Jen is having something called sinus tachycardia.
Defined as
Sinus tachycardia (also colloquially known as sinus tach or sinus tachy) is a sinus rhythm with an elevated rate of impulses, defined as a rate greater than 100 beats/min (bpm) in an average adult. The normal resting heart rate in the average adult ranges from 60–100 beats/min.
Being caused by dehydration caused by infection and fever. They are hydrating her with more fluids.
JoAnn Gaines reminded me today to not just live but to thrive. So I have mustered up all my thriving and energy before I walked into this ICU room. I get to be right here with my sweet girl and that is the best blessing I could ask for.
I’ll update more later but they sent her to James and admitted her. Fever up and down. They pulled her pic line and are putting different line in
Twelve weeks seems like an eternity. Not a single day in that time have I escaped the worry. Eighty-four continuous days of wondering what the day will bring, hoping for something that changes the course from pain and suffering to we beat it and all is well.
I don’t know how she keeps her positive attitude. Her successes had been previously measured by how much is in a bank account or what career choice was made but now we see success and strength have little to do with any of that. She had found contentment in circumstance, courage during adversity, and hope during heartache.
Tonight as we sit here and wait to see what is causing her low grade fevers, she doesn’t complain. She seems to understand it is all part of getting there. They (the staff) here too are amazed as she smiles through it. God blesses me each day with her and her positive attitude.
I’m trying really hard today to find the blessings that surround me. It has been another long day. But the sun did shine and the nurse did find me a comfortable chair to sit in while Jennifer got another transfusion today.
Jen had an appointment this morning in Lima to have her counts checked. We expected they would be low based on how she was feeling. Her platelets were low again and her hemoglobin not far behind. Her white count had a very slight improvement.
When they called for her to get a transfusion in Lima (both hospitals), neither had platelets available until tomorrow so I decided to make a trip to The James.
With already being in Lima at 1220, I expected we would arrive around 2ish. That was not to be the case. Immediately we got held up by a train for nearly 30 minutes. With it being the lunch hour, I thought best to make sure Jen got something to eat before we left lima. Plan to swing through the drive through at Happy Days near Memorial Hospital resulted in another 15 minute set back.
By the time we got here, through registration it was near 4pm. Not a good plan at all. To add to that they decided Jen also should get hemoglobin but she can’t get both at the same time. So we discussed hemoglobin in the morning instead. We hoped to get those in Lima however to be cross and matched for blood in Lima, we had to be there tonight.
Also the platelets the lab sent down was a larger bag and that took three hours to receive instead of two. So we are staying in Columbus tonight, she gets hemoglobin tomorrow morning and hopefully home by afternoon. So much for spending a relaxing day at home for her birthday tomorrow.
Blessings. …I’m having to really search today.
So we are hanging out this evening at St Ritas. Jen had a headache today and called down to the James. Since her platelets were low range yesterday, we decided best to have her counts checked this evening.
Of course we aren’t dealing with hematologist here, so the number of other test they decided to include seems a little overkill when you know start with blood test and go from there. So we sit and wait.
< I should have brought more yarn >
Not much change over the last few days. Randy took Jen to her appointment this morning to have her numbers checked. Jen’s energy levels have stayed fairly decent, so we weren’t surprised her hemoglobin is still fairly high for having received chemo last week. But her white count and platelets are really low. This means she must be extra cautious as she will be susceptible to infections and bleeding. So we are hand washing several times a day, wiping down door knobs, light switches, and surfaces and making sure Jen’s contact with the outside world is limited. She is also to be careful not to fall or bump into things so she spends a lot of time watching movies and playing on her phone.
We are still unsure if Jen will make an appearance on Sunday to the paint and sip benefit. If she does, it will be for a very short time and will be keeping a distance from others as to not pass any germs to her. Although others may feel fine, her immune system is too weak to fight much right now. So we will wait and let her decide on Sunday what she like to do.
There are still seats for the 3pm section of the paint and sip for Sunday. When we heard Angela Gamble hasn’t had much outside support we decided to split the proceeds from it with her. Angela is home from the James after having surgery last week. Also Amy Snavely, from Kalida, had been hospitalized for pneumonia and is waiting on a bed at the Cleveland Clinic to open. Please keep both these beautiful women in your prayers tonight. Finally we also ask for a prayer for someone we shall not name, whose cancer has spread and will be receiving additional treatment in the days and weeks ahead. Cancer seems to not take a break and all too often we are hearing of yet another who is battling this terrible disease.
For the last 3+ months, our lives have changed dramatically. As it has changed, we are also now witness to the many others who have the same journey we have. Each day, whether at home or at hospital, we find ourselves in discussions with other families who are learning this difficult path. When we sit down to eat in the cafeteria or take a walk to a restroom, we encounter the world of cancer. Or if we participate in a conversation in a support group, we often hear of the daily struggles.
Each day, you start with sorting out medications, appointments, new terminology you hadn’t heard before, and new staff brought on board. Connections to your pets, children and spouses change and rely on pictures and phone calls. The world looks different then ever before.
When you start thinking about the overall cost of it all, it is mental, physical, and financial. Mentally you cope as best you can, attempting to live in the moment but your dreams lash you into your subconscious mind. Physically you are exhausted. You find yourself no longer able to wear the same clothes as your weight falls or rises. And body aches from the tension and from sleeping on hospital furniture.
The things you are having to spend money on haven’t been budgeted for. Tanks of gas to and from hospital, to the pharmacy, to the doctors. Money for parking, even at $2 a day drains your pocket. Petcare, eating on the run, and double the number of hairbrushes, hairdryers, and shampoo because you no longer are all in the same place at once. They all add up. And when your income takes a hit from not being able to work, you go back to the mental anguish that enters your dreams.
The loss of another across the hall rings loud throughout the floor. The biggest fear of death is only compounded by all the other stresses. And the floor at the hospital becomes so stressed by all those fears.
This is cancer. This is the life of so many each day. This is not only my life, but too many in this world. So care a little more. Complain a lot less. And live each day to the fullest.
Rally Together With Jennifer 