April 3, 2014

April - A Look Ahead



March was a blur. I’m sure that April will be the same. Mr. Jim’s cancer metastasized last month. We are managing this turn of events as best as we can. We’ll be taking this month on day-by-day basis, and my blog posts will continue to be erratic. The spring season is making a beautiful appearance in east Tennessee, so that cheers are our spirits.

I’m busy managing Mr. Jim’s illness and the household activities. I'm ferrying Mr. Jim back and forth to the Cancer Institute and trying to attend to his needs. A new chemo regimen will occur every two weeks, and the first round was this past Monday. The chemo mixture from he## lived up to its hype. I had to take Mr. Jim back in within 24 hours for IV fluids and multiple anti-nausea medicines. He is doing better at the moment, but he’s still getting some waves of nausea. We hope that this adverse side effect will soon subside.

In addition to the abdominal fluid buildup, which causes shortness of breath, Mr. Jim is also experiencing blood clots in his legs. So a surgical procedure is scheduled tomorrow to insert an IVC  (inferior vena cava) filter. This will help prevent a possible pulmonary embolism.

Of course, things are breaking here at the cottage during all of this or need immediate attention. Isn’t that the way it always goes? Life continues on and things need repair whether one is caught in a cancer vortex or not. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to find some good service contractors lately, so that has been an unexpected relief.

I cancelled our planned trip to Memphis at the end of the month to St. Jude’s annual donors’ meeting. There will be no journeys this month except to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor offices, and hospital.

I am visiting my blogging friends on a hit-and-miss basis and rarely leave comments due to time constraints. Please continue to keep Mr. Jim in your prayers. We appreciate it!

22 comments:

  1. i hope the procedure tomorrow goes very well. bless you BOTH! i hope jim's nausea can subside - at least between chemo treatments!

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  2. Donna...I also have a Mr. Jim...I am assuming he is your hubby. I was not familiar with your story but I surely do sympathize with you during this trying time your family is facing. There is no understanding, only acceptance when we face these situations in life. Keep looking to Jesus, for only He can get you through this. East TN is a lovely place...we travel through it on our way to Spring Hill to see our #2 son and his family. I will pray for you and for God's amazing grace to be upon you and yours.

    Blessings,
    Debby

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  3. I think of you often Donna and am glad that you are keeping us updated on Jim's health. I pray for healing and restored health and strength for Jim and, for strength for you as you are on this journey together. God bless you both. Hugs. Pam

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  4. i'm sorry, Donna, that you guys are going through this again! Cancer is a sneaky B####! Hope Jims comes through this ok.

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  5. I am keeping you both in my prayers. My heart goes out to you as you deal with this difficult time. I'm praying for strength and healing. Your friend, Diane

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  6. Thinking of you both, and lifting you up in prayer! xo

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  7. Donna, I am so sorry for this turn of events. May God give you both strength and I pray for his recovery.

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  8. Thank you for taking the time for an update, Donna. You have so much on your mind and heart these days. Praying for you and Mr. Jim as you walk this road together.

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  9. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I know this can't be an easy time for either of you.

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  10. I'm sorry to hear that things have been so difficult. I'm praying for you both of you. April will certainly be a blurr, hopefully it will at least be pleasant out doors, and perhaps the two of you will be able to enjoy your outdoors. Know you are always in my thoughts.

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  11. Wish I lived near to you and Jim; I'd sure help if I could. You do know prayers are coming your way.

    (I had no idea Jim was a doctor, Donna)

    xoxo

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  12. Perhaps I did a typo, but Jim is not a doctor, rather a pro photographer.

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  13. Dearest Donna, Bob and I were so disappointed to hear the current news on Jim's cancer situation………..we are still praying and will not stop until he gets over this latest hurdle……well we'll actually never stop until he's totally well again of course! Hope the procedure goes well tomorrow and that it brings some relief from the latest problems.
    I truly wish I lived nearby and could do something to help out - glad you have been able to get good help for house problems though.

    Thinking of you this evening - and will tomorrow. Know it's a busy time but please keep us updated when you can. Tell Jim I'm sending a gentle hug.
    With love and friendship - Mary (and Bob)

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  14. I am always impressed with bloggers who carry on when things are churning behind the scenes as I know they are with you. Just so you'll know, I think it is very unfair that anything dares to break when you folks have Jim's health to concern yourselves with. We are praying here for the medicine to work well and for the procedure tomorrow to work well. We are praying for courage, comfort, peace, and the ongoing ability to find joy in things like a beautiful Tennessee spring and the summer to come. Love to you both...

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  15. Oh Donna I'm sorry to hear that about Jim. Continued prayers for you and he as you go through this rough patch of life. Know that you are loved by many and I'm sending you a virtual {{{HUG}}} this morning.

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  16. By all means, I'm keeping Mr. Jim (and you) in my prayers. You have the best attitude when dealing with all of this although I know how hard it must be seeing him have to go through this... (I mentioned another friend whose husband is going through something similar. However, she has a 'doom and gloom' attitude --which makes it harder for all.) God Bless YOU, Donna.

    Have a great weekend/week.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  17. I think of you often. Just know the prayers keep coming for both of you.
    Thanks for the update, I wish the news were better. God Bess!!

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  18. I've been out of town all week without internet access. You and Jim are in my prayers - much! Take care of yourself, my friend, and know we will be here when you stop by. Wish I lived closer so I could help when things break.
    ~Adrienne~

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  19. Every night you are both in my prayers and I'm sorry to hear of more complications for Jim. How have you made out with your dental exercise of perseverance?

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  20. I'm so sorry Donna.
    I'm thinking of you both and wishing that Mr Jim finds some relief from that dreadful nausea.
    Send prayers and love to keep you both strong at this difficult time.
    love
    Shane xox

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  21. I will definitely be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers as you go through these very difficult times.

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  22. You know that I'm praying for Jim...AND you sweet friend....I'm with the others in that I WISH I lived closer so that I could help out!! Frustrating that I can't be there!
    I know what it is to carry the load all by one's self little girl...and it's not easy.
    KNOW that I'm praying for Jim with everything I've got...Heart, Mind, Body and Soul!!
    (((((HUG)))))

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!