Journal entry by Lisabeth Sarin —
Sorry for the delay in updates!
Riley started her internship in Ann Arbor at Denison consulting about a month ago, and all is going well.
Her treatment plan put her on the path to learning a new routine, a new diet, new (more frequent) appointments, more doctors, new therapies (adding OT to the list), a new schedule for medicine/food/sleep. She had a brief arm swelling - medically known as lymphedema: swelling that generally occurs in arms or legs most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment) It's fairly normal for a person who has missing lymph nodes - and because she was doing a little too much. New compression sleeves and of course she was advised to taking it a bit easier. Stephen needs to learn lymphatic massage! LOL
As Riley said, her "new ”normal” that’s vastly different than anyone else around me. It’s been overwhelming and challenging but easier each day. Our new goal is to add more days in between trips to the hospital, urgent care & appointments. Thanks for the continued prayers and love, I can’t express how much it helps. It’s been difficult— I wish I could tell cancer “not today, I’m busy” ! "
Week 3 was a rough one for Riley.
After a fun weekend at a cottage with friends, Riley found herself in urgent care with a 102 degree fever. Her weakened immune system caught a nasty case of Influenza A and she was down a full 5 days with fever, chills, nausea- each day more sick than the one before.
A trip back to U of M cancer center for her 2 week checkup left her team unsure if the high fevers were from the flu or a side effect of the medication.
Even after a nasty bout of the flu coupled with pain, ever resilient Riley was able to go up to GVSU for a weekend with her sorority sisters at a retreat and spend time with people she loves. Always good for the soul.
Monday started week 5, and please send good thoughts Riley's way - the dose of her medication will double and may bring more and new side effects.
Colleen says "We continue to ask for prayers of comfort and healing and positive vibes to continue us THROUGH THIS...we know there is NO way around it but only through. Thanks for your love and support and please know how much we appreciate and are grateful as we struggle on hard days to bask in gratitude."
Keep posting your good thoughts, prayers, quotes, links, etc. to keep Riley going through this journey and with any luck, it will be an uneventful week for Riley.
A $25 donation powers a page like Riley's for two weeks.
If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.
