#6 and last treatment in the plan

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry we have not updated since the 4th treatment.  FYI the 5th came and went.


The side effects after the 5th were pretty intense for Mandi.  Fatigue for about 10 days from when she got home, the same body aches, hot flashes and chills that are driving her crazy, and one that was kind of interesting.

Each time after a treatment Mandi gets a line in her fingernails, kind of like a tree ring.  The doctor says that is pretty normal.  It is a side effect from the Vincristine which is one of the drugs in the chemo.  It is also the one that causes the neuropathy in her finger tips, hands, and has now started a bit in her feet.  And now there are 6 lines in her fingernails to mark the final treatment in her plan to wellness.

She wanted to know why this fatigue was lasting longer than the other treatments, and why her heart was working extra hard to pump blood through her system?  After one of her labs, it was determined she needed a blood transfusion immediately.  She was told that there was not blood available at Logan Regional, and that she would need to leave for the Huntsman infusion clinic as soon as possible to get the transfusion.  The nurses at Logan Regional called shortly after to let Mandi know that the Red Cross had left one unit of  blood that was a match for the blood type she needed.  This is very uncommon for the the Red Cross to leave units of blood, and no question a tender mercy that it was the right blood type for her.  At this time we were in the middle of all that happens during life as a Family and would have needed to make some last minute inconvenient scheduling adjustments.  She received 2 units, and that was the ticket.  Shortly after, she regained her energy and with  about 5 days before returning to the Huntsman, and here we are.   This morning she told me that recovery from the 6th is the roughest. Not sure if roughest is the best word for that sentence, but is exactly the word that came out of her mouth.  It was funny!  I think she is missing Ziggy, her little furry friend.  Ruff Ruff!  We will be heading back to the Huntsman institute in about 4 weeks to get another PET scan to find out results of the treatments and what further direction we will be given.

The time between this last treatment was busy as always.  We celebrated Mothers Day, had soccer games, a track meet, a very nice benefit dance recital, church, work, and school.

As you might know one thing that makes Mandi happier than most is her flower pots.  This year is no different, other than she was not able to plant her pots.  She was right there guiding and directing the placement of each plant, and where the pot would remain for the summer.  We set up on the back patio with music playing with plenty of potting soil.  I thought we would never get through it all.  Now the watering and watching them grow begins.























This life experience is full of ups and downs.  Mandi and I have discussed how glad we are that the ups far out way the downs.  We live in a beautiful area in the world, surrounded with good Friends, and Family that support and look after our Family.  We have a knowledge of a loving Father in Heaven who is aware of the hard times and rejoices when we pass through them with added faith and a stronger testimony of his plan.  We know that it is also hard for him to stand by as we experience these adverse situations, but knows that what we gain by passing through them is for our benefit and learning.  It is difficult to ponder the Savior, as he was alone in the garden of Gethsemene suffering and as he took upon himself the pains, sicknesses, sorrows, afflictions, and all that causes us grief so that we might turn to him for relief and comfort,  knowing that he knows perfectly how to succor his people.  We are eternally greatful for this knowledge and hope, which give us energy to solider on.  I have made reference to patterns, and I feel that this is very important that we continue in the patterns of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which include Family, with all that is directed for good regarding Families, Weekly sabbath observance including renewing baptismal covenants by participating in the ordinance of the sacrament, regular temple attendance, paying tithing, regular study of the scriptures and conference talks, remembering what the Savior has done for us each day and showing it in our actions.   We know that by following these gospel patterns the very best we can, has helped our Family to view this experience in a more positive light, and to pass through it gaining a different outlook and perspective.  In teachings of President Hunter he quoted President Kimball
   
“Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery”

We are greatful for the peace and hope that the gospel brings to us when we allow it to.

As we near the end of this chapter and have another experience under our belt.  We would be most ungrateful to not express the most thanks that words can, and say Thank You for your love, support and the prayers that have been made in Mandi and our Families behalf.

With sincere Love and Thanks,

The J&M Poulsen's

Treatment #4 and at the half way mark.

Dear Family and Friends,

Reviewing the past few weeks has been a blur.  

We have a cluster of birthdays on both sides of our family during the month of March.  Harli on the 9th, Jason on the 27th, Deaken on the 28th, and Grandpa Poulsen on the 29th.  We had some fun get togethers with the standard cake and ice cream.  This year Easter Sunday was part of our birthday celebrations.  Having a chance to reflect on the Saviors resurrection, one of the greatest gifts given to us.  This reassuring and eternal truth, along with other truths, always helps me find peace, happiness, and hope.   

Towards the end of Mandi's last treatment at the Hunstman, she was visited by her out of town sister. Sam, Tiff and Tycee made the long journey from Cali.  We were all glad to see, and visit with them for the short time they were here.  Sam and Tycee invited Deaken and I to take a day and head to the Beav for a day of skiing.  There was a small storm that put about six inches of new snow on the runs.  Mandi and Tiff had the day to spend visiting and catching up.  

This year as most spring breaks, was pretty casual.
Taeden had the chance to spend the week in St. George with some friends.  They went to the sand dunes, hiked, rock climbed, and played some golf.  The weather was not as warm as he had hoped for, but it was a good break from the everyday norm for him.
Also during the break we had a pretty good snow storm which allowed a couple more days to play in the snow.






Deaken and I went skiing with the Carlson family.  The weather was great, and Deaks had a blast skiing with cousins.  

Mandi really just loves being at our home with her family.  

Harli and Mayci played with friends and had a nice break from school.






Saturday was a day to spend doing a bit of spring cleaning, in and out of the house, and catching sessions of General Conference.  All the talks from the women's conference, to the final session on Sunday were very inspiring and offer reminders of where improvements need to be made.  I am greatful for the spiritual and insightful messages that come from gospel teachings, and the spirit of learning, for the purpose that my testimony will never become weakened.

Looking back from the beginning of this selection of life's experiences, time seems to be flying by as does most experiences that we have both good and not so good.  During these past few weeks for Mandi, she really seems to be recovering well from one treatment to the next.  During this treatment  they have increased the doses of chemo.  From one treatment to the next, there are different side effects that will show up.  Some that Mandi has been experiencing are, some tingling in her finger tips, one little spot on her chest that has pain, and still the fatigue and body aches which seems to be more noticeable right after she finishes each treatment and comes home.  The tingling is one that is expected and is bugging her the most.  It is more effected while washing dishes and if she touches warm things.   Yesterday we grabbed delicious McGriddles on our way to the Huntsman, and she told me I might want to wait for mine to cool down.  When she gave it to me it really wasn't that hot.  The doctor has suggested she start taking a vitamin b 6 supplement to help the tingling.  It could take 6 months to 1 year after her treatments are completed for the sensation to return to go away.  Her spirits are up as always, and her nurses like it when she is their patient.  The food is still not appetizing so she usually falls back on her safe Frosted Flakes.   Yesterday for dinner I made a run for Panda Express to get her some orange chicken and rice.  That hit the spot and put a smile on her face, and her fortune cookie was meant for someone else but was funny.  While she is here at the Huntsman her days are filled with doctors and nurses in and out of her room checking vitals, monitoring her infusion, bringing meds, having conversations about families and finding out what other family situations are.  She loves hearing about other people's families, and telling people about hers.  And drinking Sunkist with a king size Charlston Chew.  She will be here till this coming Monday afternoon, and we will be on our way back home again.

As the last few month that have come and gone this year.  Our Family is doing and getting along very well.   A lot of which is due to the help of Family, Friends and Neighbors that it seems are always thinking of the welfare of our Family.  As parents, Mandi and I are forever greatful for the good influences of all who keep an eye on each of our kids at school, church, and when we are not able to have that watchful parents eye on them.  We have learned the true meaning that it takes a community to raise a child.  One of the more referenced scriptures in the Book of Mormon found in Mosiah chapter 2 VS 17 reads "And belold, I tell you these things that he may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the sevice of your God.  At times like these we are recognizing the reality and meaning of this scripture.  We are hoping that when all is said and done that we will have done what we said we would do.

Love,
The J&M Poulsen's

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are!  Starting Mandi's 3rd treatment and nearing the half way point of her treatments.

At this moment Mandi is in a feel good live well class, and being taught how to apply different types of makeup, trying some different hair styles, and making new friends along the way.
I found my way to a restraunt I have been hearing a lot about called The Point.  It overlooks the whole Salt Lake Valley, and you can see everything from the North to the West, and South of the Huntsman Institute, due to all the exterior being windows.  From what I have heard, I thought this place would be packed, but I am the only one in the entire place.  Actually pretty peacful.  On the way to Mandi's class her pole that the IV bags for infusions hang from was wandering all over the place.  She started up a funny conversation with some fellow makeup students about walking dogs and IV poles having minds of their own.  She always has a fun sense of humor, and can make any experience up lifting.  In the class she was asked to be the model for the instructor.  I think she was really enjoying the pampering session, plus all the donated makeup that she received in a take home bag.

These past few weeks have been great.  With the busy hustle of normal family life.

Deaken is signed up for Soccer this spring, and is very excited.  He got a new bike for Christmas that I just remembered is still locked up, because it (the bike) has a hard time finding its (the bikes) way home.  He is full of energy and always onto the next adventure.  This past week or two he has mastered counting and writing 1 - 100. He is very proud of this accomplishment.













Mayci decided to stop taking dance, and started taking piano lesson.  She is doing very well in school and is a hard worker at everything she does except cleaning her room and picking up her shoes and socks after they have been removed from her feet.  She also loves this time of year where she can get out in the sun and ride her bike with the neighbor kids.

Harli just had her 13th birthday and it was pretty hard for her to blow out 13 candles.  Must be a teenager thing where she is getting more hot air.  She is always very willing to be helpful around the house and with her younger siblings, she is a very pleasant person to have around.


Taeden is on the SV track team, SV has their first track meet today.  He is excited to dive into this sport.  There is no green on their uniforms, so I'll bet there's a lot of pinching going on today.  Hope it helps him run faster and jump higher:)

Ziggy eats, licks her pig, sleeps in her favorite spot in front of the sink, sleeps in her bed, sleeps in her kennel when she is home alone, and sleeps in a random bed each night.  She sleeps a lot!  During the winter she will sneak out to do doggie business, but then hurry back in to get warm.  She is looking forward to summer and going on walks.

We are very proud of, and love each of our kids and their accomplishments.

Mandi is cute as ever and wanting to get out in her yard.  This morning she asked the doctor again if it would be okay to wear gloves and a mask to dig in the dirt, and do yard work?  She was shut down.  Turns out there are numerous  molds and bacteria that live in the soil.  After hearing about it, I'm not sure dirt is safe for anyone.  She finally decided it's best to watch other people dig in mold and bacteria this year.
This treatment is going good.  Mandi knows most nurses by name and at times reminds them of certain steps that should be taken.  Her room during this bout is on the east side of the hospital and the cell service is about non existent. It gives her a reason to take her pole for a walk to the lobby for socializing, make phone calls, and to check and send texts.  Funny thing, during her last treatment the nurses were doing a fair portion of their checks in the lobby.

I would say over all, things are as good as we could ever ask for.  We know that there are many different types of struggles and adverse situations that we all can face from day to day.  Some we get ourselves into and others come by way of mortality.  Mandi and I have had conversations discussing the agreement we made when we were admitted to earth, and accepting these various situations that are put in our paths.  Now we only hope, we will be able to gain the perspective and outlook that comes from going through these experiences that will help us to progress.  I have tried to get Mandi to update a post or two and help lighten the burden of updating this blog, but considering, I guess this is a burden that I can deal with.
 
We have been blessed with so many great family members and friends.  Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Your kind acts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.

Love Always,

The J&M Poulsen's

Working Our Way Through February

Dear Family and Friends,

These past few weeks have been good in our home.

For what it's worth I apologize if I am not keeping up with these updates often enough.

The day of my last post was on the morning we went to bring Mandi home from The Huntsman. That was a great day that turned into two, due to a couple long infusions during her last couple cycles.  It was so good to see that while away from us, she was very well taken care of, and still the upbeat and caring person that we all know her as.  It was odd to the Doctors when they are on their morning rounds, and the first thing they hear when entering Mandi's room is "how are you all doing today?"  The Doctors respond "We are fine! But, that is what we are here to find out about you!"

We though it would be a good idea to share the beginnings of how this adventure all began.

In October 2015 Mandi was having some symptoms that were not normal, such as chest pains, some difficulty swallowing, some tingling in her arm, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and finally a cough that made our supply of cough drops seem never ending.  During this time she had made multiple trips to the doctor trying to figure out what was going on, only to be sent away with adjusted prescriptions, many of which she did not fill.  This time was very trying for her, because she would leave the appointments thinking this was all in her head.

It was Sunday morning January 10th when a trip up the stairs left her short of breath.  I was out of town, and called to see how things were going.  When she answered and told me that she was having a hard time breathing, we decided she should go to the emergency room right then.  I will probably not be able to explain this experience very well, since I wasn't there with her.  Which does bother me to this day, but I will do my best.  At the emergency room she was admitted and started through some of the same tests that are standard at the ER.  It lead to a CT scan, and that is when the mass was discovered.  The mass is about the size of a baseball and is not attached to, but located near the top of her heart, lungs and esophagus, all of which we feel is due to the symptoms she has been having.  This news as many can imagine, and many that know is very scary.  We feel that even worse is that you do not know what the mass is.  This began our process of wondering and waiting.

That next day we met with a Doctor to consult what would be our next step in figuring out what this mass was, and on the 12th went to McKay-Dee hospital to consult a cardiovascular surgeon due to where the mass was located.   This was the first time we were able to see the CT scan and have the doctor explain what we were looking at, but still did not know if the mass was benign.

We scheduled surgery on the 15th to perform a biopsy.  Due to the location, we understood that it was not safe to remove the mass, and that a piece would be sent for further testing to determine whether or not the mass was benign.  The surgery went well without complications,  There was about a 3" incision made in-between a couple of her ribs.  Her recovery was a bit rough, the anesthesia made her nauseous and she was dizzy.  That week of recovering, and waiting seemed like one of the longest weeks on record.  During that week we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary.

Finally on the 22nd the results from the biopsy were sent to the Doctor.  We had been advised to ask any question that we could come up with.  In that appointment is where we finally were told that the mass had positive cells that were non Hodgkins lymphoma, and that it would be necessary to start some type of treatment.   While asking questions, the Doctor made a call to a surgeon to see when it would be possible for her to get a port for further treatments.  He was available, but only in his office for a short time that day.  So we rushed off with a lot of questions unanswered.  We met with Dr. Hansen, a family friend and former ward member who was more than helpful in his counsel and kindness.  Another surgery was scheduled for 25th and we headed back to find out treatment plans and other details related to our questions, only to find the staff works half days on Friday and we would need to wait until the first of the following week "MORE WAITING".  We were able to schedule another CT scan that day and also a echocardiogram.

On the 25th we went in for another surgery to get the port she needed for treatments.  Mandi's spirits were up.  While getting ready for surgery we learned of close Family and Friend relationships with many of the nurses and staff involved in this procedure.  I feel this was a relief to Mandi knowing there were not just strangers looking after her, but people that had genuine care for her and her well being.  This surgery went well also.  While she was in surgery, I went to get the results, and more questions answered, set up appointments with additional Doctors at other hospitals, ETC.  That is when we found out more details of the diagnosis and, of the treatment plan that was recommended.  We found out that the echocardiogram results were good and that her heart would be strong enough to withstand the treatments.

Finally getting questions answered!

I remember it being almost impossible to answer the questions of Family and Friends when we didn't have any answers as well.  We were so glad to finally be headed in a positive direction towards healing.

On the 28th we headed for Salt Lake to get our second opinion.  Another treatment plan was recommended and the details of their treatments were explained, of which we are currently in the beginning stages.

Life at our home these past few weeks has been pretty normal, with all the things that come with life in a what we call "dysfunctional family".   Having Mandi home after being gone with her first set of treatments has been good.  It helps us to realize how much she does for us.  Some of the side effects that were explained, due to chemotherapy have been true.  While she is home there are scheduled appointments to get lab work done to check that her blood counts are where they need to be,  there is a long list of meds and one shot she is required to give herself in the belly (A bit painful but very helpful). This last Wednesday she finally was tired of the clumps of hair falling out and we broke out the clippers. She has learned that a nap during the day will save her energy for the last part of the day, and that she does not need to do everything she is used to, and that relying on others for help is okay.  She has always had her same upbeat and smiling personality, except one time and that's okay too.

The treatment plan has her scheduled to start the second treatment this coming Thursday and hopefully home the following Monday.

The weather here is starting to warm up so Mayci and Deaken are starting to roam the streets again.  "Beware"  Harli and Taeden are both growing up and it is fun to watch their personalities blossom, even though there is still some weeding to do. Taeden and I went with some friends for a snowmobile ride Monday for valentines day.  Mandi was supposed to go with me, but was not up to it.  I was glad to have Taeden there with me, even though the weather was not great and we took a couple wrong turns.

Our Family could never say thank you enough for the kindness shown and felt by all those who have helped where needed.  We know that there are more situations than we are aware of, that people are in need of a caring thought, a smile, or just to know they are not alone in their struggles.  Our hearts are with those people and we should take moments daily to remember them and think of ways to lift their spirits, like you have done to ours.  A big part of this life is about developing Charity, the pure Love of Christ, that we will be more like him and be filled with this love is our hope. (Moroni 7:48)

With Thanks and Love,

The J&M Poulsen's

First week of treatments

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week Mandi started treatments.  I will try to explain in the best way I can this first weeks accomplishments.

Monday afternoon Mandi had her first appointment to get a pet scan.  First we went to the nurses station and accessed her port, for blood draws, and the IV for the medication.  And then she went directly to the radiology for the scan.

While in one of the waiting rooms a lady sat about 10 feet away, and Mandi started choking on her smells.  I'm not sure how this will effect her career as a sentcy consultant.

During that time I was shown around the hospital meeting with doctors, nurses, and insurance, and trying to navigate my way around the hospital.   After the scan was complete, we went to the food bistro to get a bit to eat.  It was good to see Mandi eat a pretty good meal where she has not had the appetite to do so lately.   We were delaying a bit, due to the fact there was not a room ready for her when I went to see where she would be staying during her treatments.  After her meal we headed for the patient rooms, and they had one available.

We understood they were starting treatments that Monday evening, but due to timing and some other details, we were informed that the treatments would start the following morning.  The doctors and nurses took some time explaining what to expect during her stay.  Things like vital checks every 4 hours around the clock, blood draws each day, the medication that will be used and the schedule that they will be infused.

Mandi was able to order french toast with fresh strawberries and cool whip,  and got a pretty good rest the first night besides the 4 hour vital checks.

Tuesday was the first 12 hour infusion, which was explained as what I would call the demon.  The doctors and nurses told us that people commonly react to this medication, and that we should expect the possibility of any number of reactions, and that during this  infusion vitals would be taken every 15 minutes which took the majority of that day.  This drug attaches to the bad cells allowing the treatments to be more effective. During this first cycle the only reaction was a slight fever towards the end, and I think it was caused because the room temperature was to high.   But I was probably wrong.  Regardless she did have the temp turned down a couple degrees.  This possibility of reaction is mainly for the first treatment and the concern should not be as high for future treatments.

During the day we were visited by many specialists from doctors and therapists, to nutritionalists,  which was very comforting to know that there was not one rock unturned.  And due to our lack of understanding all the details of this disease, we know we are in the right place for Mandi's treatments.

Tuesday evening, she started a combination of three meds, which is a 24 hour continuous infusion for four cycles, while along the way making sure she is hydrated.  She had lost about 25 pounds and is feeling the fluids and steroids are replacing the loss.  She is not as happy about that =(

Thursday Deaken and Mayci had parent teacher conference, and we are proud of their efforts in school.  Taeden increased about 20% on his math grade, which is amazing.  Wednesday he went snow  boarding at Cherry Creek Peak with his YM group and had a crash.  Hopefully it doesn't affect the learning portion of his brain.  We love that kid!!!  Right when he got home we were in the middle of a lizard hunt.  Apparently Mayci can not resist feeling the texture of lizard skin, and the lizard was less than willing to let her.  As she went in for the feel, the lizard intercepted by biting her finger.  The reaction of pulling her finger away while the lizard was still attached, ejected the lizard from it's home, and started the chase.  Since Taeden does not currently have a door on his room due to another incident, the lizard escaped a very frantic little girl who was breaking a promise that was made earlier in her life.  Glad that's over!  Harli is also here, helping and planning the next event with her friends.  This past week has been a frantic one, and we thank all those have helped where needed.

We were hoping we would have Mandi back at home Saturday evening, but the the 3rd cycle took longer than expected and was not started till around 10:00 pm Friday.  She has been a bit tired, but her spirits are up and thanks to FaceTime we have had chances for our family stay connected.     Thank Apple!

As of today we feel the process towards wellness is moving along.  Minus a couple fevers she has had, it is good to get started on the road to being healed.  We are not sure what all to expect as we get closer to the end only what doctors and nurses had told us.  We know that Mandi will have a low immune system and fatigue, and the doctors and nurses have told us the importance of a clean house.  Which means washing hands a lot,  and doing all we can to keep bad germs out.  After talking to her today, it sounds like our already high level of cleansing will be stepped up a couple notches.  The kids are pretty excited.

We are very excited to have her back tomorrow, and I know she is excited to squeeze her babies.  Hope I get one to?

Thanks again to all our Family and Friends who have shown concern, helped where needed, put names on lists, and included Mandi and our family in their family and personal prayers.  This is an experience that we can not make it through without the help from others.  We truly feel loved, and want you all to know that feeling is mutual.  Thank You!!

     We hope this will not be an unreasonable request, Mandi has asked that this link is not attached to any social media accounts.  We hope that this blog will be kept within our circle of family and friends.

Love, The J&M Poulsen's

Starting Treatment at the Huntsman Institute

Family and Friends,  1/28/16

It was recommended to us that we create a better way to get information to each of you for updates, and details regarding Mandi's treatments.  

We will try to do the very best we can knowing of the love and concern each of you have for Mandi.

Today we went to the Huntsman Institute and met with Dr. Glen and her team, to get an idea of what other treatment plans were available.  It was a good idea and we decided to go ahead and have Mandi's treatments take place there.  There are a lot of details, but to sum it up she will begin chemotherapy this upcoming week, the first part of February.  Consisting of 5 to 6 days hospitalization every three weeks for six treatments.

We are very upbeat, after learning the positive outcome from this treatment in the past from other patients, and plan for the disease to be cured by the end of this year.  

We would like to thank each of you for your kind thoughts, meals, treats and especially prayers.  There are so many of you that continue to have a lasting impact on our family.  We love and thank you all for these relationships.  We also Thank our Father In Heaven for the blessing you are in our Families life.

This is officially my first experience posting on a Blog, and hope to be able to figure it out.  So you will be able to share this very challenging, yet faith and testimony building experience with us.  We have learned already that through the trials we face, whether ours or that of others.  When we allow the atonement of the Savior to ease the burdens we may be faced with.  It helps us to understand the love he has for us and then we can receive empathy for his suffering, to help ease the suffering of others.  

Thank you always,  The J&M Poulsen's