent MRI and my leg had become even weaker. The MRI went for 1 hour and was an extensive image of my entire Spine. The next day, the news was that my spine was clear and the small lesion left from the original disease was even clearer. So, this is good and not so good....we have to try and locate what is causing this problem and try and save my leg from permanent damage or at least get it better and formulate a plan on how to tackle this long term.

I was admitted as an in-patient 30 April/2010.....I can't count how many stays I have had in this hospital, but it would add up to at least 5 months or so in the last 3 years. What is the next step? Well - we are monitoring for increased signs of weakness and are waiting for the Neurology team to see me and evaluate what we can do in terms of testing from a Neurology standpoint and have my case presented back to a panel of senior Hematologists to try and figure out what to do this time.

The reality is, that if this is Lymphoma, it could be the size of a pea or smaller, possibly even microscopic - my Hematologist has said, it could be just a few cells blocking signals through the nerve to the leg....as scary as all this sounds to the lay person, I don't feel scared at all, don't feel upset or sad at all, I am just slightly annoyed at this thing trying to come back into my life and take my leg again. I know that Greg and the girls hate me being in here and I also, however, we are all very well practiced at this now and play it all by ear for complications with my health. Greg keeps things at home normal for the girls and they talk to me every day on the phone and webcam.

What's next and how long will I be in here? We really don't know - could be 1 week to 3 months or more, depends on the treatment and what is found. If it is Lymphoma, the natural progression would be Stem Cell Transplant, however - all of our options will be considered. In other news - Recently, when shopping I realized I couldn't see a menu on a board and thought it might be time to see an Optometrist....now with glasses, everything is soooo clear.

Other news, Julia (we've found) has a real interest in and an incredible memory for world countries & cities....her talent in this area is quite amazing and we are working on ways to foster her knowledge in this area. Anna is really progressing well in her writing and we are working hard with her teacher to identify ways to make her more excited about her writing at school, year 1 is a little harder than when I was in year 1. Greg is a great dad and looks after me, the girls and our two doggies...enjoying his baseball season at the moment. The girls now have some Nintendo DS's and Daddy has been caught snatching them from time to time for his own enjoyment.

Many people offer us assistance when I am in hospital/ill and we are always very happy to receive, some suggestions are located on our GIFTS & DONATIONS page.

Thank all for your continued prayer and love.

I bring my mobile PC/Webcam and Phone to hospital - so my mini office comes with me for JJ. I am happy to chat with anyone over the web, when I am not doing testing, meeting with doctors or family.

Blessings and love to you all.

Jodie Guerrero.