03/02/2010
5:00 PM CST: It's been quite an exciting time here lately! Sophie had her 3-month oncology checkup yesterday and all was well.
In addition to my recent illnesses I described in my last update, I've been having some issues with my heart as well. Unexpected rapid heart rate (over 200 BPM), usually in the morning while already standing up. I went to a cardiologist, who diagnosed me with supraventricular tachycardia and put me on a blood pressure medication (Cardizem) that regulates the heart rate) after some testing. My issues continued, but the cardiologist said I need to give the medicine some time to get in my system. On a Friday two and half weeks ago, I had an episode that wouldn't stop, and I ended up going to the ER, where they were able to get it under control. The cardiologist suggested doubling the medication dose and wanted me to come back that week. When I went on Thursday, he said he wanted to do an angiogram first (to rule out blockage) and then an ablation (to destroy the nerve that creates an extra electrical pathway, causing the heart to beat too fast). The angiogram (Friday a week and a half ago) went well, and the doctor said I have Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which the ablation should definitely fix. I went in on Friday for the ablation, which is normally an outpatient procedure, but they wanted me to stay overnight because of the distance between hospital and home. Due to some complications (unexpected bleeding and low blood pressure), I ended up staying two nights. I wasn't happy about that, but I definitely needed the extra day. I've been resting at home and am getting back on the computer today (tried to work, but it was a bit too much).
The girls both got their report cards on Friday and did well, and they both seem healthy and happy (though a bit worried about me). Randall is also doing well.
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
Is anyone still reading this, or have you given up on us??
Love,
Susan