I'm Still Here...November

Monday this week, I got out of the shower and got terribly dizzy.  So much so, that I vomited on my couch, in the kitchen, and finally the bathroom before collapsing.  I was home alone.  Karley was at school (which I'm grateful for).  I managed to close one eye and see my phone with the other.  I called Karleys dad to come help me.  He arrived within 10 minutes and called 911 for me.

I live on the third floor of a condo.  This isn't easy for paramedics.  They tried to get me to sit in a chair to carry me to the ambulance but that just made me vomit more.  Finally, John just carried me down the 3 flights of stairs to the ambulance.  He had to pick Karley up, and we didn't want to scare her so decided not to tell her what was going on.   Did I mention I only had a robe on?  How embarrassing!  

Once in the ambulance, the paramedic tried to start an IV.  I know my veins pretty well now so tried to tell him the size to use.  He didn't listen and blew a vein and never could get it started.  Additionally, there was no air.  After being so sick, I needed air.  

Stephen met me at the hospital and we were there for 9 hours.  After an EKG, CT scan, and ultrasound, it was decided that I had vertigo from the chemo pills.  I literally couldn't walk.  It was terrifying and not something I ever want to experience again. My oncologist and I have decided to reduce my dosage.  I've been on the highest dosage for nearly 2 years.  I guess my body is tired of it.  

After some great pain meds and more meds for dizziness and nausea, I was discharged.  The vertigo was  better but did last another day.  Luckily I had the meds.  Stephen helped out so much and my mom drove down to help out too.  I'm feeling much better now but my voice is still not back to normal. We had our couch professionally cleaned and told Karley I had a stomach virus.  No point in making her think the cancer had anything to do with the whole incident.  

I'm grateful to have such a great support system.  Thank you all for your continuous prayers and support.  They mean so much.  Yesterday was my birthday and I am eternally thankful that I was able to celebrate another one.  In the beginning, I didn't think it was possible.  Now I know, with Him, all things are possible.  

Yesterday was also Halloween so I'll throw in some pictures before I finish. 

Today is an important day.  It is officially Lung Cancer Awareness month.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women. With a mere 15% 5 year survival rate (for all stages), it's past time we get this cancer the funding it so badly needs.  I'll be posting more blogs this month.  Not only because it's Lung Cancer Awareness month, but because Thanksgiving marks my 2 year cancerversary!  And there is no doubt that I'm thankful.  

Please keep our family in your prayers.  Also, please pray for our dear friends Tina and Jon Roberts and the family of my best friend, Amanda Davis.  Thank you all so much and God Bless!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"