Monday, April 4, 2011

Birthday

Today is my 28th birthday.  I know I'm still pretty young to most people, but I feel like the oldest 28 year old on earth.  I usually love my birthday, but this year is not going to be much fun.  We're still in the hospital, and there is no plan for discharge in the next few days.  I did get out last night when my parents stayed with Scarlett and Chris, Lindi, my grandma and I went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory a few minutes away.  It was great to get out again, but I missed Scarlett and it felt strange to try to have fun while she was hooked up to an IV in the hospital.  Chris has some fun plans for me once we are home.

Last year on my birthday, I felt like my life was hectic; I was a few months pregnant, Chris was finally hired to a job after months, and my new job was fun but exhausting and already headed for pink slip.  This year, things are still chaotic, but there is no end in sight, and I can't even predict what might happen next.  I hope that next year, I can look back and think about how far we have come, and have it be behind us.
 
For now, we just deal with today.  They check her levels with a blood test each afternoon.  They dropped off quickly at first, but now are slowly tapering off.  We measure in hours.

Hour 1 - High Dose Methotrexate (HDMTX) administered
Hour 2 - Remainder of Methotrexate (MTX) begun
Hour 23 - Check blood levels
Hour 24 - MTX ended
Hour 42 - MTX level was 1.6
Hour 66 - .26
Hour 90 - .11
Hour 114 - .05
Hour 138 - .04

Last time, she had to clear below .05.  This time, I am not sure why we have to go lower, but I heard below .02.  It could still takes a few days to reach that level.

The concern in that the fluid in her head is holding the chemo longer than it should, and it is toxic to her kidneys and bladder, so she needs high amounts of IV fluids and a medication to protect her organs as long as the chemo is measurable in her system.  We are hoping to start her next chemo tomorrow morning to keep moving ahead, but the protocol may not allow it to begin until MTX clears.

Over the weekend, all of our regular doctors are off, so I didn't get much chance to ask what the plan is now that her methotrexate is clearing so slowly.  When I see them today, I want to know if this is the expected routine for the next two cycles; I need to plan ahead if we will be in the hospital for 2+ weeks each month rather than a few days.

18 comments:

Fairy Vomit said...

Happy Birthday, girlfriend. May next year be free of these challenges and peaceful with nothing but a few scars and stories of this adventure. Cyber world is wishing you a happy and healthy one!

skylac8506 said...

Happy Birthday Brandi! I know it stinks to be in the hospital but know you are with your daughter, husband and the thousands if not millions of people who have fallen in love with you, Chris and Scarlett! Next year you will be celebrating out of the hospital with Scarlett running around listening to her talk, talk, talk and laugh and giggle up a storm!! Hang in there and know we are all celebrating and thinking of you! Sending love and prayers from the Cozza's in CT

Unknown said...

Many happy returns of the day, Brandi. We don't choose the day of our birth, nor can we predict what will happen on that day throughout our years on the planet. Some birthdays are better than others, that's for sure. Your community of blog readers sends much love and virtual hugs your way today!

Marsha said...

Happy Birthday Brandi! Next year will be a better one!

April said...

Happy birthday, Brandi! I am sure you know that having Scarlett at all is such a wonderful gift this year. But I certainly wish that your family could all be at home and healthy celebrating with you. I am keeping good thoughts that the MTX clears and that you are able to start the next chemo.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday :) I dont know you personally, but have been praying for you and your family since I found your blog. I dont know if you believe in God, but just know you are being taken care of. I know it is hard, but please do something for yourself today...it is a celebration of life!

Carlinha said...

Happy Birthday!!

jennifer said...

Happy Birthday my dear!!! Glad to hear you got out for a little quality time with your grandmother. If it makes you feel any better.. as we get older, birthdays become less and less of an event for everyone. All that celebratory energy goes to the kids.. Just think of what a to-do it'll be on Scarlett's 1st!!!! ^_^

Sarah G said...

Happy Birtday!

Unknown said...

Happy birthday! Sending healing, happy thoughts to you, chris, and sweet little Scarlett. :) From another virtual friend and fellow new mommy (mine is 4 1/2 months). I know we are strangers but you all have a special place in mine and my husband's hearts as if we knew you personally. I guess that is the universal bond of parenthood! :)

Jennifer said...

Oops, I posted under my husband's account. This is me....Jennifer. I posted above as "Jeremy". :)

AlaskanAlison said...

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!

Sylvia said...

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Braaaannnnndddddiiiiii, Happy Birthday to you! I know you didn't want to be in the hospital today, sorry that you still are. Glad you got out last night for a bit and were able to celebrate some - even if your thoughts were still with Scarlett. Next year will be completely different and you'll get to celebrate correctly. =) Happy Birthday!

DiJe said...

♫Happy Birthday to you!♫

Wishing you all best-case scenario tomorrow as a slightly belated birthday gift. You deserve it.

IB Mom said...

Happiest Birthday to you Brandi! My twin & I were born 6 days ahead of you, same year :) I hope 28 brings you good things!

heatherdily said...

Happy Birthday Brandi!

Yesterday was my 24th. We're twins! ;)

~Heather and Lindsey, BBC 2010

michelmoba said...

happy birthday brandi....i can't wait to read in a year from now how much has changed (and only for the better). Have a good day!

gillybeancandyjar said...

Happy belated birthday! catching up on this blog as I was laptopless for the past few weeks. Your Scarlett is in my prayers ever night *hugs*