Day after E-Room

Well today was a long day as well. Chrissy slept most of the day. She was finally fully awake later in the afternoon. She did not get a lot to drink and eat but she did manage to keep down an egg sandwich. She has not thrown up since noon yesterday. Her mouth is not dry and that is a better indication.

Again I can't say thanks enough to all the emails and calls today. We received flowers from a couple of people and I must say they liven up the house for sure. 1 arrangement came from the Board of Directors of the Lacrosse Club that I'm on. These folks are some of the most caring people I've found! Thanks guys! Check us out at www.spireslacrosse.com If you like the website let me know. If you don't like it tell the webmaster!

Trying to stay upbeat!

Chris to the Emergency Room

From: Charles DeWitt [mailto:Charles.DeWitt@Vysym.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:21 PM
Subject: Chris visits the Emergency Room

Hello to all our friends and family!

Today I had to take Chris to the emergency room here in Frederick.

It has been 7 weeks since Chris went back into Hopkins for her 2^nd chemoembolization. The week following the procedure was pretty rough but we were able to take a quick vacation and got some good R&R. After the 3^rd week she was feeling well enough to go back to work. She was tired but was able to nap on occasion. Everything was headed in the right direction.

2 weeks ago though things have turned for the worse. Her temperature continued to stay up around 100 and she started not feeling well because of the fever. Long story short she has become severely dehydrated. This was causing her to be nauseous and that caused her to not be able to keep food or liquids down. Kind of a catch-22. She tried to eat and get hydrated but her body wouldn’t let her.

She spoke with her oncologist last Thursday and she ordered some bloodwork and a chest x-ray. After that day she continued to get worse. She literally has been in bed for about 5 days now. Today, at the direction of her oncologist, I took her to the emergency room. They gave her 3 very large bags of IV solution which should rehydrate her body pretty quickly. This in turn should stop her from being nauseous and that will allow her to eat and drink again. Sounds good on paper but we’ll wait and see what the results are. She also received some drugs to help keep the nausea away.

We have a meeting with her oncologist next week. We’ll be learning what to do next then. A follow-up MRI is scheduled for mid-September and then we follow-up with the doctor who did the chemoembolization. We are really hoping that all of this hard work is worth it.

Also, on top of all of this Chris’ lower back is causing her a great deal of pain. So much so that she can barely walk. Riding in the car and going over bumps hurts as well. We’re hoping that this is caused from being cooped up in bed for so long. They did several spinal x-rays today and they were negative. She needs to feel better before we can address her back. Hopefully, it is related to her dehydration.

Needless to say this has been a really tough month! Alex went back to school (which was tough for us both) as did both of the boys. I’ve been busy running around trying to get everything ready for them and taking care of Chris of the same time. It hasn’t been easy but all the school shopping is done and lunches are getting made. Ty’s bus leaves at 6:30 so I got up this week to make sure he was getting himself ready. He’s in 9^th grade now! Michael is in 7^th grade and leaves around 7:20. It’s quiet around here in the morning now. I’ve got a lot of work to do for work so it’s been nice.

We received lots of support and I am extremely grateful to everyone. In fact just today, someone that Chris is friends with came by and dropped off a beautiful flower arrangement and a basket of fruit. It was just perfect timing! Don’t hesitate to call me or Chris if you want. She’s not feeling too well for visitors but hopefully that will change quick!

I continue to update the blog as much as possible. Please check there for more regular updates. I think there’s some recent pictures on there as well. I’m sorry for the “not so upbeat” news but I know that everyone wants to know what’s happening.

Thank you to each and every one of you!

Charlie
Frederick, MD

charliedewitt@comcast.net
http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/
240-285-7251 cell phone

Not much to report...

Same old story. Chris STILL is not feeling well. She has been home from work since last Wednesday. And right now does not seem to be making progress. We are still awaiting results from last weeks blood work and x-ray. We'll know more tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for keeping tabs on us. NO you are not bothering us. In fact I enjoy the conversation. Today's Chris's staff sent flowers to her to help cheer her up. COMSTAR once again has stepped up and a large number of people have donated money to help us with dinners. Last Friday Malorie brought by 8 dishes that were premade for us. This is a HUGE help. I can take stuff out and cook from frozen or just thaw some and cook.

It's getting harder and harder managing the house. The boys help out a lot but it just seems like sometimes we just can't keep up with all that needs to be done. I don't help. Just better time management I guess! :)

Again thanks to everyone who checks in on us and to those who keep checking the blog. Hit counts are up!

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Alex back in school

Well Saturday was move-in day for Alex back at Lycoming. She was excited to go back to school. Unfortunately, Chris was not able to make the trip to Williamsport. She continues to feel blah. Friday night she got sick before dinner and went to bed very early. Saturday she felt okay but not great. She's waiting to hear from the Dr. about her tests and has an appointment right after labor day. Instead Michael was the chosen one and he went with us.

While we were in Williamsport the Little League world series was going on. Saturday was the us and international championship games. You can always go to the games for free if you want to sit in the outfield on the hill. We were able to score 2 tix for Saturday's games AND for the championship game on Sunday. Since Alex was just finishing up her move Michael and I went to the game and she's going to go to today's game. The seats were fantastic! Right behind home plate and 11 rows up from the field. Just like watching in a regular little league park. It was a great time and great games.

Michael and I stopped and had dinner on the way home and then made it home around 9:30. A long day but nice. We're certainly going to miss Alex this year, but at the same time we're very proud of her and her accomplishments.

The pictures are from Alex. She went to the championship game on Sunday and what and exciting game it was.

Chrissy is unfortunately still in bed. Her back is really starting to hurt her a great deal. She can't sleep and is starting to get down.

Talking to the Dr. now....

Well it has been way too long of not feeling well and we've finally gotten ahold of Chris's oncologist. The delay has been on our end, each day thinking that we're only 1 day away from feeling better. Chris stayed home from work yesterday and today with the same symptoms. 100 fever, nausea and just not feeling well.

Today she went to get some bloodwork done, and went to get a chest x-ray taken. These results will go stat back to the Dr. and hopefully we'll hear something back quickly. She may be sick from something else for all we know. It has been 5 weeks and it's starting to take its toll on everyone, especially Chrissy.

COMSTAR has started the brigade of creating dinners for us again. I think Chris is tired of my cooking! She's thrown up twice if that's any indication! :)

This Saturday I have to take Alex back to college. We will miss her greatly but know that it is for the best. The boys start high school (Ty) and middle school (Mike) on MONDAY! Finally, summer is over. We had a good summer but really like having a routine.

I'll keep you posted as best as I can so please check back often!

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Charlie in Florida

Today I am in hot and sunny Florida. I'm here for a sales presentation on tuesday. Chrissy is feeling tired but still doing okay. Tyler had golf practice today. He did not make the golf team at school but did make the practice team. Bottom line he can play in all the practices for free. Good deal for him and for us!

Today Chris's co-worker, Sally, made us white chicken chili! This is Michael's absolute favorite food and I'm sure he just loved it. Her office is starting to make some more dinners for us in the coming weeks. The last 4 weeks have been really tough for me to keep up with dinners and all the running around with the boys. this will help greatly.

Thank SALLY!!! I hope there is some left for me when I get home!....

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Crab Feast on Saturday

This past Saturday we went to our very close friend's house for his 23'rd annual crab feast. Danny and I have known each other for about 22 years now. He looks out for me and for that I'm always grateful. We had a great time. Chrissy was tired but was able to take a 2 hour nap to help her along. We saw a lot of good friends that we have not been able to see in awhile. The kids swam in the pool and we just had a good time. Thanks Danny and Brenda for 23 years of friendship!

We normally spend the night after the crab feast for various reasons, but this year since Chrissy wasn't up to par we left around 11 or so in order that she could be home if she wasn't feeling well.

Sunday was a rainy day. We have not had one of those in a long time. We slept in until almost 10!!!!! Then just sat around and did NOTHING!!! A little laundry and light picking up but that was it. Very nice day!

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Great day at the Battlefield

Thursday was a great afternoon. Chrissy and I took Rich and Jill to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield. Alex went to their hotel and stayed with their daughter Shannon. She took her shopping and had a great time with her.

Rich and Jill were able to tour the same locations that Rich and his son Ryan visited before. Chrissy has always liked Gettysburg but has not been there in awhile. She unfortunately was not feeling great and the heat was a little high but she still managed to get out a few times and see all the stuff she loves to look at. I took some pictures while we were there. You can look at them here. After you look at those pictures take a minute to look at the pictures that I took when Ryan came down to visit with us in November of 2005. Those are here. Ryan passed away from leukemia only about 7 months after this trip.
Here is his picture on a canon that we will forever remember. As you can see from his big smile, he really enjoyed the visit.

The other picture is of Rich and Jill standing at the same monument that Ryan and Rich stood at as well. Smiles all around!

OH YEAH. Chrissy has always loved the Wax Museum in Gettysburg. Ever since she was a little girl she has always remembered going there. Well we went there yesterday too! Check it out at their website. If you ever go this is a must see!

After, we came back home we went and gathered up the kids and went out to dinner to everyone's favorite restaurant, La Paz, mexican. Great friends, great family, great food, thanks God for a great day...

STILL not feeling great.

Well it's now been 4 weeks since Chris's procedure. She was feeling pretty well after about 2 or 3 weeks but the past week or so her fever keeps spiking around 100 to 101 and she gets an upset stomach.

She called the doctor's office yesterday and spoke with them today. They said that the symptoms she described were normal, but that they were generally not normal 4 weeks out. However, some patients do exhibit that behavior, so at this point she is to wait it out a few more days and then check back in early next week.

This weekend our very good friend Danny is having his annual crab feast. We are looking forward to going and hope that Chris is feeling well enough to attend.

Our other good friends from Rochester, Rich and Jill, have come down for the crab feast early. They stopped in Frederick and Chris and I are taking them to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield. Their son Ryan, who passed away last year, went there with my boys and I back in Oct/Nov of 2005. It was a very memorable trip for him, so we wanted to take Jill on that same trip as well.

It rained earlier today but looks like it will hold off for the rest of the day.

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Chris on Stage in Baker Park

Sunday in the Park

Chris continues to not feel very well. Saturday morning she again vomited after eating breakfast. She really just feels "blah" as she puts it. It really takes a lot out of all of us. She is eating noodle soup as her primary food. Sort of like being down with the flu.

Sunday she was up and about. I took the boys to go and play paintball. A small price to pay for the luxury of total quiet in the house for 6 hours!!! I cut the grass as we finally have gotten some rain! Alex finally came home from NJ after spending a few days up there.

Chris rested and was feeling well enough to go to the City of Frederick's Sunday Concert in the Park.

COMSTAR sponsored the band on this day and she was supposed to be there to introduce them and help set up a table. She did great and was able to sit at their table for a little bit and introduced the band!!! The weather was nice and we stayed for the entire concert. Very nice to get away for awhile.

Not feeling well

Well today is Friday and it has been a long week. Chris did pretty well at work most days and when she got home, although tired, she was feeling okay. Again, the small fever kept bugging her. Last night, though she felt bad and became sick after dinner. Yes, it was my cooking! She went to bed right after that and slept most of the night.

Today she is still feeling bad. So hopefully it will just be a matter of time. If she's not feeling okay by mid afternoon we're going to call the Dr.'s office to check in with him.

Alex is out of town. She's at the Jersey shore until this weekend. The boys, well they're tired of each other. Can't wait until school starts.

Tonight we were supposed to go to some friends house in southern MD to christen their new basement. Unfortunately, we won't be going. Everyone understands. We really hate it when we can't get together with friends and relatives because of the treatment, but we do know that everyone is thinking of us and wishing us well.

Alex's Lacrosse

Alex's college has recently redone their website. www.lycoming.edu They have also redone the sports website and now have pictures of the team. Here's a link to the women's lacrosse page.

This week she received a couple of invitations to play next summer on a team that is going to Australia, and another team that is going to London/Germany. She excited but knows the costs involved!

She leaves on the 25th to go back to school for her sophomore year.

Back from the Lake

PICTURES are now posted for those who wish to see them.

Alex and Tyler returned home late on Thursday evening. So Thursday night Michael, Chris and I went to the Honi Honi for Happy Hour(s). While there Marianne was able to watch our every move through their online webcams. I think she's a stalker!

Friday morning we cleaned up the house (pictured above) and left around noon. It was nice to be home but I can tell you that we'd rather be there !!!!! Many thanks to Bob and Barb for allowing us to use their house. It is just incredible.

Here's a picture of one right down the road from it as well. A little fixer upper! Chrissy really likes it!


Monday is back to work and back to the daily grind. Today is Tyler's 14'th Birthday! 14! So we'll be celebrating that I guess....

On the lake with a BIG boat.

Wednesday we went out and rented a pontoon boat to tool around on the lake. Well I rented a 24' boat which is fairly large but not too bad. When I got there for our 10 am shove off that boat was out of service and we instead got a free upgrade to the 28' Party Barge!!! It was huge and for just the 5 of us was more than we needed. We had a blast. That's me at the helm! That's boat talk I think for driver.

We went to visit the end of the lake where the dam was and then stopped for lunch on the barge, I mean boat. Tyler fished while we sat and enjoyed the beautiful day. After that we went tubing for a couple of hours. It is always a highlight of the week for us to get a boat. We gotten several different type over the years but the big pontoon boat is the way to go.


That evening we all went to the will o' the wisp and had a very special make your own pasta bowl dinner. You pick out the ingredients and they make it up for you right there in front of you. I had the pink sauce made with Vodka! It was excellent! It flames up to burn off the alcohol. But they add more if you ask nice!!!! :)

Afterwards we drove around to various locations near the lake just to look at the scenery.

Chris continues to get better each day. She still moves pretty slowly but much of the pain is going away. She still gets a low grade fever and really likes a nap each day (so do I)!

On the lake with a BIG boat.

Wednesday we went out and rented a pontoon boat to tool around on the lake. Well I rented a 24' boat which is fairly large but not too bad. When I got there for our 10 am shove off that boat was out of service and we instead got a free upgrade to the 28' Party Barge!!! It was huge and for just the 5 of us was more than we needed. We had a blast. That's me at the helm! That's boat talk I think for driver.

We went to visit the end of the lake where the dam was and then stopped for lunch on the barge, I mean boat. Tyler fished while we sat and enjoyed the beautiful day. After that we went tubing for a couple of hours. It is always a highlight of the week for us to get a boat. We gotten several different type over the years but the big pontoon boat is the way to go.

That evening we all went to the will o' the wisp and had a very special make your own pasta bowl dinner. You pick out the ingredients and they make it up for you right there in front of you. It was excellent! Afterwards we drove around to various locations near the lake just to look at the scenery.