Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Home Sweet Home

After 15 days in the hospital I finally got to return home. Well my Dad's home but that is close enough. It was nice to sleep in my own bed and watch the Olympics on a television bigger then 20inches. No more IV in the arm or drawing blood every morning. And no more peeing in a hat so they can measure my fluids. I could go on and on but I will stop there.

The nurses of course have been great. I have been really lucky on that end. I have spent so much time in the hospital they all know who I am and they all know my story. Every time I walk (hobble) down the hallway they encourage me and tell me how well I am doing. It has been nice to have that kind of encouragement.

I still have one JP drain and the drain in my kidney. I am not sure when those will be removed. They will have to run some tests before that happens. It still hurts to get up and down and to walk but the pain meds are helping a little.

The antibiotics have been making it difficult for me to eat and sometimes they cause me to throw up. They really upset my stomach. I am losing weight like crazy. I have to force myself to eat sometimes . . . actually all the time.

I am having a difficult time getting out to walk. Once I feel sick it is hard to get out of bed to do anything. I feel like I am going through a vicious cycle that is never ending. Then I worry about starting chemotherapy. I need to start it soon but I can't until I am healthy. My body won't be able to handle it at all. I pray that I get healthy soon so I can start chemo. I know that sounds weird but I need to start as soon as possible to make sure I get rid of this cancer for good! It is not a guarantee but I have to exhaust all options.

I am sure by now most of you have had a chance to read the recent issues of Triathlete, Nor Cal Competitor, and Mountain Bike Action Magazines. All of them reflected my first surgery. I remember how well I was doing back then. I often have to remind myself that during that time I thought it was hard. I thought I would never make it through and I did. That short time is a reminder to me that things will get better. This second surgery is a lot worse and the kidney infection is a huge set back but it will get better. I tell myself this everyday. I also have to hold onto my faith. My faith is what got me through the first time and it will get me through this time.

Please pray that I get healthy, that I am able to eat and that I can start walking more. Please pray for my family, this difficult time is wearing on them. I can see both my Dad and Courtney aging before my eyes! We do take time to laugh. It keeps us all sane. Besides I do enough to make everyone chuckle at least a few times a day.

Thank you to all of you who have continue to pray and support us. Thank you for the beautiful cards that continue to show up in the mail. Thanks for the awesome gift packages that make me smile and for the donations to paypal and for the gift cards. We would not be able to get through this without all of your help!

It is great to be home!

Powered By God,

Jamie


9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jamie,

I am praying for you to get better very soon. Be tough and everything will work out. God bless,

Rafael

Allison Chapple said...

I just read the Triathlete article today and that prompted me to check in on your blog. You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. I have admired you for years!

Jenni said...

Jamie,
I have had a number of people in my life who have risen up against cancer, including my husband and dad. I felt that part of my role was to be positive and keep them inspired. Instead, they inspired me. And now you are inspiring me and many others. I strive to have the kind of strength, tenacity and faith that you have shown throughout your journey. Thank you for sharing your story.
Keep racing this race as if you are racing Melanie :) See, you can still race. And win.
I am praying for you.
Many blessings,
Jenni

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you're out of the hospital Jamie.

Hope your recovery continues without any more setbacks.

I'm looking forward to seeing you in Tahoe in October.

Marc Scudamore

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that you're out of the hospital.

Hope your recovery continues without any more setbacks.

Hope to see you in Tahoe in October.

Marc Scudamore

Craig Zelent said...

Jamie,

I don't know you personally, but I am one of your triathlon brothers. I'll keep you in my prayers...

Craig Zelent
Ironman Coach
Triathlon Club of San Diego

PC Ironman said...

Jamie,
unfortunately, I know your situation all too well. If you are so inclined to read about my injury, please read my blog. I wish you well in your recovery and hope to see you at the races.
Darren Smith
http://pctrigeek.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-am-i-challenged-athlete.html#comments

Anonymous said...

Jaime - you, Courtney and the rest of your family are continually in my prayers. I know of the pain in your hearts as you watch each other through this tough time. But know that this too shall pass. The pain and sorrow will be in the past soon and you will go on. I can't wait till the day that I can cheer you through the finish line again. My love and prayers go out to you and your family.

Ed Nobis said...

Hi Jamie,

I'm so happy to read your latest blog and know that there are some rays of sunshine---you deserve good news and it's wonderful you got some :).....Ed Nobis