Update on Bonnie

Hello hello!  I have to appologize for not updating everyone.  It was a busy week! 

Last Tuesday Andy, the kids and I made a trip to surprise Bonnie in Boston.  We decided to go to the New England Aquarium and then stop in to see Bonnie.  As we were leaving the aquarium we got a call from Matt (Bonnie's son) telling us that Bonnie was being discharged.  We headed straight over and went through the discharge process with her. 

She slept the whole way home and Steve and Becky were anxiously waiting for her and tucked her straight into bed.  We are so happy to have her back home!

We didn't really get too many answers from the many doctors that we saw.  Her discharge papers confirmed what we suspected and that was that Bonnie was in septic shock when she arrived at the hospital. 

Bonnie seems to be a little better but is still not feeling well.  I don't believe she has had any fevers and her blood pressure has been within normal limits so I think it is just a wait to see how she feels over time.   Her oncologist would like to continue with treatments and plans on starting her infusions again this Wednesday. 

Fingers crossed that she feels better soon.

Good Morning.  I am finally rested after a long day yesterday.  Boy that hospital is huge!  So many people bustling around in every direction.  All I can relate it to is Boston airport. 

Bonnie is on the 20th floor.  That elevator ride was quite a ride I tell you.  Most of you know I am very afraid of heights!  Yikes!  Her view is quite impressive from her room.  We were able to see duck boats, sailboats, airplanes, helicopters, skyscrapers, a park, the citgo sign and so much more.  This is just a small glimpse of what we could see from her room. 

I was able to speak with so many doctors and give them all the info I could on Bonnie.  Since I have walked with her everyday I have watched her health slowly decline.  Lots of pieces to this puzzle that the doctors are trying to piece together.  They still don't have any answers for us.  Could it be an infection?  Full body inflammation? An underlying condition? Side effects from the trial?  Something else?  Some say infection could still be possible despite the fact that they cannot find it.  She is still being treated with antibiotics because her symptoms were so severe and she presented as if she had a very very bad infection.  Some doctors say she has a small amount of pneumonia some say she doesn't.

Most tests have come back pretty normal.  Her abdominal ultrasound showed a slight increase in size of her heart.  Blood work showed only a slight increase in inflammation but it is a very sensitive test.  We haven't gotten the results of the EKG yet. 

So basically Bonnie is making them work pretty hard to figure out what the heck is going on.  One doctor told me they have seen this before with this trial that she is on.  She must have at least 5 specialists working with her. 

When I was there yesterday she seemed to get a little stronger as the day went on.  Her blood sugar was pretty low but she hasn't eaten much.  We were able to get a little ginger ale into her and half of a grape popsicle.  She seemed to perk up a little after that. 

Towards the end of the day she was itching to get out for a walk.  We did a loop around the floor.  It was good to see her looking a little bit stronger.  She was even joking around which made us pretty happy!

Becky caught this cute picture of us doing our walk.

Bonnie is a tough one!  She will get better soon.  

xo

Christa

In Boston with Bonnie.  We met with one of the oncologists and I was able to ask a lot of questions.  They are having a hard time finding a source of infection.  She may not have an infection but they are afraid to take her off antibiotics just yet.  I asked if she was having a full body inflammatory response and she said yes.  They have seen this before with this trial.  They are still trying hard to figure out exactly what is going on.  They are treating the fever and low blood pressure and hoping this will run its course.  Her tumors have shrunk 20% .  She is having an ecg and ultrasound right now.  I asked her prognosis and she will be here for a while but the doctor was optimistic that she will get through this.

Will keep you all posted!
Christa

Hi everyone! Posting from my phone so I’m not sure how this will turn out.   I am headed to boston with my mom and Aunt Virene now to read all of the love you are sending to Bonnie.  Thank you so much!  She will feel your love that’s for sure.  I promise to post when I get there. Xoxo Christa

Update on Bonnie

Hi everyone.  It is Christa checking in again.  I know how important this blog is to Bonnie and how hard she has tried to keep up with it.  It has been a struggle for her to keep up with it over the last few weeks.  She has asked me to update people so that is what I will do.

On Tuesday April 17 my mom and Bonnie's sister Becky rushed Bonnie to Massachusettes General Hospital due to a continuous high fever, extreme lethargy and because she was just so very sick.  They had a tough ride to Boston in which my mom held Bonnie on her lap and Becky drove so fast that they got pulled over and were escorted by the NH State Police then Mass State Police to the hospital.  We are grateful that they got to Boston when they did because Bonnie was going into septic shock with a severe infection that was taking over her body.  She had dangerously low blood pressure and was instantly transferred from the cancer center to the ER in order to stabilize her. We are so grateful that Virene had noticed her fever on Saturday and spoke with Mass General hospital making them aware of what was going on.  Grateful for Becky for rushing right down to Concord to stay with Bonnie and grateful my mom (Bonnie's BFF Valerie) had a feeling she should check on Bonnie that morning.  They all saved her life.

She is now stabilized and is in her own room at the hospital.  She has had many tests and they are trying hard to determine what exactly is going on.  It is believed that their is an underlying condition that is not due to the medications of the trial.  We are hoping for more test results today.  She has had a bad rash that they will be removing a small amount of skin to biopsy.  She still has a sense of humor despite how lethargic and uncomfortable she is.  Yesterday Becky told her that their was a cute doctor in the ER and she tried to sit up and said "WHERE?"  hehe thats the Bonnie we know and love! She was also acting silly with my mom and was peeking through the bars of the hospital bed and smiling at her.

Yesterday her oncologist told her some good news that her lung tumors have shrunk just after one treatment of this trial.  They do not believe that this medication has anything to do with her illness so when she is better they will continue with the trial.

She has had lots of family and friend support while she is in Boston and she is in very good hands. We thank you all for your love and support during this really scarey time.

Please send love, light, thoughts and prayers to Bonnie.

Also, please if you are reading this leave comments for Bonnie below.  Bonnie loves them and I can read them to her.  She will know that you are following along and that you care. Just click on the word comments below!

I promise to update again soon.


Christa

Hello!  It is Christa posting for Bonnie today.  It is Marathon monday.  What a cold, rainy day for a marathon. 

Bonnie and I continued to walk everyday up until last Thursday.  It was a really difficult day for Bonnie and we made it a very short walk.  Unfortunatly, Bonnie is having some pretty bad side effects from her treatments.  She has had a fever for the past few days with lots of joint pain and pretty bad exhaustion.  Her sister Becky is with her until her next appointment on Wednesday. 

We will be back to walking as soon as Bonnie feels a little better.  We will keep you posted!

April 8 and 9th

A few beach picures

April 8th and 9th

Sunday was a cold and very windy day .Christa and  decided to walk in the afternoon. Boy was it cold.

 On Monday I was invited to go to the beach to surprise a few of my friends that were celebrating their birthdays. They had no idea that Valerie, Vanessa and I were coming. were coming. One of the birthday girls was their sister.

I have been having problems with eating for awhile now. I love anything that is cold, Like ice water, Popsicles etc. On good days I eat the things that appeal to me.

The birthday girls were surprises to see us when they got to the restaurant. The one driving them knew all about our plan.  Appetizers and drinks were ordered. I had ice water. 

The second restaurant that we went to was for dinner. I decided to do my walk on the beach. My friends were good with that. The ocean was beautiful and it was nice just to walk alone. I needed a good cry!

Back to the restaurant and tried having a small cup of clam chowder. I finished it slowly.

It was a long day for me but worth it. I just want to have fun and be myself once again. Too many changes for me that I still are having a difficult time with adjusting too. 
There are a few pictures of the beach on the next page

April 7, 2018

It was a good day for me. There are days when I have to push myself. The medication that I am taking has affect the joints in my knees. My knees bother me more at times. Some days are better than others when we walk.

Our walk today was a hike in the woods. I decided to bring my hiking pole. It seemed to help me with my balance. We walked over 2 miles. 

  
 April 5, 2018  

Woke up today tired and with the chills. Slight fever this evening  My walking buddy Christa insisted that we walked later in the morning!  I WAS SO HAPPY! We got our walk in and walked  2.03 miles.

Just wanted you to know that Becky an I walked both days when we were at Mass. General. 1 and a half the first day and 1 mile the second. We walked inside and used my "Map my Walk.

Off to bed! soooooo tired.

  
                                                                     

April 5, 2018  Thursday

We got up early, packed up our belongings and checked               out of the Holiday Inn. We arrived at the hospital a litter earlier. (like 2 hours)  Wanted to avoid the morning traffic. Parked my car in the parking garage and headed to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee.  We then walked to the waiting room for my appointment.

The receptionist told us that there was a lovely area on the 9th floor called the Garden of Hope! It was a very peaceful and quiet area for people to go and just sit and relax. The view was lovely and we enjoyed looking at the tall buildings outside the windows. They also had rocks in a large bowl that were different shapes and colors. They were called healing rocks.  What a nice idea. Something for us with cancer to hold onto and give us hope.
Had my appointment! So glad to head north. There is no place like home!

April 3rd and 4th 2018 Wednesdays.

Off to Boston I go. My sister Becky drove me down early. My appointment was at 7:30 but we wanted to get there on time. Made reservations at the Holiday Inn as they have free shuttle service that will bring you to Mas. General.

The day began with meeting my Doctor. Had blood work, pills to take, my infusion and blood work done every couple of hours. We had time to spare We did allot of walking. One and a half miles to be exact. Nice gifts shops and cafeteria.

Last blood drawing was at 5:30. What long day. 
We decided to take a taxi back to the Holiday Inn. Thought it would be quicker instead of cal ling for the shuttle. e were both exhausted. I swear the taxi driver took his time getting us there, It cost $20.0 and that  was without the tip. What a long day. Ordered dinner, showered and straight to bed.
Will finish my blog tomorrow sharing Thursday day and a few pictures to share.

April 3, 2018


Christa and I chose to do a morning walk and went on a trail that was in the woods. We both

 enjoyed the change and also fount walking stick to us. I still tripped on a root, Never fell! Caught my balance. Beautiful day and we walked 2.45 miles. Boston tomorrow to start my Clinical Trial.
A few pictures of our fun day.

April 2, 2018

Christa and I walked this morning, Walled 2.29 miles. Hard to believe that the snow was blowing in our faces. What happened to spring?

Heading down to Boston tomorrow with my sister to begin my clinical trials.

Guess I will have to walk in the big city of Boston! Hope I don't get lost.

April 1st 2018

Happy Easter! Walked this afternoon! Cool, sunny and windy day. Enjoyed getting together with family. My mother is now 93. Days like this mean so much to her.

Got home and was able to squeeze in my walk. It is so much fun walking with people that want to join us!

March 31, 2018


Headed up north for the night to stay at my son Matthew's. Will head up to Lancaster at 5 o'clock to join the rest of my family for sunrise service.

Walked 1.20 miles with Matthew, Steve and Bentley.

                                                                                                         Bentley
   Steve and Matt                                      

  .

March 30, 2018

Woke up this morning with my left leg swollen!


This is getting ridiculous. Off to the doctor's again. Ultra sound ordered. Looking for a blood clot. No blood clots found. Have it wrapped and  have been keeping it elevated.

Walk a short distance with Steve today.

Also, I received a call from the scheduler for my Clinical Trial. I begin next Wednesday. Hope this trial works for me.

.