Back to the Hospital

I guess it was just a matter of time before I ended up back in the hospital.  I had a good run . . . 6 months!  Everything was going well until I went into preterm labor a few weeks ago.  I was right around 27 weeks.  It was Friday, November 13th and I started having really bad pelvic pain.  After about 20min we called the doctor but couldn't wait for him to call back so my Dad and I hoped in the car and headed to the hospital.

 

We didn't get very far when we were pulled over by a policeman.  My dad was frantic trying to get the officer to understand our rush.  I was crying and in a lot of pain.  He immediately called an ambulance and made us wait on the side of the freeway.  I was pretty upset because I knew we would make it to the hospital faster then waiting for an ambulance.  While we were waiting my dad was getting a lecture on how he should slow down because he could get us killed.  The officer went on asking why we didn't go to a hospital that was closer or Kaiser.  Through my tears I said because Sutter Memorial is expecting us and they have the best neonatal unit if I delivered that minute.  Besides I am not part of Kaiser and I would end up paying an arm and a leg if I went there.  My dad was pretty frustrated at this point since we had been sitting there for at least 10minutes.  The officer kept reassuring us the ambulance was on the way.  Apparently policemen no longer guide drivers to the hospital so that option was out and he would not let us just drive ourselves but slower. 

 

Eventually the ambulance came (I wonder how much that will cost me.)  They assessed the situation and loaded me up on their rig.  Once I got to the hospital my dad arrived about 5 minutes later driving very carefully.  I was immediately hooked up to monitors that showed me contracting and the heart beats of the twins.  The on call doctor came in the room to examine me.  The pain was easing up at this point.  Just as I was thinking to myself that I should have stayed home the doctor told me I was 3cm dilated.  He said it was good I came in.  I was immediately given a shot of steroids to help the lungs of the twins develop if I delivered in the next few days.  I was also given magnesium for the twins and some other meds to help stop the contractions.  I had to stay in the hospital for at least 48hrs to be observed and then the doctors would decided what to do.

 

To complicate things even more, my baby shower was scheduled for Sunday.  We planned on having it early to avoid the exact situation I was in.  Thank goodness the hospital had a big room on the 7th floor and allowed me to have my baby shower right there.  This way they would be able to monitor me and I could stay in bed.  Courtney, my best friend Kacey, my sister Trina and my mother-in-law Denise began calling everyone to explain the situation and change of venue.  They managed to remember almost everyone.  Our good friend Diane Felt drove all the way to my sister's house where she was greeted by my brother-in-law who explained everything and directed her to the hospital.

 

It was nice to see everyone and I was happy I didn't miss my own baby shower. We got a lot of neat things.  I was surprised at how many pieces of clothing we got for boys!  Most of them were for newborns so we have to take a bunch back to the store and get bigger sizes.  Probably the most memorable piece of clothing was from the Felt family (my former bike sponsor).  They had special shirts made that had a bike and a cross on the front and Powered By God on the back.  I almost cried.  It was so perfect and so me!

 

Monday rolled around and the doctors came in to tell me to be prepared to camp out at the hospital because I wasn't going home any time soon.  They needed to make sure my contractions stopped and I needed to constantly be monitored.  I almost broke down with this news.  I've already spent so much time in and out of the hospital the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time.  It is one thing if this was the first time I was having to do this but it wasn't.  I just spent the last year and a half battling cancer and going through surgeries.  This was difficult for me to take but at the same time I knew the importance of being there so I sucked it up.  To make things worse there are only 4 private rooms which meant I might be getting a roommate.  There was only one T.V. and the bathroom was not handicap accessible.  It was a lot to deal with!

 

Wednesday morning one of the doctors came in to tell me he didn't see why I couldn't go home on complete bed rest since I had my dad to care for me.  This was great news!  I just had to come back to the hospital 2 days a week to be monitored.  I didn't care, anything was better then being couped up in a hospital room!

 

I was home for a week and a half.  I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family and I did exactly as I was told.  I only got up to go to the bathroom and take a short shower every other day.  I was on meds to help keep the contractions at bay and as long as I didn't have more then 6 in 1 hour I was good to go!

 

The Friday after Thanksgiving, Courtney drove me to the hospital to be monitored.  We brought the dogs along so they could get out.  After about 20minutes the lady who was monitoring my contractions asked if I felt all those contractions.  I said I felt a few and asked why?  She said because I was having them every 2-3minutes.  I knew this was not good.  She immediately called my doctor who then told her to send me to labor and delivery to be evaluated.  I had to get a shot to try and stop the contractions.  After a few hours they readmitted me to the hospital on the high risk floor.  I was back in a room hoping I wouldn't get a roommate.  I knew this time there would be no going home.  I would be stuck in the hospital for the duration of my pregnancy. 

 

The contractions were occurring close together every morning and sometimes in the evening so I continued to get shots.  The shots make me really jittery.  My heart rate speeds up and my arms start shaking.  I then have the option to take more meds to counter that but they made me sleepy so I passed on them the second time around. 

 

I will be at 30 weeks this Saturday which will be a huge milestone.  I have to make it to 30 weeks.  Then the goal will be 32 weeks.  The doctors aren't sure how long I can hold these babies in but they are hopeful.  I got an ultrasound on Monday and it showed both babies over 3lbs.  Twin A is 3.1 and Twin B is 3.5.  They were surprised at how big they were for how small I still looked.  There are also plenty of fluids for the two of them to move around.  I just have to keep them from coming out to early!

 

I ended up getting moved to a private room sooner then I expected.  I think the nurses could tell it was going to be difficult for me to go to the bathroom with another person in the room and it was a bit of a walk to the shower.  Now I have a slightly bigger bathroom and shower right in my room.  Things are definitely looking up!  I have a view of the side of a building and not much sun but at least I have my own room!  It is the small pleasures in life that keep us going!

 

I have been praying every night that these babies stay in my tummy as long as possible.  Please pray they continue to grow and avoid coming out too early!

 

Powered By God,

Jamie

The Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

 These past few weeks have been full of ups and downs which is probably why it has taken me so long to update.  Where should I begin?

I have been asked to speak at several different places about my story which is great.  The first was a group of junior high BMX riders.  The next was a group of young adults at Capital Christian called Epic Life.  That was amazing.  I think it was my best one to date.  My dad even said, "I lived through it, read all of your blogs, listened to you tell your story numerous times and I never get tired of it!"  It really was a pleasure for me to share my testimony and add some humor.  I had them laughing and crying at the same time!  I really feel this is the direction God is leading me.

Swimming is continuing to go well.  My leg is remaining fairly strong with rehab and light weights.  I know the elliptical is helping out with this as well.  Every once in awhile I lose my balance but mostly I am walking better than expected.  The balance thing usually gets me at night when I can't see and I really need to go to the bathroom.  I start to sit down and fall forward.  I have to laugh because it is pretty funny! 

I finally got a call from my oncologist about my MRI from a month and a half ago.  He said everything looks good no sign of cancer!  That really made my day.  I have now cleared three scans and it has been over a year since my second surgery.  Things are definitely looking up.

I am having some trouble getting comfortable.  The more weight I gain from the twins the more pressure on my tailbone (which is still not healed) when I sit.  Lying down is not much better especially on my bad side and I can't lie on my back which leaves only my right.  After awhile I feel too much pressure on the kidney making it painful until I move.  I am reading a book about things to expect while pregnant but it doesn't really address all the extra things with my disability.  I can't complain though because I am still walking and that is a blessing!

The only real disturbing news came from the specialist I see for my pregnancy.  They are a little concerned about my cervical opening.  Right now it is right at 2.5 which means I will most likely be hospitalized about 2-3 weeks before my scheduled c-section.  I go back next week to have it remeasured and if it is any smaller I will have to go into the hospital even sooner.  Apparently this is common in pregnancies with multiples and there is no explanation nor is there anything I can do about it.  They are still allowing me to swim and rehab my leg but no heavy lifting (I already knew that one!)  I am definitely dreading the possibility of ending up back in the hospital.  My veins are dried up and I just spent the last year and a half in and out of hospitals.  You could say I am pretty sick of them!  I was prepared to handle maybe a week after the c-section but 2-3weeks before, maybe more . . . Yikes!

Courtney and my Dad have been hard at work fixing up the boys' room.  We are going with a desert camo theme.  It looks dope! 

Please pray that the twins hang in there safely and don't join us until their time and please pray I don't have to go into the hospital until absolutely necessary!

Powered By God,

Jamie

A Child’s Prayer

There is nothing like a child's prayer.  It is so heartfelt and pure.

Last week I went to speak to an Awana kids group at Sierra Bible Church.  It is something I have done every year for the past five or six years just before the Xterra USA Championship.  There is a bike race and then we gather the kids together so I can talk about racing and how important God has been in my life.   I missed last year because I was still in the hospital so it felt good to be back.

I shared what has been going on for the past year and a half and how God's strength has seen me through it all.  The children listened closely for 20 minutes then asked question afterwards.  In the end three volunteered to stand up and pray for me.  Their words were touching and inspiring.  I would like to thank Clif Bar for donating Zbars and Twisted Fruit.  The kids loved them!

I am now five months along and showing.  Walking is still difficult and only going to get harder as I get bigger.  The doctors aren't sure if I will end up in a wheelchair or just needing a walker.  They encourage me to keep up the strength in my left leg.  This isn't as easy as it sounds.  I took a few days off of the elliptical and weights and my leg suffered.  It is amazing how quickly it goes into atrophy without a nerve and glute muscle.  It usually means I have to work that much harder to get back what I lost.  I think that is the biggest difference these days when I work out.  It isn't about training or putting the mileage in . . . it is about maintaining the mobility of my barely functioning leg.  People are always saying I am doing a lot but the reality is if I don't use it I will lose it!  And if you have seen me walking you know how difficult and labored it already is!

My tailbone is still healing.  After a year I thought it would be fine but I am still having trouble sitting for longer than 45minutes.  The memory foam pillow is helping a lot.  The doctors aren't sure about the long term effects on my back with how lopsided I am.  So far I am trying everything I possibly can to prevent future trouble.  We are trying to have an outside gel pack made to put in place of the missing muscle.  It would be like a wonder bra but only for one side.    

Things have been looking up and I am continually blessed by family and friends who have shown so much support!

Powered By God,

Jamie

Keeping It Together

In these tough times it is easy for our faith to be tested. I feel that way everyday. I wonder how I am going to make ends meet when I can't really work. Because I am so young it is going to be hard to get disability and yet I have to do something. Courtney and I have truly been blessed through the past year and a half with so much support from everyone. We are so grateful!

This past weekend we took a trip to Utah to help me feel better and get away. We went to watch the Xterra USA Championship race. It was exciting and rewarding to see everyone. It was also a little sad because it was another race where I was sitting on the sideline instead of racing. I did get to announce a little which was great but it would be even better if I could make a living at it. I have been trying to contact some folks to see if they will hire me next year but no word yet! I guess I have to be the squeaky wheel and get my foot in the door.

A good friend of ours GL Brown is putting together a fundraiser at the Xterra World Championship। He has been growing his hair long all year and is going to have it cut at the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon in opes of getting a lot of donations। Right now he is asking everyone to join his cause and donate one dollar. He wants to get thousands of people involved around the world and make this happen. I should have more info soon if anyone wants to get involved. Right now it is about passing the word along. Thanks GL for the help! If you would like to donate or learn more, please click here.

Every day seems like a struggle but the goal is always the same . . . just get through and maybe tomorrow will be better! I have been praying for God's strength. I know he has a plan for me but sometimes it is hard to completely trust. Lately I have prayed that he helps me with that. I think that is the hardest part for everyone, to stop trying to be in control and trust God. In the end I know he will provide so why am I so worried?

Powered By God,

Jamie

It's Boys

We found out we are having boys!  Courtney is very excited and I am still overwhelmed.  I am going to be out number unless you count our two female dogs!

 

Don't gt me wrong I am excited but the stress of paying bills is keep me up at night and not eating much.  I pray that everything will work out but I am still worried.  With me not working things are really tight and the medical bills seem to keep rolling in.  I don't like checking the mail any more.  I can't imagine if I didn't have insurance because with it you still pay an arm and a leg!

 

I guess I will have to pursue coaching a little harder and really sit down to write my book.  I need some source of income to help out.  I would really love to announce more races as well because it would allow my family to watch the kids while I worked.  I know I am not the only one in this position with the way the economy is.  I just wish I were still able to work the way I used to!  Any ideas out there??

 

Please continue to keep me in your prayers . . . that everything works out the way it is supposed to!

 

Wow . . . I'm having BOYS!!!

 

Powered By God,

Jamie

The Simple Things

When I look back over the course of the last year and a half it is hard to believe what has transpired.  There were times when life barely seemed to move.  I often think about how much pain I was in and how hard it has been to fight to get back to "normal."  No matter how still time seemed to stand, life does go on.  I am living proof of that!

 

It is true that you never look at life in the same way when a traumatic event happens.  These days I find myself watching how people move.  It could be in a yoga class, riding a bike or running.  I think about how simple the movements look and wonder why it is so difficult for me?  Do people realize how lucky they are? 

 

This past weekend I drove to Pacific Grove with my Dad to help announce the triathlon.  I needed to do something and terry Davis was kind enough to give me the opportunity to work with some awesome people.  With Xterra races always starting at 10:30am, I was not used to being ready to go at 6:30 but I managed.  I began with Julie Moss, an Ironman legend, at the swim start.  She introduced a few of the athletes in each wave and got the spectators pumped up while I informed the athletes of how much time before each start.  I also did the count down before the horn!  It was so much fun and very busy.  We worked really well together!

 

Once we sent all the waves I migrated over to the bike tower where I worked with Nick Tuttle.  We called off names as the bikers lapped around us.  I had to climb a ladder to get to the top of the ladder.  We weren't sure if I could make it up but some how I managed.  Don't ask me how because I am still trying to figure that out!  For the elite riders I explained why they were able to draft and not the age groupers along with other tid bits of information.  I was starting to find my niche!  Towards the end of the race I was at the finish line tower bringing home the athletes after a hard days work.

 

I also helped with the awards which gave me an opportunity to share my story with a bunch of new people.  It was a long day and i enjoyed every minute of it.

 

The next day for the sprint distance it was pretty much the same thing except I was able to go solo in the bike tower for awhile.  I am not going to lie, I was a bit nervous at first but I got comfortable pretty quickly!  I had to sit a lot because of being pregnant.  I find myself out of breathe and feeling dizzy which the doctor says is normal.  It may be normal but I am not used to feeling that way.  I like to go, go, go!

 

As we drove home Sunday afternoon, I knew I had found something I enjoyed.  I only hope I get hired to do more races!

 

As the nausea gets better I am able to do more and more.  My swimming is up to 2500-3000 yards 3-4 days a week.  I just found out my elliptical trainer should be arriving within the week.  Thank you Matrix and Cal Fit for making this happen.  The more I use the elliptical machine the stronger my leg gets.  Not to mention it is easier to workout on it then it is to walk.  I can hardly wait!

 

I am now 18 weeks along and still barely showing.  Most folks at the race didn't even know until I told them.  Some thought my stomach was just bloated from the surgery.  I had to laugh . . . my stomach has never been this big.  According to the doctors every thing is fine and my first two blood tests have come back negative for any problems.  It doesn't mean there are none, but it is a good indicator that things are doing well so far.  I keep praying the twins are healthy both physically and mentally.  That is all I care about. 

 

We are hoping to find out the sex of both by next week so my next update should be informing everyone what we are having.  Make sure you check my website!

 

Tomorrow I head to San Fransisco for a cancer scan.  I can only get an MRI and I am praying it comes back negative. Please pray for no cancer!! 

 

Until next time,

 

Powered By God,

Jamie

SHOCKING BUT SURPRISING

Over the last year and a half I went from being a professional triathlete to fighting cancer and becoming disabled.  My life has completely changed.  Just when I thought I was adapting pretty well I got hit with more life altering news.  The doctors figured out why I have been so nauseous since my last surgery . . . I'm pregnant . . . with TWINS!

You read it correctly I am pregnant with twins and due sometime in late January, early February.  When I first got the news I was pretty shocked.  Even more shocked when they told me there were two.  Both of them went through the surgery with me so they are already proving to be pretty tough.

I am trying to adjust to the idea of this but there is a huge overwhelming feeling lingering over me.  By the time I am ready to deliver it will be less than two years that I had three major surgeries, cancer and almost died from a kidney infection.  But I take great comfort in knowing this latest news is great news.  We were so scared that my kidney was being rejected in the new location and that I might need another surgery.  Thank goodness that is not the case!

I am still having a lot of issues with nausea and headaches even though I am already in the second trimester (16 weeks along.)  The anti-nausea meds help but some days I can't move from the couch.  I am hoping this will not last the entire pregnancy.  I have already been through so much.  I am already dreading the fact that they have to perform a C-section.  I will have to be cut open once again and this time I will be awake and strapped down.  This is freaking me out!

I also spend some days wondering, "How am I going to do this?"  How am I going to walk in a few more months?  I already have poor balance and I don't want to end up in a wheelchair.  Thank goodness my physical therapist is making sure I am strong enough in my core and quad so that I don't need the wheelchair.  I may need the walker but at least I will still be walking on my own.  Then there is the question where so we put them?  We need Extreme Home Makeover now more than ever.  We only have two bedrooms and one bath.  This is going to be interesting.  And last but not least our financial situation.  I am still paying off medical bills, trying to save enough to make our bathroom more disabled friendly and now we have more medical bills and two little ones coming.  It is very stressful for me.  I have to constantly remind myself that I am not in control and God will provide.  It usually calms me down!  Besides at least we are getting a 2 for 1 on the maternity deal!

So that is the latest and greatest news.  It is definitely shocking since we didn't expect this.  We didn't even think we would be able to conceive on our own which is why we spent a bundle on harvesting eggs.  I guess we didn't need them but at least it is better to be safe than sorry.  What a surprise!  Who said God didn't have a sense of humor? 

And my story seems to continue . . . .

Powered By God,

Jamie