Amie Update #7 - Chemo and weight loss
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Amie VanCamp
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Amie VanCamp
Amie Update #7:
It’s been a couple really tough weeks. We are through the second round of chemo as of today, and while it’s not easy with the additional nausea and other side effects (like extreme hot / cold sensitivity), it is working. Before, I was draining anywhere from half a liter to 750ml of fluid from Amie’s left lung every day. Now, after two weeks of chemo we only do it when she feel like she needs to, the last time was after four days, and I was only able to drain 10ml. Ten! That’s a great sign. The main issue effecting everyday life continues to be getting enough calories and protein into her every day. They want us to hit 1500 calories and 60 grams of protein. I don’t think we’ve hit both of those even on the best day, so weight loss is still worrisome. Her new stomach and esophagus are compounding the nausea issues. I have found some yogurt that has 25 grams of protein per serving that she can tolerate, although she’s getting tired of it. We’ve hit the protein goals I’d say at least once every three days or so. If only she could consume more quantity without her getting sick. So, please continue to pray for her healing in that regard. We need that to change. Amie is out of FMLA days next Friday so we have some tough decisions to make regarding income. Her doctor would like to see how she is after the next chemo treatment to see if she has any chance of going back to work. Otherwise, we may have to consider going the long term disability route for a time. Stressful stuff, and it would be a huge hit to finances, but Amie’s health and well being is paramount, so we’ll just hope and pray that that works out somehow. She needs to get some strength back ASAP. Anyway, I wanted to give an update. Some progress is being made in a key area, the fluid and cancer numbers, while some other areas like gaining weight are still a struggle. She’s so weak she can’t walk more than 50 feet without needing a rest. Most concerning for me is the toll it’s taking on her psyche. My bright ray of sunshine is being covered by a cloud. Any messages of encouragement you could send her way would mean a lot. I truly believe she can overcome this. I need her to believe it too. Much love to you all, and thank you again for everything so many of you have done to help us weather this storm. 💛💙
-Keith
It’s been a couple really tough weeks. We are through the second round of chemo as of today, and while it’s not easy with the additional nausea and other side effects (like extreme hot / cold sensitivity), it is working. Before, I was draining anywhere from half a liter to 750ml of fluid from Amie’s left lung every day. Now, after two weeks of chemo we only do it when she feel like she needs to, the last time was after four days, and I was only able to drain 10ml. Ten! That’s a great sign. The main issue effecting everyday life continues to be getting enough calories and protein into her every day. They want us to hit 1500 calories and 60 grams of protein. I don’t think we’ve hit both of those even on the best day, so weight loss is still worrisome. Her new stomach and esophagus are compounding the nausea issues. I have found some yogurt that has 25 grams of protein per serving that she can tolerate, although she’s getting tired of it. We’ve hit the protein goals I’d say at least once every three days or so. If only she could consume more quantity without her getting sick. So, please continue to pray for her healing in that regard. We need that to change. Amie is out of FMLA days next Friday so we have some tough decisions to make regarding income. Her doctor would like to see how she is after the next chemo treatment to see if she has any chance of going back to work. Otherwise, we may have to consider going the long term disability route for a time. Stressful stuff, and it would be a huge hit to finances, but Amie’s health and well being is paramount, so we’ll just hope and pray that that works out somehow. She needs to get some strength back ASAP. Anyway, I wanted to give an update. Some progress is being made in a key area, the fluid and cancer numbers, while some other areas like gaining weight are still a struggle. She’s so weak she can’t walk more than 50 feet without needing a rest. Most concerning for me is the toll it’s taking on her psyche. My bright ray of sunshine is being covered by a cloud. Any messages of encouragement you could send her way would mean a lot. I truly believe she can overcome this. I need her to believe it too. Much love to you all, and thank you again for everything so many of you have done to help us weather this storm. 💛💙
-Keith
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Destiny Duncan about 1 month ago
Judypupek about 1 month ago