December 29, 2010

Hi all, it's Lynn again.  Mom asked that I update this again for her.  She is at home and is being cared for by her wonderful big brother.  They are working to learn how to take care of all the medical stuff that goes with this kind of surgery.  She is recovering slower than she had hoped but is on the mend.  She is tired and weak.  Doctor is pleased with her recovery and tells her to be patient it will take time.  He reminds her that she had chemo/radiation and major/major surgery and her body needs time to heal.  She wants to be back to normal and off and running again, but no such luck at this time.  She did take a trip yesterday to Bozeman to see her doctor and get her staples out.  She went to a movie and grocery shopped.  Other than that she has been at home recovering.  Her brother will be with her at least for another week and will continue to nurse her back to health.  We are all thankful for Ham's willingness to stay with her and help her out.  You thoughts and prayers are much appreciated as well. 

Heading home 12/21/10

Lynn Again.  Just updating you that Ellen will be released this afternoon and she is ready to go.  She will be back in Big Sky this afternoon.

December 20, 2010

This is Lynn again.  Updating for Ellen.  She is recovering nicely.  She is hoping to go home today, Doctor had not been in to see her this morning to confirm this.  She is ready to step out of the hospital and take on the challenge of recovery at home.  She is being a trooper and off all narcotic pain meds as of this morning.  We will see if that will last.  She is hoping to just be able to manage her pain with Motrin.  Her bowels are awake and working now, which happened yesterday and that is great news.  She is walking more and more each day, 40 yards or so, but she is able to get up and back to the restroom without assistance.  Your thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated.  She will be updating her blog once she gets home. 

December 13, 2010

This is Ellen's daughter Lynn hijacking her blog.  Actually just wanted to update everyone that Ellen had surgery today and it went really well.  The chemo and radiation worked really well and shrunk the tumor down to where it was barely visable.  Doctor is pleased with the results of the surgery.  Ellen is in her room and pain is under control with an epidural for the next few days.  She is alert and talkative.  Recovery time is expected to be awhile.  Her mood is upbeat and positive.  Her family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. 

11/15/2010

I am sorry that I have let this go for awhile. I had kind of a hard week last week but all is well now. I am actually traveling by train with my brother to join my sisters for the weekend. the. Am flying back to Billings to join Lynn and Terry for Austin's Thanksgiving hockey tournament. I will then have a couple weeks to relax before surgery on the 13th. While I have the chance I wish everyone a happy relaxed Thanksgiving.

Friday 10/29/10

I am down to only five more treatments and am feeling quite good.  I had an acupuncture treatment on Wed and am amazed at how much it has helped the fatigue factor.  K.C. leaves tomorrow and I will miss her.  However, her help has been unbelievable and now I am looking forward to Glenn and Scarlett coming for my last week.  I am looking so forward to a break and a time of healing.  I will then get prepared for surgery in mid December.  Again I thank everyone for all the love and support!!!

10/22/10

This has been a better week.  I think they have finally gotten the dosage correct and I am not having so many side effects (knock on wood).  I also believe that my body needed the week off to rest.  I am very grateful to have my sister here for another week and then Glenn and Scarlett will be here for the last week so that will be great.  I so appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers - I feel so cared about that it is sometimes hard to take in.  Today after treatment we are going to drive through Yellowstone on a long way home.  I look forward to seeing how fall is progressing there.  I have missed going these last couple of months.

10/15/2010

This is an interesting journey to say the least!!  Wednesday night I ended up with hives all over my body.  When I saw the doctor on Thursday he said that I was his "problem child" (very kindly).  I have that feeling - once again a side effect of the chemo.  So he has kept me off all treatment until Monday when we will start up again with a once again lowered dose of the drug.  My job is to just keep on keeping on.  One day at a time and eventually this will be all over!

10/11/10

Life continues to be a learning experience and a mountain climb.  I continue to have problems with the chemo drug so they have stopped it and the radiation today.  My mouth for the most part needs to heal before they are going to do anymore.  On Thurs. they hope to restart the radiation treatments and then on Monday hook me back up to the 24/7 chemo at a lower dose.  I am sorry to delay the end of this process but this sore mouth is taking its toll.  I would love to be able to chat with people without the pain.  I probably need to be able to eat better.  They don't like it but I kind of like the fact that I have  lost 10 pounds. :-)  I really appreciate all the notes and cards.  Everyone's love is certainly holding me up in a good place.

10/6/10

Well another day down and I am surviving.  A very sore mouth but right now my feet are okay.  they have reduced the level of the drug so i think that is helping a bit.  I am so grateful for all the support that i am receiving.  I really believe that love conquers all.  thank you everyone.

One day at a time

After a rough couple of days due to the fact that the chemo drug became toxic to my system I am now doing better.  the bottom of my feet had neuropothy (inflamed nerves) and my mouth was full of blisters, plus a sore throat.  But, my daughter came up and took excellent care of me.  they took me off the drug on Friday and now i will find out tomorrow how we are going to proceed.  If nothing else this is a great learning experience about all sorts of things.

Trying something new

Hi all - Some of you may not know that i have been diagnosed with rectal cancer.  I am presently having radiation and chemo.  In December I will have surgery followed by 6 months of chemo.  Long, rather unpleasant year.  However, the prognosis is good and I hope to be able to have a book to write at the end of this experience.  I know i will be learning a lot spiritually and about myself as time goes on.

For every one, I have  found that I get really tired of repeating myself and just tired.  So, having a blog was suggested as a way to keep people informed and then I only have to report what is going on once.  I will try and keep it updated.  I have tremendous support from my kids, sibs, and friends.  I am deeply grateful to everyone.  If you really need to hear my voice :-) do call - I just think this will be an easier way to communicate for awhile.