Pulmonary Embolisms

So, I had just surpassed my 5 year cancerversary and was celebrating my daughter's 13th birthday. Thirteen! A teenager. I never thought I would live to see the day. We had an exciting weekend and did so much and I thought that was the reason I was so exhausted on her actual birthday (1/15).

A Concerning Pain

I took a shower that afternoon and was drying off when I got a sudden sharp pain under my breast. It went away quickly but hurt enough to make me cry. I never cry. My daughter, Karley, witnessed this. Soon enough she was insisting I go to the hospital. I really just wanted to go to sleep.

She came and my room and practically begged me. She had volleyball practice that night and her carpool was due at any moment. I finally gave in and called a family friend to take me. Every time I've had pain there, I think back to a girl I knew when working at the doctor's office. She had pain like that and it ended up being gas. I was so worried I was going to embarrass myself by going to the hospital and it be gas.

After checking in, I pointed out where my pain had been and that I had stage 4 lung cancer. Once I pointed it out, the nurses immediately got me into a room. They put a heart monitor on me, gave me something for anxiety, and hooked up a central line. They ordered a bunch of bloodwork and a CT Scan.

Fear and a New Diagnosis

Shortly after the CT Scan, the doctor took us into a room where he informed me that I had blood clots in my lungs. I had a few Pulmonary Embolisms. I was terrified, fearing certain death. They admitted me immediately and started a blood thinner.

I spent 4 days in the hospital, where I was treated very well. They wouldn't allow me to be in pain. They continued giving me blood thinners and when they were sure the clots were shrinking, they released me. I will now be on blood thinners for life, but at least I can thank God that I'm alive.

Listen to your body. It's always better to be safe than sorry. My daughter is a hero in my book. She listened to her intuition and made me go, selflessly, because it was her birthday. I'm so blessed to have her and love her so much. I am currently recovering at home. Clots are exhausting!