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Amanda J Miller

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About Amanda J Miller

Amanda J Miller

About Me:: I was recently diagnosed with rectal cancer, just before I turned 30. My doctors say that my cancer is from a mutated gene, and that my type of cancer is hereditary. We will find out soon, like 6/24/08 for sure. My husband and I live in Dalton, Ohio. Our pride and joy are our horses, Buddy and Snipper. Chuck works as aCNC operator and I am currently 1 year into my 3 year degree for my associates degree in Veterinary Technology. (Actually, it's 2 years, but I had to take a bunch of entry courses.) I soon start chemo and radiation to shrink my stage 2 tumor, so they can go in and remove it. What scares me the most, is the fact that the tumor is attached to my backbone and they will have to scrape it off!

Where do you live? (city, state, country): Dalton, Ohio, United States

Relationship Status:: Married

Favorite Quote:: Having cancer does come with some perks... Having the cancer is not one of them!

Favorite Book:: Chicken Soup for the Soul books

Your Website or Blog:: caringbridge.org/visit/amandamiller

What's your personal mission statement?: Smile, it increases your face value!

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Hospital Necessities

Added a post Jul 30

Guys, I have found it!!!!! I got a washable pony, that I am taking with me, that has markers, so those who come visit me can draw/write on it, and if I get bored, I can wash it and start over! I al... Read More »

Hospital Necessities

Added a reply Jul 28

This must be a BIG fad, because I have crayons and coloring books stashed all over my house so I can color! Read More »

Hospital Necessities
23 Replies

Started this discussion. Last reply by Amanda J Miller Jul 30.

I'm trying to put together a hospital packing list. You know, things to take to the hospital to keep me comfortable during my stay. I have some basic ideas, but I was wondering if you all have any ... Read More »

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Amanda J Miller's Blog

Coming to terms...

I don't know if this makes much sense to you or not, but I think I'm beginning to come to terms with my surgery. I'm not in any way saying that I look forward to it, or welcome it with open arms. I just think I'm starting to feel ok with progressing to the next step. Did any of you, or do any of you know what I mean? Do I just sound crazy?

Posted by Amanda J Miller on July 31st, 2008 at 2:20am — 4 Comments (Add)

The end of the tunnel!!!

Well, I have some good news! 8 more days of radiation, 6 days of chemo left!!!! Then, it's on to surgery. (Major yuck!!!) Oh well. What must be done, must be done. And, that's about that.

Posted by Amanda J Miller on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:01pm — 2 Comments (Add)

Side Effects... da, duh, daaa!

Well, it finally hit! Chemo side effects... yeah baby!! (Note, that was very sarcastic!) I'm now living in the world of nausea, loss of appetite, and major fatigue. Not to mention the sleepless nights. I'm trying to eat cold foods, but I'm finding out that that doesn't always work. Any suggestions?

Posted by Amanda J Miller on July 22nd, 2008 at 4:03am — 3 Comments (Add)

A sort of weird question...

Before I say this, I want to lay a firm foundation in my life. I am married to a wonderful man! We have had 9 years of ups and downs, but we made it through... together! He is my best friend, my confidant, my life, my love, my everything. What I am about to say in NO WAY undermines our marriage, our relationship!!! We are together forever, come hell or high water! Back in the summer of 1997, when my husband and I started first dating, I had 4 other guys trying to "steal" me away from him. But,…

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Posted by Amanda J Miller on July 18th, 2008 at 6:08pm — 3 Comments (Add)

Is this common?

I have a question for anyone who's willing to answer. Is it common for people with cancer to fear death or think about it a little bit more than the average healthy person? My husband thinks that my fear of death, or recent escalade in my amount of fear "screams" that I'm not the faithful good christian I claim to be. I just thought it would be normal for someone in my shoes! Oh, I finally got my genetic test results back! I have the Profuse Polyposis form of FAP. Basically, it means that I cou…

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Posted by Amanda J Miller on July 17th, 2008 at 5:58pm — 4 Comments (Add)

Comment Wall (18 comments)

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At 9:36pm on September 16th, 2008, Jen Puglise said…: Amanda- i was checking in and wondering what you've been up to. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. She is a strong woman. Wow, I was so scared to have my lines and vetilator removed by the medical professionals. I can't imagine doing it myself. You will do great for your surgery. You will be in my prayers and I will be sending good vibes to all the people taking care of you. If you have any struggles with your new lifestyle (colostomy) please ask me anything. Even little changes can make a big difference. take care and peace to you- Jen

At 3:44am on September 14th, 2008, Amanda J Miller said…: Hi all!

Well, I finished all my chemo and radiation. Now, I have to do an MRI, EKG, and blood tests, and my surgery is set for October 2nd! Please remember me, as I am scared to death!

At 12:18pm on September 9th, 2008, Vivian said…: Hi Amanda, just sent you a note, then read below. Sid just went thru the surgery. He had a epidurol in his back. Do you know if you will be getting one? It was a blessing for him. He was able to recuperate his first four days with really good pain management. I know you will do well with surgery. So sorry to read about your Mom. You are all in my prayers. Vivian

At 3:01am on September 2nd, 2008, Amanda J Miller said…: Hey Everybody!

I'm sorry I haven't written lately! Things have been a "nightmare" lately. I ended up being hospitalized 2 weeks ago. My sodium and potassium were way too low. I ended up needing a blood transfusion. But, that did seem to do the trick!

I have also had a faimly "crisis". My mom has been in the hospital for over a month. She has a diabetic "ulcer" on her back, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis. Last Wednesday, mom had a surgery to debrate the "ulcer". But, her lungs weren't strong enough, so she was put in ICU on a ventilator. (Which, she took the liberty of removing by herself before the doctor go there) Mind you, her arms were tied to the bed when she did that! Also, she ripperd out her central line (youknow, a port), chewed through the wire that measures your pulse/ox, spit her pills in the nurses face, and bit my dad! As you can imagine, things in my family have been pretty stressfull lately. (That's the understatement of the year!!!)

Well, now I'm scared beyond belief about my surgery. I keep wondering if I'll end up on a ventilator. Or, that I'll act like my mom. I'm sorry, but I'm still very nervous and scared about my surgery! I'm at that stage between the end of chemo and radiation, and now I'm waiting for my surgery, so I can go back to chemo (Ugh!!).

Well, I shall talk to you all later!

At 7:52pm on August 17th, 2008, LolaBloom said…: Hi Amanda,
Checking in to see how things are going and how you are feeling. Loads of hugs being sent your way!

At 11:33pm on July 17th, 2008, Jen Puglise said…: hey, amanda! how are you? i love your new hair do. it is super cute and i think it makes your face shine! take care and good luck on the 5 FU. xo- Jen

At 3:59pm on July 3rd, 2008, Vivian said…: Hey Amanda! That's great one week down! Cause for a celebration. Treat yourself! You deserve it. Glad to hear no side effects. Yup we know all about that darn roller coaster!!! I've gotten a never-ending pass! Hopefully you'll have more ups than downs! Take care of yourself and wishing you a good day. Viv

At 8:20pm on June 29th, 2008, Amanda J Miller said…: Just a quick shout out,... for anyone who is on chemo, do you every get a low grade fever as a side effect? I'm on 5-FU, and very night since friday I have had a fever. Friday it was 100.5, sat. was 99.3, and today was 99.4. Does anyone else have this poblem?

At 7:48pm on June 25th, 2008, Amanda J Miller said…: Well, I have FINALLY started chemo and radiation. (YES!!!) I hope no one minds it, but I'm excited about getting things started! So far I feel ok, but I've only gotten 2 days of chemo and 3 days of radiation. I like having the chemo pump. Sometimes it getts frustrating, but I'm getting the hang of it! Doc said that if everything works out, which I'm trying NOT to get my hopes up, they can change my colostomy into an internal J-pouch. It would be nice!

At 7:00pm on June 23rd, 2008, TrumpeterIris said…: Hey Amanda,
I had/have (long story!) a rare rectal cancer as well which caused me to have a temporary ileostomy for about 5 months....they were able to reverse it, but if you want any support or have questions about dealing with it I do have some life experience in this area....let me know! :)
Love,
Amy

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