Tina had grown strong enough and received her 2nd Chemo treatment today. Everything went well and she rested tons after. She was able to get in a chair for many hours this evening. Everything the doc's and nurses are doing to help her gain strength is enlighting to watch. She was able to get a family suite at the hospital which is wonderful for Teya to visit her in. Teya came for her first visit two days ago after not seeing mommy for Seven full days. It was a wonderful visit for both. Teya is able to continue visiting Tina once or twice a day. Teya cheers when she sees mommy in a chair. We all love the baby steps she has been taking.
Her Aunt Shelly has been here since last Wed. She's also from Michigan and will be leaving on Wed morning. She has been a blessing for Tina, her family and myself.
Little reminder if you feel you want to sent flowers, please refrain and click the donate button in the top right corner instead. Cards are more than welcome just sent them to Tina's home and Todd makes sure she gets all of them.
Once again none of this would be possible without the grace of God and your prayers.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Update from Tina's mom
Many things have taken place since we've last posted. But the first thing I would like to say is your PRAYERS are working keep them coming.
Since the stents were placed on Tuesday Tina has been very ill. She has been a strong woman through it all. God has truly given her strength through your prayers. ICU was able to stabilize Tina and she was moved late last night to the Cancer floor to continue her battle. Our little warrior had yet another procedure this afternoon. They needed to place a tube in her colon to release the gases and some fluid. Since the stents Tina's bowel has yet to become active. The procedure went as planned and they were able to release the gas and some fluids. She also had another abdominal tap to relieve yet more fluids. She rested fairly well for hours. She remains getting her nutrition from a nutrition bag now for almost two weeks. These nutrition's help keep her to stay strong and to continue her fight.
Tina started physical therapy yesterday to help her get out of bed after being bed ridden for almost a full seven days. So for the next few days they will continue working with her helping to get her into a chair and hopefully start taking a few more steps every day.
Tina was due to have her second Chemo treatment on Friday but due to her health was unable to receive it. We are very hopeful with the new procedure she will be able to get the second Chemo treatment in the next few days.
As we watch Tina on this journey she has inspired many people here, doctors, nurses and those loved ones around here with her courage. But for all of you who have followed Tina these past five years you will not find this as any surprise.
In closing Tina asked that I share that all though she appreciates texts to her and calls. Do to the severity of her condition, she is not able to answer anyone at this time.
Keep the prayers coming because you are God's people and he is listening to you.
Since the stents were placed on Tuesday Tina has been very ill. She has been a strong woman through it all. God has truly given her strength through your prayers. ICU was able to stabilize Tina and she was moved late last night to the Cancer floor to continue her battle. Our little warrior had yet another procedure this afternoon. They needed to place a tube in her colon to release the gases and some fluid. Since the stents Tina's bowel has yet to become active. The procedure went as planned and they were able to release the gas and some fluids. She also had another abdominal tap to relieve yet more fluids. She rested fairly well for hours. She remains getting her nutrition from a nutrition bag now for almost two weeks. These nutrition's help keep her to stay strong and to continue her fight.
Tina started physical therapy yesterday to help her get out of bed after being bed ridden for almost a full seven days. So for the next few days they will continue working with her helping to get her into a chair and hopefully start taking a few more steps every day.
Tina was due to have her second Chemo treatment on Friday but due to her health was unable to receive it. We are very hopeful with the new procedure she will be able to get the second Chemo treatment in the next few days.
As we watch Tina on this journey she has inspired many people here, doctors, nurses and those loved ones around here with her courage. But for all of you who have followed Tina these past five years you will not find this as any surprise.
In closing Tina asked that I share that all though she appreciates texts to her and calls. Do to the severity of her condition, she is not able to answer anyone at this time.
Keep the prayers coming because you are God's people and he is listening to you.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Procedure completed...
Quick update on Tina's procedure this AM...Todd here...
Seems all went pretty well. They were able to get 2 seperate stents into her colon, which covered the majority of the affected area. While there was still a tiny bit that was not covered by a stent, he was very happy with the results so that is good news! It was really important to get this procedure done so we can get Tina back on the road to recovery, so we are very thankful it went well! As always, thanks for the thoughts and prayers...
Seems all went pretty well. They were able to get 2 seperate stents into her colon, which covered the majority of the affected area. While there was still a tiny bit that was not covered by a stent, he was very happy with the results so that is good news! It was really important to get this procedure done so we can get Tina back on the road to recovery, so we are very thankful it went well! As always, thanks for the thoughts and prayers...
Prayers needed
Yesterday I am having a very important procedure done. It is scheduled for 9am. A stent is being put into my colon. Please pray for successful placement. Thank you!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Welcome to the Home of Team Pale Skin Is In
Friends and Family have created a Foundation support me. Below is an excerpt from the home page.
==========================================================
Welcome to the Home of Team Pale Skin Is In
Simply stated, we are family and friends of Tina Sullivan who are united in support of her battle against stage IV Melanoma.
Tina is fighting valiantly and it is our vow to stand beside her. We share her discomfort, we share her joys. Most importantly, we ask that you join us. We have created Team Pale Skin Is In to serve as a foundation for which funds will be raised to assist the Sullivan family with medical expenses, treatment programs and other expenses incurred related to her fight. All proceeds go directly to the Sullivan family.
You can click on title of this blog or Website Address: http://www.paleskinisin.org/Default.aspx
==========================================================
Welcome to the Home of Team Pale Skin Is In
Simply stated, we are family and friends of Tina Sullivan who are united in support of her battle against stage IV Melanoma.
Tina is fighting valiantly and it is our vow to stand beside her. We share her discomfort, we share her joys. Most importantly, we ask that you join us. We have created Team Pale Skin Is In to serve as a foundation for which funds will be raised to assist the Sullivan family with medical expenses, treatment programs and other expenses incurred related to her fight. All proceeds go directly to the Sullivan family.
You can click on title of this blog or Website Address: http://www.paleskinisin.org/Default.aspx
Saturday, May 21, 2011
An update...
Greetings all, Todd here...
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update, as it has been an eventful few days for Tina. She has now been in the hospital since Monday (and is actually now in ICU since this morning). Doctor's really have no idea what is all going on with her...
Ever since she got here on Monday, it has been a continual race to try to get her better, but once they finally seem to get one of her symptoms in line, it seems something else starts acting up. While she was originally admitted to the hospital for dehydration (she couldn't swallow), she then started to have both abdominal and back pain, which have finally been taken care of. She also has problems swallowing due to her tongue having sores all over (while common for chemo patients, they think it might be some type of infection). Finally, last night we got a scare, as around 5 AM her heart rate spiked and she had a 103 temperature, which has landed her in ICU. Her temperature and heart rate are down, but the doctors are still trying to find some answers. The poor girl just cant get a break...
Anyway, just a quick update...will keep everyone posted on how she is doing. As of now, no idea on when she will be getting out, but it isn't looking like anytime soon. Of course prayers and positive thoughts are always appreciated!
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update, as it has been an eventful few days for Tina. She has now been in the hospital since Monday (and is actually now in ICU since this morning). Doctor's really have no idea what is all going on with her...
Ever since she got here on Monday, it has been a continual race to try to get her better, but once they finally seem to get one of her symptoms in line, it seems something else starts acting up. While she was originally admitted to the hospital for dehydration (she couldn't swallow), she then started to have both abdominal and back pain, which have finally been taken care of. She also has problems swallowing due to her tongue having sores all over (while common for chemo patients, they think it might be some type of infection). Finally, last night we got a scare, as around 5 AM her heart rate spiked and she had a 103 temperature, which has landed her in ICU. Her temperature and heart rate are down, but the doctors are still trying to find some answers. The poor girl just cant get a break...
Anyway, just a quick update...will keep everyone posted on how she is doing. As of now, no idea on when she will be getting out, but it isn't looking like anytime soon. Of course prayers and positive thoughts are always appreciated!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
MRI Results
Quick update, MRI results are awesome - no melonoma!! PICC line is in and I will be receiving my first nutrition iv this evening. It actually just arrived! I look forward to getting some much needed nutrition. I also have a pain pump that was installed last night. Been having a little trouble remembering to use it, but glad it is in. Latest update is that I woke up this morning about 4am with back pain. Not lower back pain, it was up underneath my rib cage and caused a lot of pain and shortness of breathe - still is. Had a X-Ray to determine what it is. Results are not in yet. Will update as soon as I know.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
In hospital
Sorry, this update is from my phone, so it is short. Since my last post, I was not feeling well. I wasn't eating, sleeping, could barely get out of bed. the progression of the cancer in my abdominal was fast. monday i went to er as i woke up and could not swallow. once there i had an mri of throat which did not show anything. docs then learned i was extremely dehydrated and admitted me to hospital. i have been receiving fluids and feel a little better. still cannot eat, so that is a major concern. trying to get a picc line put in and get nutrients that way which is iv. Tumors are causing a lot of pain that we are trying to manage. also just got back from mri of brain to check for melanoma. i have not been having symptoms. just checking.
Again, sorry so short. Just wanted everyone to know what is going on
Again, sorry so short. Just wanted everyone to know what is going on
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Results
Sorry it took so long for me to update. I am not feeling well. I'll start from the beginning. On Monday, I went to my OB as I had been experiencing abdominal bloating and pain. We thought it was my IUD. IUD was just placed as it was needed for me to qualify for clinical trial. OB couldn't locate IUD so she did an ultrasound (thank goodness it was Monday as their tech is there on Mondays). She found IUD, which was out of place, and she also found liquid and a mass. I then went to see Mr. Wonderful (Gordon) and he ordered an MRI of abdomen. His nurses are superwomen as they were able to get me in that day. The MRI showed a 14 cen tumor along with other nodules. I asked for a biopsy and with the magic of the supernurses, we did on Wednesday. My stomach was so bloated that I looked like I was about 8 months pregnant and I was in a lot of discomfort. On Thursday I was able to have the fluid drained and we drained 7lbs of fluid! Results from biopsy came back on Thursday and it's melanoma. I began chemo on Friday. The treatment is once every 3 weeks and I'm on it for as long as it is working. Best info I could find online:
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/DACARBAZINE
Side effects of the chemo are pretty manageable and I haven't experienced them that I know of. I say that as for the past week I have been experiencing pain/discomfort in my abdomen due to the tumor and liquid, "heart burn" which is causing vomitting, slight nausea, no appetite and trouble sleeping. I have been a pretty sick lady.
During this time Todd was out of town for a work conference in Orlando. Thank God for Cathy, Claudia and Annette. Cathy stayed with me all week with the exception of one, which Claudia came over and then took me to my biopsy appointment. I could not have made it through the week without them. I was in so much pain and discomfort, I could barely walk and could not care for myself. These ladies were the best care takers I could have had and words are good enough, but thanks ladies! Annette picked up Teya everyday from school and kept her for a few hours. This gave Teya much needed time away from sick momma. Again, words are not enough to express how much this helped, but Thanks Annette. Todd got back Thursday night and my mom flew in Friay morning. My dad comes out Tuesday afternoon.
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/DACARBAZINE
Side effects of the chemo are pretty manageable and I haven't experienced them that I know of. I say that as for the past week I have been experiencing pain/discomfort in my abdomen due to the tumor and liquid, "heart burn" which is causing vomitting, slight nausea, no appetite and trouble sleeping. I have been a pretty sick lady.
During this time Todd was out of town for a work conference in Orlando. Thank God for Cathy, Claudia and Annette. Cathy stayed with me all week with the exception of one, which Claudia came over and then took me to my biopsy appointment. I could not have made it through the week without them. I was in so much pain and discomfort, I could barely walk and could not care for myself. These ladies were the best care takers I could have had and words are good enough, but thanks ladies! Annette picked up Teya everyday from school and kept her for a few hours. This gave Teya much needed time away from sick momma. Again, words are not enough to express how much this helped, but Thanks Annette. Todd got back Thursday night and my mom flew in Friay morning. My dad comes out Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Prayers Needed
Prayer/Positive Vibe Warriors, I am in need of your loving supprt. I have not felt very well over the past few weeks. We've figured out the cause and I have a biopsy tomorrow. I need a miracle, I need benign.
Results should be in on Friday and I'll post all the information sometime over the weekend.
Thanks everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)