Blair Lanning’s Medical Assistance

Blair’s update

Greetings! I thought it was time to update folks.

Back in October, I went in to have a chemo port implanted in my chest. Yes, I have cancer, breast cancer to be exact. Upon waking up I began to vomit and in order to get that stopped I was given lots of medicine which made me go to sleep. I didn’t wake up. After rushing me lights and siren across town, it was discovered that I had had a hemorrhagic stroke. I had a stroke that was bleeding in my head. Initially, it was thought that I had another aneurysm but that wasn’t the case.

I was kept medically unconscious for 4 weeks in Mercy’s Neurology intensive Care Unit. After draining the blood from the base of my brain, I was awakened and transferred to a Specialty Hospital for further recovery and then on to Baptist to begin my rehab. I was in a total of 3 hospitals. There is no memory for me of the days before the port was installed. I spent a total of 2 months in the hospital.

I’ve been home since the middle of December and have done 9 weeks of chemotherapy. My oncologist and I decided to do the easy chemotherapy first while I worked to improve my strength. It’s amazing how much there is to recover from after lying in bed for 2 months. LOL! Each week is a little more challenging, but I am determined to beat this cancer. My physical therapy sessions have gone from twice a week to once a week and the sessions include speech (working on my short-term memory), occupational therapy and physical therapy. I can walk in the house by myself but when I am out and about, I use my rolling walker. Sometimes I lose my balance and I lean drastically to the left.

Between the stoke and the chemotherapy, I haven’t been able to go back to work. I try to work a few hours a day from home but there are days it is a challenge.

There is no doubt in my mind that the good Lord kept me alive for a reason. He has a use for me. Although I don’t know what that purpose is, I will continue to improve my body and mind and pray that He reveals it to me.

I am beyond grateful for each of your prayers and contributions. I do not believe I would be here if it weren’t for your help. Please continue to pray for me and my family. This journey has been difficult for David and Olivia and not a journey I ever expected to take myself. The difficulties for me are minimal and are easily overcome with a call to the doctor, talking to my family or upgrading medications. I know the Lord is carrying me through this journey and my faith is strong.

The only thing I worry about now is money. Not even considering the fact that no one has toilet paper. One of the main side effects from my chemo is severe diarrhea and keeps me in the bathroom for a long time. If you would consider donating to our Medical Expense fund, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.