kid with swollen lymph nodes

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

Hi. No I am not home Crying or Very sad

but I have a very nice hospital room. It has a flat screen tv and a bunch of other things.
Our house is not as bad as everyone thought yesterday(you don't really know until the water goes down) only the floors and furniture in 2 rooms will have to be replaced. And the poolhouse and guesthouse both need new furniture and floors. The problem is we have a pump system except when in rains 3 inches in under an hour it gets overwelmed.
I know about ultrusounds they do them of my heart. You have to have gooey stuff on your chest and the the nurse rubs a stick over it.
One more Texas questions do you have horses and do people say yall there?
What is krogers? I am guessing it is a grocery store.
I am sorry she has all those doctor appointments. I remember one day I had the dentist(checkup), foot docter(check fracture) and dermotologist(my mom saw a mole on my back and thought I had skin cancer- she was wrong). I was so annoyed because I hate going to the dentist and my foot was healing fine.
You are always up late. I have a 11:30 curfew on school nights. So I can get home and finish my homework. I can stay out as late as I want on weekends but I have to be home by 1:30 am on Sunday if I have to finish my homework before school on Monday. I hate having a curfew, most of my friends don't but my parents says school comes first so our housekeeper enforces it.
Speaking of school I am sooo far behind and I am only taking 2 classes. It is hard to work when I am always so tired.
Only other side effect I am having is dry eyes. So I cannot wear contacts. I have to wear glasses. I have worn contacts since I was 7 so it feels weird.
I hope radiation goes well.Have you started it yet? Thanks

Boldelly · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: kid with swollen lymph nodes

Well at lest it makes the stay a little better when you have the nice rooms. We always had a small room because she only spent one whole night during her chemo except the last time she had to go into the hospital when her white counts got to 300. The oncology floor (6th floor) was not full enough they said to have the nurses just take care of a couple of kids so we were moved to the 5th floor suite. It was nice for kids that had to stay long periods of time so it had refrigerator, microwave, own bathroom (in the other rooms you shared a bathroom with the person next door), bookshelf with lots of book and a couch and things like that. Randi said she felt better in that room than she did in the small rooms, but that time I think we stayed 3 nights. Even when she was frist tested and we stayed two weeks we were in the small rooms though.

Well I am glad that the house was not as damaged as they thought, that kind of stuff is a pain in you know what.

We used to have 3 horses when I was a teenager and even when my kids were smaller, well I think Brandy (one of the last of our horses) died just about 5 years ago. Randi has a friend that has a horse and a goat. Our schools ususally well Texas City and a lot of the country schools have a club or program where kids get animals like, horse, cows, pigs, and things like that and they raise them and then they take them to shows, here it is the Houston Livestock and Rodeo and companies buy the animals (pigs and cows mostly) and they get the money for scholorships for college and stuff. Horses they usually just show in different types of catogories. My brother showed at that show when I was a kid and he did pretty good, brought home a trophy. He was not in the program at school though he just did it because he liked riding and training horses. They are a lot of work to take care of and cost a lot too, but for a kid it really keeps them busy and out of trouble. When my parents lived in the country they even had cows. But now you have to understand we live in a town (not a big city) and when I was growing up we had cats, dogs, chickens, even a goat at one time, horses, so my family is kind of animal lovers, now we only do the dog thing though.

And of course we say yall "yall want to go see a movie" he he. Yes that is a work in Texas to us yall. My brother met some guys he will be working with (he started this new job where he will get to travel all over the world and see different places, lucky him) and he met some of the guys from Canada and he said it was funny to hear them talk cuz they do acutally say ay alot. If you heard me talk I sound like an old country hick but I was born and raised here. My mother is from Mississippi and my father from Louisiana (cajun french).

I know I am usually up late but seems like that is when it is quiet and I am not so busy, my relaxing time I guess. Randi and Ian do not have much of a curfew as long as I know where they are at and who they are with. Ian is 19 so it is getting kind of hard to keep up with who he is always with but they both have their cell phones so I can reach them or they can reach me at all times. Randi has to be in early on school nights too. But they are good kids and they do not lie to me so I trust them, worries me a lot but I guess what parent does not worry when their kids are out.

I saw on your picture that you have braces too. Can you brush your teeth during your chemo? Randi could not very well because of them being afraid of knicking her gums and bacteria getting into her blood stream and infecting her port. So now that we have been finally able to go to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned she has all these problems with her teeth like, declacification of her teeth, a few little cavities, and her front tooth chiped so now she has to have a root canal and cap put on that tooth. Now mind you this is going to involve taking her braces off and fixing her teeth and then putting the braces back on. She was so upset because it seems like everytime we go to a doctor it is something new. We went to her pediatrician and she mentioned the calcifications on her pelvic and she got up set. I think that is why she is just sooooooooo sick of doctors.

Yes Krogers is a grocery store she would have been like a cashier or something, but it would have been her first job and her own money and she was really looking forward to starting. But when all this is over and she feels better then she can go back and talk to the manager again.

Randi and school has been a total disaster here. First of all she has such bad neuropathy (weakness in her hands it is hard for her to write or type) and then her homebound teacher has only come to the house twice in three months, so she is not getting attendance time, then no help with her work, and now he has decided (her homebound teacher) that he is too busy to take her on so she does not even have a homebound teacher now. It is a very frustrating mess. I have already had to go to the superintendent of the school district once and looks like I am having to do it again. I hate being ugly to people, I am a very laid back person and I don't really like to fuss and be ugly to people. My family and friends always tell me I am too easy going, but that is the way I am. I can be ugly to people but I don't like to do it and it takes a lot to get me mad enough to do it. Her tiredness is better but she still cannot walk long distances and at the end of a busy day she is tired. Hopefully she will not be so tired through Radiation, but they say that is the most common side effect, so I look for at least that to happen.

Randi starts radiation a week from this Monday March 12th and she will do it 5 days a week for three weeks. Then we have to retest and do the bone marrow aspiration. Then they will leave the port in for about three months or so and she will have to go back in and have it taken out. So we still have a little bit of a road to travel with all of this.

We went yesterday to a lady who does the burn institute children's hair and they have something I don't know what it is called but it is real hair and they glue it to her scalp and they match the color and she can get it as long as about 18 inches which will come to her waist. We ordered it and it will come in in about 5 weeks, but she can flat iron it, curl it, highlight it so it was a really good thing. Made her feel better about getting her hair back. It will grow with her hair. She has a little stubble up there now.

I am glad that you are not having a lot of side effects makes it a lot easier (if you can use that word). But it is hard when you are tired and your bones hurt or your somach constantly hurts, and other things hurt too. You are a strong young lady and you should commend yourself on that.

Randi has to wear glasses too. She used to wear contacts and would prefer it but at this time I just cant afford them. We will let her wear them again when I go back to work. Which will be sooner since she is not having to do the 14 weeks of raditation.

Well I need to go and get my day started there is a little carnival in the next town over and we are going with a friend of mine who has a little boy and then my nephew I raised (1/2 child) and his mom are going to go. So I need to get into the shower and get dressed.

Keep me informed and I will do the same. Take care and know we are thinking of you and we are praying that all will be well with you and Randi.

Laurie

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

Hi. There is not much going on here. I got to leave the hospital for a couple hours today. Anna and I went to get our nails done and went out for pizza. Well Anna had pizza I just had a soda. We usually get manicures and pedicures every week so they stay fresh, it feels like it has been so long since we went.
I meet with the radiation oncologist tomarrow. They have to do something called perliminaries(that might not be what its called). I get the methotraxate every morning early and I have ICE once a week.
In Westchester, which is actually not as rich and white as it is sterotyped as people say things like yo pretending to be getto even though they drive a hundred thousend doller BMW. My town is making the national news pretty often now because we have illegal imigrants and the people don't want them here.
I have braces. I have had them since I was nine. My teeth were soo messed up. In the wrong places and crossing each other it was awful. I was going to only have them tightned two more times but now I don't know. I can't brush and I don't want to get cavities because I have never had one in my life and I bet it hurts so much.
We used to own a ranch in LA and we had over 30 horses there but I only had been once and then we sold it. I like riding horses though.
My family had the idea of opening our ski place up to teenagers with life threatening diseases for one week each year for free. We were working on the plan when I got sick. We would pay for plane tickets. I have included the link to the website of the resort we inherited, I was wondering that if you had time if you could look at it and see if it is something you thought Randi and you would want to do. It is not only skiing there is a spa to. Just a thought.
http://www.jacksonhole.com/
I better go down they have to do another MRI. I am so sick of them but its ok. Bye

chrisquigg38 · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

Hi Meg,

My name is Christie, I am Randi's aunt. Her mother< Laurie, and I have been best friends since we were in High School. I have been keeping up with your illness through her. I just wanted to say that I pray for you daily. Our family is very close, Randi is my daughter too. My older brother, Randy, married Laurie, had kids and divorced. She and I still remain as close as we ever were. I am divorced too and she and I laugh because "we" are all of our childrens parents. Laughing

I am hoping and praying that all turms out well for you. Laurie sent you a picture of herself and I. Do we look like a "pair" or what? A scary pair huh? Laughing

I will let you go, just wanted you to know that prayer is powerful and our whole family is praying for you. Keep your faith and look to the Lord for your strength.

Always,
Christie

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

Hey. Its Anna. Megan is just really tired from the chemo. It will be her birthday tommarrow. She will be 14. Laughing

I think Megan is doing well phisicalally, mentally she's a mess. I think she is sick of being brave and just wants to cry but she want let herself. The doctor told her to plan on being in the hospital for the next 3-5 months. She hates the hospital but she has no immune system. Sebastion is great but she thinks she should break up with him so he can have some fun instead of being in the hospital. I don't think she will do this though. If you have any thoughts on cheering her up it would be great if not its fine. Thanks.

chrisquigg38 · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

I just received your e-mail. I am sorry to hear that Meg is soooo tired. I understand though because Randi got that way too. It is so hard to watch someone that you love go through such a horrible time. I really cannot give you any suggestions other than just being there. Anything that you give to a person is a gift; a diamond ring, brand new shiny red car, a whole new wardrobe, words of kindness, laughing together, or just sitting with her without saying a word. Laurie and I have made it through so many hard and rough times but it was our friendship and faith in God that brought us through. He will do it for you too. She is truly blessed to have a friend like you just as you are her. Take care, hold her hand, and just give her your support at all times. God bless you both. Laughing

Always,
Christie

Boldelly · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:27 am Post subject: Re: kid with swollen lymph nodes

Tell Meg to just rest when she is tired. Randi stayed tired for so long on the chemo and she is dreading the radiation because it is going to make her tired too.

Tell Meg to let Sebastion make the decision of not being with her. He is there supporting her because he cares about her and she should not push people away. Randi did the same thing some times but hers was anger and frustration. Meg also needs to cry when she needs too. She needs to be angry if that is what she feels. She may not feel any of the things I have named but believe me she is feeling a lot about a lot of things.

I have been talking to her mom via e-mail and she sounds like a nice lady and good mom. I look forward to talking to her more.

Tell Meg to take it easy and rest her pretty little head and concentrate on getting well and all will fall into place.

Chis is a good person, she has been my best friend for over 20 years now.

Tell Meg we are thinking of her and praying for her.

Thanks Anna for being her friend, she needs a good one like you.

Laurie

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 9:29 am Post subject: Re: kid with swollen lymph nodes

Megd93:
Happy Birthday, Kiddo. I had a treatment on my 26th birthday, and almost 10 years later I am still cancer-free; HL stage IIIB, ABVD chemo.

This time next year you'll really have cause to celebrate; I know you are going to be strong and healthy again.

My best to you,
Jessica

Boldelly

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEG!!! I know kind of sucks that you have to be in the hospital for your birthday but I bet Sebastion and Anna do their best to make it a good one for you because you are so special to them.

Like Jessica said you will be healthy again and you will have many many birthday's to celebrate. Randi found out about her Hodgkin's about 3 weeks after her 16th birthday. We have all made it this far and we will continue to make it into the future which will be bright and full of health and no more sickness, I just know it.

Hope you make the best of this one anyway. Randi also says to tell you happy birthday too!!!!!

Laurie and Randi

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

Hi. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
I am good enough. I got a lot of presents. I will list a few, video ipod(sebastion), snowboard(my dad), digital camera(anna), laptop and new skis(my mom) and my best present a sailboat for 4 people it is a laser brand so it is fast.
We had cake, I didn't eat much but it was still fun. I don't really have more to say your right it sucks to be in the hospital in my birthday but at least everyone is trying to make it fun.
Chemo is still tiring but my latest MRI show it is working. Laughing

Hope all is well with you.

Boldelly · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 6:09 pm Post subject: Birthday Girl

I know it is hard Meg and trying to do the chemo, Randi wanted to quit so many times, but you just find it within yourself to keep on fighting and when you get tired then rest and lean on your family and friends (Sebastion and Anna). I am glad to hear that it is working that is a good thing sweetie. I was all excited when they told me that the chemo got all except one spot and Randi was like okay. She says she is happy but just does not feel it, kind of hard for me to put in words, but I get what she is saying. So, just hang in there and all will get better. Remember get through the bad days (no many how many there are) and one the good days have fun and be happy!!!!

Talk to you soon.

Laurie

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

hey, its Sebastion.
Megan is fine I just felt like posting. I guess I needed to say something. She is doing well. I know she wants to quit because chances are the chemo will only give her another couple of months but the oncologist says she is defiaying statistics right now. So she is doing sooo much better then she should be. Jenny(girl who doesn't like her) came to the hospital today to apologise for the way she has treated her. Megan said, "So you feel quilty, you think I am dying, I am not sorry" First mean thing she has said in her life. I know Jenny thinks she is snobby and maybe she used to be but not anymore. This probably sounds like I am ranting but she is so depressed and I don't know what to do. It is her birthday and she still has chemo everyday. She is happy to by 14 because in 3 more years she can drive. I know she loves hearing your stories about Randi and what it was like for her so thanks for posting them.

Boldelly · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:03 pm Post subject: Hey Sebastion

I am so glad I heard from you and tell Anna I like hearing from her too. Ya'll are such good friends to Meg. I know I can get on a roll when I start to post to ya'll Rolling Eyes

. I am always happy to hear from you and Anna. I love to hear from Meg because that means she has enough "get up" to take the time and effort to write and that is a good thing. I know where Meg is to an extent from watching Randi. I can't say I know HOW she feels but I do know about depression because I have it off and on. Let me tell you it is no fun. Ya'll never ever let Meg loose hope and help her to fight. I used to tell Randi when she would tell me "I am just not going to do it anymore!!!" that she had to fight and find it within herself to get that even when you are tired, just keep on. I tell her I could not be without her and tell her how much I love her and sometimes it helps and sometimes it just makes her mad. You do not have to know how to make her feel better or make it better for her, because honey all you have to do is be there and just her knowing you are there is so much help. Randi tells me she likes for me to be there with her even if I am just in the same room or very near by. She has been having some depression as well and they are making her see a psychiatrist, but she cannot take antidepressants well and she does not WANT to take them, she does not even WANT to be going to the psychiatrist at all!!!!

I know Meg is a fighter and she is strong and strong willed and just know she is going to make it. I know I have told ya'll that we have a good family friend who had AML (type of leukemia) at 10 and went into remission and relapsed at 16 and did the bone marrow transplant and she has made it this long. They did not expect Tanya to live because that disease was not one that children got it was one old people get. They did not know how to treat it so they just tried and kept trying and she is 30 now. Please Sebastion none of ya'll ever loose hope!!!

Well Meg has a right to feel the way she does about Jenny because you just cannot be mean to people and then expect just instant forgiveness when the apology came in the way that it did. She would never had apologized to Meg if Meg had not gotten sick. Maybe later Meg may feel differently but I don't think now is the time for that type thing with the way meg is feeling.

I know she is counting down the years and believe me they will come soon enough. Randi took the Explorer (truck) and went running around a bit with her friends. She usually does not stay gone to long because she still gets tired if she pushes herself to hard. Randi did not get her driver's license until January and her birthday was in October. She got in trouble with the school for missing to many days last year and they put her on probation for attendance, so she had to complete her probation before they would give her license to her. She misses school now and all her friends at school. She too only has a couple of close friends that have been going through this with her but not at the hospital just a home.

I have been e-mailing with Megs mom and she seems like a really nice lady. I enjoy talking with her about the girls and what kind of feelings us mom's have.

Well I am glad she got lots of presents and had cake and stuff for her birthday. I am sure that helped her spirits some. You tell her I want her to rest and get better. I sometime she would like to talk to Randi directly I can give Meg Randi's e-mail address, but Randi might not write much because of the neuropathy (weakness) in her hands seems (she says) to be a little worse than they were, so it makes it hard for her to type or write. She usually sits in my lap and reads Meg and my posts to one another or she will tell me to tell Meg stuff.

Well once again I have gotten carried away, so you take care of that beautiful young lady you have and tell her we are thinking of her and praying for her.

Write anytime and soon.

Laurie

megd93 · Regular Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

Hey, its Sebastion. Meg did post something on another thread but she may be too tired to give you a long update.
The Jenny thing is this and I don't even know the whole thing. They were best friends in the sixth grade and then Megan did something and Jenny found out about through a tv interview. I think it was kissing a boy or something like that. She never told Jenny and they started fighting. Jenny spread a bunch rumors around about Meg's family. It was just about how they are only rich because they are theives. Meg said no one knows how hard her parents worked to get where they are today. A bunch of dumb things llike this happened. Then there was one huge thing Jenny somehow found out about her dad when he was running for public office(he was promoted and dropped out) they kept it quit but it still upset Meg. Then Jenny liked me to and told me the only reason Meg is good at tennis is because of her 3 private lessons a week. This is over now because Meg proposed a truce and they both signed it. So yeah Megan has every right to be mad and I don't blame her I am just not used to seeing her raise her voice. She is good today. Ate a bagel. Still tired. Thanks and I will tell her to never give up. She does want to sometimes now I think because she is so tired. She once said to me, "I hate sleepin' cause I feel like I will miss something." Now she sleeps all the time.

neos · New User Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 1

I've been following this thread for a while and noticed that there have been no postings for almost 3 weeks. Does anyone have any news about Meg? I really hope she is OK.

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