Spring/Summer Hospital Stay Day #6

May 22, 2016

 Angela's condition is slowly improving but she is still not clearly out of the woods. The three biggest issues are: 1. Bone marrow not producing platelets (Count dropped from seventy-five to twenty-one overnight) 2. Percent breathing @ 93. ( unable to get the right volume of Oxygen into her lungs without assistance) 3. Consistent high blood pressure (last reading was 169/99. Target is 130/80)
The assumption is that the fluid overload is significantly contributing to the high BP and breathing issues so they are attempting to regain control through the use of Lasix. 

In spite of the platelet drop overnight the doctors did not appear to be overly concerned. The plan moving forward is to test the blood again later this afternoon/evening for platelet count. If the number stabilizes they will hold and check again in the morning but if it drops platelets will be transfused. One concern is that her system may have developed antibodies preventing the transfused platelets from having the desired effect. There is a chance testing may need to be done to define the type of platelets that her body will accept. 

A piece of good news is that the fevers appear to have subsided. 

Until the three issues are resolved she will remain hospitalized.

She is in good spirits but still scared. She's a tough woman who doesn't easily show fear but I know she's scared.

Spring/Summer Hospital Stay Day #4

May 20, 2016

The CT scan of Angela's chest revealed pulmonary edema. They have been giving her Lasix in liquid form since last night but there has been little or no change to her condition. I haven't talked to the doctor yet this morning but my assumption is that at some point consideration will be given removing the water with a needle. It appears transfer to Penn hinges on how quickly they can clear her lungs. As for the primary reason she came to the hospital she finally had an opportunity for a consult with an Oncologist, Dr. Stephanie Jean. The doctor recommended that she receive units of Nuelasta. As of this hour the only activity toward correcting the blood count issue has been one more transfusion of platelets the effect of which he not yet been reported. Also, during the night, her blood pressure rose to 187/97 prompting the staff to give her blood pressure medicine to her. This medicine was considered to be off limits for one reason or another until the pressure became elevated. In spite of her current condition I'm still hopeful that the transfer to Penn will happen today. It is very frustrating and difficult for me to watch my wife suffer.

Spring/Summer Hospital Stay Day #3

May 19th, 2016
Angela experienced a setback last night so release has been delayed. She is receiving excellent care at this facility but both Angela and I agree that the team at Penn may be better suited to treat her illness. There may be a transfer in the near future.

Spring/Summer Hospital Stay Note #2

Hot off the presses. Received this text from my wife just as I sat down to go to sleep: "Booyah!! Platelets went to 11😊 they are going to recheck in morning. Still have fever but not as bad. Assuming I get out tomorrow don't worry about bringing any clothes."
I love this woman!

Spring/Summer of 2016 Hospital Stay Day 1

May 17th, 2016

Angela Bursler has done her best to hide the effects of cancer and cancer treatment but reality is that her body is taking a beating. Those who have taken for granted that all is well should take a close look at the photos to understand the extent of the symptoms she has endured the last two and a half years. In spite of how well she presents herself in public with her big bright smile and bubbly personality she is in a fight for life ever single moment of the day and night. She will be spending at least one night in the local hospital to treat the current round of symptoms.

Bide your time and work with the hand you're dealt and ultimately you will whoop this disease once and for all. Love you Angela Bursler!

Ovarian Cancer Research

Help us raise Funds for the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation-team Angela
https://www.signup2raceusa.com/races2run/docf/team_donation.aspx?race_id=981

Cancer-versery

The story is never easy to recall & it is certainly never something we want to revisit however the lessons that made us stronger, wiser & more compassionate will be with us forever.  Today, when I look at my wife I sometimes worry, sometimes cry and sometimes I just kiss her on the face and thank the Lord above that she is still with me.  The fight is over and she won but the war is still on.  The war between her and her mind is a battle that I can not see and I can not feel but one in which I know is ongoing. She is a warrior with characteristics similar to those of a tough ultra-marathon runner.  Physically she has and continues to demonstrate an ability to absorb pain beyond belief. Mentally she has overcome the initial fear of dying and now has trained her mind to focus on life rather than the potential return of cancer. There should be no greater hero in the life of ours sons, Kyle & Ian,  than their mother who was not and is not afraid to stare cancer in the face without fear.
 This woman is my hero, someone I love, someone I respect and someone that I admire.