X-TREE, X-TREE. Read all about it-Bloggers Return!

Well,
Eileen had had an unusually busy day yesterday. She insisted on doing several loads of laundary (& folding mine, bringing it up & putting it away). I was working on calenders for Dad & Eileen's schedules so I wasn't watching her too closely. We had slept a bit late but once up, she was eating & doing & phoning. She was also noticing a large amount of hair loss suddenly so I did some research & we selected a short wig, styled & colored like her hair Then I made a pork roast & she couldn't wait for the Doc to get home so she could eat b /c it smelled soooo good. (Very unusual). She ate well & chatted for quite some time w/ Phil so she was tired when she went to bed. (I've never seen her so active since she arrived 11/17).
This morning, our question list made for Dr. Cross - her big one "Do you think I'm going to beat this thing?" - we were ready for the appt so when she wasn't getting up, I let her sleep in. Meanwhile, I ordered the wig & accessories & got Phil's calender posted & current on the fridge (He said he thought it was Eileen's calender) We put the wreath & elf away & all of a sudden it was 11:30 & our appt was @ 1:00! I got her up, got a shower while she downed some Boost, she got showered & dressed & we were there a fashionably 10 minutes late. She had her blood drawn, weighed in @ 93 lbs on their scale (91 last weigh-in) & we waited for Dr. Cross in the treatment room. She was uncomfortable - had awakened during the night w/ pain in her R arm, R shoulder, R scapula & across the midline of her back to the L scapula area (where Henry, Jr. had been - he's since disappeared) But she had to take 2 Vicodin which is probably why she slept in.
Anyway, Dr. Cross asked lots of questions re: her reactions to treatment, energy, pain , location, any edema, new pain sites plus appetite & eating regimen. Then it was her her turn. She asked about hair loss. He said he was surprised b/c this combo of drugs doesn't usually cause loss of hair - except in the presence of general malnutrition, especially protein deficiency. So she had to fess up re: her treatment of Boost as meals, not supplements, & promised to eat more meals - like the pork roast last nite. But. He seemed genuinely happy that her wt. had gone UP b/c he had expected a drop from post chemo nausea & diarrhea. (Of course, he had covered that w/ a new anti-nausea drug given w/ the chemo so she's had NO nausea or diarrhea.)
Then she asked (after telling him how wonderful & efficient the care was Saturday @ Va. Oncology) whether she could make that her home base & have her treatments on Tues., Wed., & Thurs. w/ Bld work on Monday. He said, "SURE! and we can draw your blood Tuesday - I get the results right away & can change your dosage if necessary." We were @ Beach Gen. from noon until 9 PM Thursday & she was there from 8:30 AM until 6:30 PM Friday.Saturday, her fluid treatment was started @ 1:15 & finished @ 3:15. Her NEW schedule for the last round of round 2 is Gemzar x 1, ie, Wednesday, and NO IV fluids b/c no Carboplatin)(platinum)(got it last wk), then )her week off
So, let's follow along: Leenie is on a 3 wk (21 day) regimen of chemo. She only gets platinum once. So wk 1, Day 1 (Tuesday) = Gemzar; Day 2 (Wednesday) = Carboplatin - platinum, which depletes fluid - and Day 3 (Thursday) IV fluids. Day 4 is the following Tuesday, when she gets only Gemzar & therefore does not need IV fluids or a "day 5". The following week is her week off. In this case, at the conclusion of cycle 2 (2 wks of chemo; 1 wk off (21 days), she will have the CT's & x-rays of the neck, thorax (lungs) and C-spine, if indicated.
This last evaluation was sparked by the persistence/exacerbation of pain in R arm, now radiating to mid-back @ scapula level and the to L scapula area. Dr. Cross said the cause of this pain pattern can be 1) the radiation treatment which damaged the R brachial plexus nerves OR 2) pathology in the Cervical spine at the neck level such that the exit holes for the nerves leaving the spinal column & going out to supply the R & L shoulders & arms are being pressured by a cancer metastatic node causing interruption/aberrant signals to the muscles of both arms & shoulder areas. If this is the case, those cancer nodes must be eradicated so that nerve supply is normal again. Dr. Cross has ordered an MRI of the C-Spine to be done this Thursday @ Beach General so that he will have the results on Monday, 02/02, her next office visit.
Her White Blood Count (WBC) went from an initial 2.1 (very low) to 5.1 (very good) this wk and her Hemoglobin was 35 and Hematocrit 10 (low, but OK red blood cell count.) Don't know today's results.
When Leenie asked him how he thought she "was doing" - a toughy -, he said, "Really well. You haven't had any ill effects from the chemo; your weight is going up; you seem less tired. I'm very pleased." Eileen responded, "That makes me feel GREAT!" to which Dr. Cross did his shy smile. Then she asked, in that she's been taking all these pills, but not THE pill, could she be pregnant, and dear Dr. Cross, blushed & finally laughed, saying, "Anything's possible!"
She was flying - & craving a corned beef sandwich. So we went to "No Frills Grill", she chowed down, came home & took a nap & is contentedly reading.
And that's the truth. . . .
Lorane

PS: These words will have to be worth 1,000 pictures b/c I'm too pooped to mess w/ it.

,

Wednesday - 01/21/09 - much ado about nothing, save sleep deprivation

Up @ 5:30 to wait for the call telling us to go to Norfolk or Virginia Beach General for 3 hours of Gemzar Infusion plus IV fluids. And at

10 AM a frazzled Marylyn called to say, "I guess Wednesday is a very busy day." Sooo busy that Leenie will have to wait until tomorrow. Also Dr. Cross has changed the regimen from Gemzar on day 1 and Platinum on day 2 to Gemzar days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and Platinum ONLY on day 6 of week 3. Apparently her blood work indicated that she responds better to Gemzar and he is quite convin ced that the Primary is lung for which Gemzar is the best bullet, Platinum attacking pancreatic more effectively. The dosage will be higher (if bld work permits) and the side effects less severe. So tomorrow & Friday = Gemzar & Saturday is IV fluids. Naturally, the disappointment was palpable all day and for toppers she was having increased pain on the Right rear shoulder. She DID eat well and rest with a little help from chemistry.

So here's to tomorrow and the 0utfi t that will become de rigueur in every Infusion Department in the country!

,

Move Update

As expected, last weeks temperatures. were too low to move. Friday was the coldest day in Cleveland in 15 years, 13 below zero. We will be moving this weekend and I decided to go with a 10x15 locker. . Its going to come to $133/mo including insurance and tax, not too bad compared to other prices I looked at.

I'm still having trouble with the post-office and forwarding the mail. I filled out the change-of-address form and I am still receiving mail. I'll be going to the post-office Friday morning to straighten it out (hopefully the "change" the new president promised has motivated the postal workers to "change" their work ethic and attitude. I won't hold my breath)

Mom, it might help speed up the mail process if you contact the important people- Board of Education, Credit Card Company, The hospitals, etc. and have them change your address. I'll keep working on the union workers up here and see if I can get any help from them.

I hope the visitors over the weekend lifted your spirits! Please let us know how today's chemo treatment went.

Go Cardinals!

Tuesday - 01/20/09

There is the cutest pic of Leenie in these absurd pink clarabelle slippers . . .
But since it's late & I can't upload it, I'll just say the visit was fun, hectic and crowded with funny little people wanting to play with everything/body showing NO interest in the Steeler game.
Tomorrow, Leenie begins round 2. (She went from 88 to 91 lbs during the festivities!). She had blood work done today. Tomorrow, she will hav3 a 3 hr. infusion of Gemzar & IV fluids; Thursday, the Platinum & IV fluids & Friday IV fluids.
She is not as tired but this session will take its toll. I'll be force-feeding & generally bitching @ her b/c nutrition is her only armor.
She enjoyed the inauguration today but is tense about the chemo session so boot those prayers up. It's freezing and grey which really gets her down but I keep telling her it's great weather for lots ofr hot "Boost" & long, cozy naps with Bridie whose job is to warm Leenie's feet & negotiate a few potato chips.
Soooo sorry about the font color - must have had sun /hapiness on my mind - "burning", Brian? (By the the by, Bri, Molly called 2 days ago wanting to know if B-r-i-a-n was here. . .)
And Tim, great job with the sale. I guess you sold the heater separately b/c Uncle Phil just had to buy one for our dryer. "and the plane crashes. Then nobody wins. . ." Forget you wrote that, Tim. I'm trying to.
L
,

Wednesday - 01/14/09

Hey,
Quiet day. Leenie's intake - fluids & solids - continues to be good. So good that she refused to weigh in this morning, as promised, b/c she was eating (& talking snippily with food in her mouth). She really seems to be getting better. The mass on her left scapula is now GONE. Very pleased about that.
She rested, read & got her room in order while I had STEELERS' gold highlights put in my hair. Quiet evening, making possible/changeable plans for the weekend visit of Kath & the twins. Emotions are running high - hell, what isn't these days - but I trust the rewards will be commensurate. . .
Lorane
,

Update on the Move

-Queen Size Mattress.......................................................$75
-Queen Size Box-Spring w/ Frame
(sold separately from mattress).....................................$40
-Chevy Lumina w/ 155,000 miles, No
Heat, Poor Tires, an Oldsmobile Steering Column,
Broken Locks, a smoking engine that has
been sitting in below freezing temps for 6 weeks.........$200
-Watching two Spanish guys named
Ricardo and Alex spend 45 minutes getting
the frozen Chevy Lumina to start...................................Priceless.


Sunday was packing day and with the Help of Betsy, Linda and Zubin, we were able to finish wrapping, boxing, and organizing all the contents of Mom's Apt. Most everything was placed in boxes and prepared for the move. With the help of Craigslist, I was able to acquire some extra moving cash by selling the above items. Still have a couch and entertainment center posted and I am accepting offers. You wouldn't believe the amount of phone calls I received on just the car alone. And, I'm sorry to inform Aunt Lorane and Uncle Phil, you were the last two to use the queen size bed as a whole, the parts were sold separately.

The move, which was originally going to happen this past weekend was moved to next weekend. Unfortunately, the Cleveland weather forecast is calling for single digit temperatures with negative wind chill temps all weekend. Needless to say, the move might get bumped back another week (sorry landlord) unless my small army and I muster up the courage to brave the frigid temps. (nothing a few shots of whiskey can't handle). Either way, the packing is done and all is ready to be moved.

I plan to rent a U-Haul of the 16-17 foot variety which should accomodate all of Mom's belongings in one trip. We will be storing it all, with the exception of some clothes, the china, silver, crystal, a few paintings, and two mirrors, in a storage facility near-by (still needs to be reserved). I'm going to guess that with the number of guys that volunteered (hopefully they show) to help and the first-floor layout of Mom's Apt, the move shouldn't take too long. That is all for now--back to torts, contracts, legal writing, and criminal law.


Tim H

Mom's New Email Address

Eileenhuber@gmail.com

01/12/09 - Monday

Well, well,

It started slowly, this day. Lots of ennui,en we sat. And sat. Shopped upstairs for snacks. Started to get irritable listlessness, frenzy re: unfinished calender for Dr. Cross.

But. Suddenly it was time to leave for the 2 PM progress appt. Calender still not done (to our satisfaction) so notes made re: info he might need; symptoms occurring during this "first round of chemo". (Runs 2 out of 3 wks so she's off this wk)

We were on time; Leenie signed in @ 2:05 PM. Then we sat. And sat. And went uptstairs shopping for snacks. One hr. & 45 min. later, Leenie approached the crackerjack receptionist, reminded her that she signed in for a scheduled appt. w/ Dr. Cross @ 2: 05 PM and what the Hell!!

OOOPs. Lots of scurrying; what's her name? Doctor who?
Did she sign in? etc.

Then a frenzied worker bee escorted us to Dr. Cross' examining area, muttering the while about checking the shedder, caqlling ahead to Dr. Cross, etc. . .

And Leenie announces as a tata to the waiting room, "I don't think I heard an apology, did you?" We were ushered right in to the examining rm ("You've been sitting too long!") Soon Dr. Cross came in, apologized for Leenie's incarceration in "Reception" and got down to the business of how she is doing.

He's not a cartwheel kind of guy, but in his measured, dolcit tones he allowed as how,she hadn't had any bad, untoward effects from the chemo, her blood work was fine (what one expects) she seemed less lethargic (she is) and his plan was to start round 2 next week. The mass on he left scapula was smaller so the disease = not progressing and she has no nesw symptoms. The only pain is in her right arm (wakes her up from sleep) which is from tbhe radiation of the lg mass which also destroyed the brachial plexus in that arm.

He answered questions (she'll have her blood work the afternoon before chemo AT VIRGINIA BEACH GENERAL - WALKABLE - AND HER THERAPY THERE AS WELL WHICH IS GREAT BECAUSE IF THE STRONGER, 2 DRUG TREATMENT HITS HARD, SHE'S CLOSE TO HOME)

"Please call me ANY time for ANY thing. I'll see you next week. . ."

Se was tired but took a short nap. Then went to the computer, changed her email address, prin ted out her contacts & cancelled her phone.

She's back and hungry b/c then she had a nice portion of blackened chicken Alfredo to complement the 1070 cc's (almost 2 liters) of fluid she had already had today.

Lookin' good . . .

Lorane

,

Sunday, 01/11/09 ?

My, My,
We've been too busy to report.
Friday, Leenie stayed home & finally got Dr. Cross' nurse. We have an appt. with him Monday - tomorrow! & we still haven'tdone our daily report calender! - we guess to discuss the treatment schedule , answer questions & seek advice.
Later in the day,Phil , on his way to work, brought Leenie over to Jen's to play with Emma. She had been really full of herself all day (all week, I'm told). Friday she only spoke Chinese but she was very helpful in preparing her luncheon for all of the family/friend kids on the fridge. She even cleaned up afterwards b/c I was taking pictures. When Leenie got there, they were both fresh from a nap & the Peanut proudly showed Leenie her "new" playroom - entire den. Leenie was most impressed w/ a ? 2.5 ft. square "tent" with activities on the inside & out on each wall. The degree of difficulty re: placing Elmo-eyes balls into all manner of slots/holes increases & we are at base 1. But we LOVE to sneak into the tent & hide (of course she can be seen but soesn't seem to realize this) Jennie used to play under tables - where's Jennie??? Giggles x 5 minutes until, "THERE she is!" Peanut does the same routine so it was a perfect game for Leenie. Personally I think she wants one of her own - especially the wall involving keys in different geometric shapes & colors necessary to open the round door to retrieve the ball. Lots of laughs there.
We got Chinese (somehow we were in the mood) on the way home & were in pig heaven.
Saturday, we slept late but designed the daily schedule. Great design. Then we read, did laundry, discussed food changes and sent brother Phil to Sam's for special requests. Phil & I went to 5:30 mass & brought Leenie the Eucharist. While we were gone, she had a nice chat w/ Phil Topping. Then they watched basketball & Bridie & I groomed & got the crib ready for Patrick b/c I think Philip is coming over to watch the Steeler game. We're doing Brats & meatball, sandwiches. I want to see If I can get the brats black with the "golden" rolls. Or maybe not. We'll let you know how our visit w/ Dr. Cross goes. . .
Lorane
,

Thursday and where IS everybody. . .

Hi Y'all,
You know, the second part of yesterday ("Day 1") was a bit incomplete. But we were all tired & things were stable and, well, sometimes shit happens and you just don't think it's worthy of the ink. And it wasn't, still isn't but it's a positive thing that preceded a frustrating day - which had a great conclusion by the by.
Anyway, when we got home from the protracted therapy we actually went over the pertinent paperwork re: possible side effects, when to call the doctor, etc. And darn it wouldn't you know that Leenie's much-needed nap was interrupted by diarrhea - a flagged side effect of course. Soooo, she took 2 Imodium & was to take one after each episode. I think she may have taken 1 more and then slept until 5 AM. I, of course, slept very lightly & distinctly recalled seeing - & waving to her - around 4 AM, naturally thinking the runs were still upon us.
In fact, she was fine, I slept late, Dr. Cross' office finally returned yesterday's call @ 9 AM & Phil told them Leenie was still abed.
Obviously his nurse was not pleased & Leenie spent the remainder of the day trying to reach this nurse practitioner who alone knows when her next appt./treatment is - information that would be more than handy what with the prospect of happiness & comfort & enjoyment of Leenie's visiting detail next weekend.
MY frustration centered on "the TV Guy", as my son is fond of referencing. TV Guy is part of a wonderful Christmas present from our children which, once installed, will allow us to see both cable & local, ie Steelers' games, on our tvs. I don't ask questions but you have to be "special" to know TV Guy & he had been here once w/ Philip under some ruse & during much company & confusion. I just recall asking him to help Julie (or anybody) to rotate & straighten the Christmas tree - & everyone glared - except TV Guy.
Well today, he was supposed to finish the present (Doc Phil growled @ me, "we're watching the game @ Phil's Sunday so you don't need anything from SaM's. WE WILL NEVER GET CBS!") And Leenie called nurse practitioner again (she was on a break) I fed the dog (again), Philip called to say TV Guy was going to be late, Doc Phil came home from Sam's (sans saurkraut) & got ready for work. Then Bridie loudly announced TV Guy, one Ron Taylor, dear friend/helper of Robyn's parents, who, armed w/ several boxes and 4 hrs of chit chat installed, set, tested "tv things" and instucted me about things TV such that we get local channels & cable beautifully, I know more about his personal, psychological, social and professional life than anyone in the world (AND the same HIIPA-forbidden info about his former wife, "multi-personalitied-daughter and her 7 year-old (TV Guy-raised since 4 mos) guitar progeny son ). And Leenie was told to please call back tomorrow. Philip will be coming over to watch the Steelers w/ Molly & Patrick & Julie left a message (who had time to answer the phone?) that they will be baptizing Mia on February 6 @ 1 PM in Richmond.
So Leenie's Day 2 was really good from a medical point of view - what's a little diarrhea - but she's pissed at the nurse practitioner whose hours, per Leenie, are about 3.5/day w/ Weekends & Wednesdays off (the Virginia "w" rule). That's it. Gotta watch TV. . .
Lorane
,

Tuesday, Wednesday

Hi,

Yes, we were missing but in some hectic action. Yesterday, Leenie was pacing & edgy prior to our meeting with the financial aid person. Naturally we were late. She had given us specific instructions - as is her wont - to be in the lobby of specific bldg X at specifically 10 AM whence we would dial a 10 digit number followed by the cagey & specific "1 2 3 #" which would precipitate her appearance with specificity and punctuality and gracious leading of the way to our specific trysting place.

Wellll, it was raining, we left our house @ roughly 9:45 AM and amused ourselves during the trek into downtown Norfolk fumbling through a manila envelope stuffed with sheafs of information in the form of documents, bills, various lists of thigs Eileen did not own, so very short lists, and official profers of identification, ie, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Automobile Titles which Leenie also did not have thereby lightening the manila load considerably.

We were maneuvering this treasureless trove alternately with the large telephone book because we thought we were to use the magic number only when we were once inside the lobby of Specific X so we were trying to find the general public's access to Ms. Susan Massey which was complicated by the fact that "the Bitch", as Leenie is fond of saying, is employed by "ChamberlinEdmunds", Eligibility Specialists which service, if one chooses to let one's mind roam, could lead to dastardly provisions indeed. (And I do think they should have kept the 'a' in Chamberlin if they wanted to play with the adults, don't you?) It's of no moment as neither Ms. Massey nor her august employer were listed. We were getting frazzled - but almost there - (it's so hard to scan tumbling pieces of paper & "manage" a phone book search when you're driving a rented vehicle (My poor little "back-ender" is still in ICU) with wipers going on when I thought I'd used a directional & vice versa). Wellll, 3 blocks from the Medical Center Campus, the cell rings - somewhere between us & I found it to be the Massey woman herself so we went right into gear using those terribly relieved, happy, embarrassed, nauseating tones of voice saved for such occasions as I relayed to Leenie how fortunate we were b/c you'll never believe. . ."oh, no, really? Please let me explain to her. . ."And so it was that minutes later, I dropped Leenie off at the Main Hospital adjacent to the Childrens' Hospital, sporting its Charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory "look"and went off to the parking garage, visible in the far, bleak distance, telling her I'd meet them wherever. But no, after schlepping back, about to inquire as to Leenie's location, Leenie called my name from behind, simply saying, "Lorane. There she is. She insisted on waiting for you."

And after settling comfortably into 3 office desk chairs lined against the wall in a hallway, the Meeting began. Forms, forms, forms. . .questions, questions, questions - state and federal - re: who are you, how did you get here, whom are those living at this address and this address? And cryptic comments, her favorite being, "I can only write down what you tell me.". Leenie & I would take turns with what seemed to be feeble attempts at clarification - "Yes, she's not able to work because she is disabled. (one of her blank-tape glares) "Ah, I see. She is disabled because the cancer causes a great deal of pain. . . because the cancer prevents her from using her right arm presently. . .because she doesn't have the stamina to point to an unruly student. . .". Finally, she scoured her notes with the order & dexterity of the astigmatic and said, "What was the first thing you said, 'the cancer completely interferes with her ability to function'"; that will have to do. After an overly extended discussion of "Of which state is Eileen a resident?" - a matter which will be decided by codified law & the state which harbors her person at this time, Leenie signed 20 or so forms which will now be processed, ruled upon and either accepted or appealed.

Our "advocate" scurried off mumbling, to the Great Eligibility Shaman, her Supervisor, where they would chant, choose and chain the matter UP - perhaps to Chamberlin him/herself. . .

We lunched at a divine, very old-Southern-Townehouse-turned--cafe and admired the lively, giggling octagenarians who were having a wear-an-outrageous-hat Happy New Year luncheon. And Leenie had a marvelous open faced medium rare roast boef sandwich and their specialty muffins.

Whew!

This morning came rather quickly. We were off to the Medical Center for round #2 of Chemo #1 therapy. I had called Dr. Cross Monday on another matter and he told me it would be today @ 9:30 AM- don't be late; when we got home from "The Painted Lady" lunch yesterday, Phil told us Leenie would be having chemo at 8:00 AM today; Leenie then called and the nurse said her treatment would start at 8:30 AM. (As a nurse, this would burn me. And if half way through treatment, Clara Barton leans over & sweetly inquires reassuringly, "You are Ms. Vooder, Hodgkins, right?" who can be so bold as to call Med Mal attorneys litigeous liars?)

The nurse (of course) was right. The system was wrong. First they drew blood for a complete blood cell count and, based on those results, Dr. Cross would be contacted, informed & given an opportunity to make chages in dosage, rate of infusion and any additional medications he felt might be warranted.

Therefore, the therapy/infusion of the chemo began around 8:20 AM & we left the hospital at around 1:45 pm. After pointing out some time-consuming problems, we all agreed that next week, Leenie can get her blood work done the afternoon before at a hospital she can walk to and the results will be faxed to the Infusion Center in Norfolk in time for the nurse to relay them to Dr. Cross for evaluation/recommendations.

We've been having a nasty, windy tropical storm since we arrived home. Perfect for sleeping. And so to bed.

Lorane

,

We invoke your special help, Saint Peregrine, for all religious life that they may remain faithful as you did to their vows, and ever steadfast in their commitment to Christ. We seek your merciful aid, Saint Peregrine, especially for those afflicted or threatened by cancer, by an ailment of the foot, or by any incurable diseases. Please, help us quickly to find a cure for cancer, and a remedy for all our human infirmities of soul, mind and body. Amen. --Prayer Accordint to the Life of Saint Peregrine, Patron Saint of Those Afflicted with Cancer.

Monday (Matt (Julie's husband's):b-day: comptonjl@gmail.com

Hi,
It was a really slow and "stuffy" day for Leenie. She's been eating so well but not keeping her liquid intake up with her solids. Result: Nutrition train came to a screeching halt - you know the feeling. But she got a little help and lots of room to fill up again. Sooo, starting w/ a little veggie Chinese, she's back on track.
Tomorrow, we'll be jamming. We will meet with the $ lady @ 10:00 am. She's been wonderful - not only with filing the forms for federal disability but procuring the Ohio forms so that Leenie can apply for Medicaid as well. And on Wednesday, Dr. Cross has scheduled blood work and her second round of the Gemsar at the Infusion Center.
We are hoping to take a break Thursday & see a movie. Keep those prayers coming - we're on a positive roll!
Lorane
,

Sunday

***************************************************************************************

Hi,

Late, but here. It's been that kind of day. We all slept in - enough to miss the 9 am mass. So, 11 it would be. Leenie had breakfast; sat out on the porch watching the water; then took a nap. It was too late for Phil & Leenie to get to mass so I got there, spoke @ length with Msgr. Ray and stopped @ Office Max b/c Leenie wanted to make her own Thank You notes on the computer & we weren't equipped?

Of course it was also football day; Dad was OFF; Jen dropped in for a visit and then Phil, Leenie & I gave each other the Eucharist - VERY special. After that, football; chores; Leenie read & napped - kind of contemplative, reclusive for the rest of the day. She was asleep by 10:15 and I think that was what she needed- no complaints, eating very well but - can I be alone to "digest", please?

And now, I think I'll follow suit - knitting up the ravelled sleeve of care and all of that. DO keep the comments and emailed photos coming . . .

Lorane

,

Friday & Saturday

Hi,

Looking at our posts, you'd think NOTHING happened on Friday. Au contraire. Dr. Ryan, in consort with Dr. Cross, discharged Leenie to home! (Every development seems tgo be a surprise). I was with Peanut & Brian & Paul had to get their plane, so Godson Philip brought Leenie home after gettng her prescriptions filled and stocking up on Hearty Campbell's soup. He called to say she was comfortable & glad to be home and that I should pick her nausea medicine up on the way home as they didn't have it ready. (He also doubted she would need it. She'd been eating quite well & was ready for her soup. Philip said the medicine she takes in the morning to increase her appetite is testosterone. (He's in pharmaceutical sales but he's also Philip, godchild of Leenie so who knows what it is).

Brother Phil got home around 4:30 & reported the same good news. It was truly amazing. I arrived around 6:30 and she looked wonderful! She's had none of the bad side effects of either drug and apparently we will be receiving instructions by telephone from Dr. Cross' staff re: her next treatment which will be Wednesday - probably at Dr. Cross' Oncology Center.

Leenie went from believeing death was embracing her on Monday to being an OUT PATIENT with a lot of reading and grateful prayers to say on Friday.

Today, Saturday, she was up before me (a fact she annoyingly made a point of noting), had toast w/ butter and strawberry preserves & coffee. Her face is fuller - 6-7 lbs or so fuller and she has real color in her cheeks (& maybe Tuesday we'll do something about getting the real color out of our roots)

It's a relaxing, cozy day. One would be surprized to think anyone here was anything but tip top re: health. (That may change if doc Phil has Emiryl's sausage for dinner. Leenie, Bridie & I will all need Compazine).

Till tomorrow,

Lorane

,

Mom Returns to Linbay

Mom was discharged from the hospital early Friday afternoon. When Paul and I left to go to the airport she was in great spirits and very excited about getting out. She gained six pounds this week, which is a big step in getting healthy again. The goal now is to continue this at home. Since Mom enjoyed the soup so much, we discussed stocking up on cans for easy access when she's home. Keep eatin' Mom!

~BDH

Hi,
It's a tad late but it's been a productive day. We recouped from the greeting of the new year & got Leenie's room taken apart & put back together with clean linen, etc. Dad Phil was working.
Jennie visited Leenie with the now ubiquitous DQ chocolate shake. She had a good portion of it & they had a relaxing visit.
Brian, Paul & I waited until around 4 to visit. Leenie was getting ready for dinner & reported that she had had the Platinum Chemo in the morning, tolerating it well! She was disappointed that she was not discharged today but is hopeful for tomorrow.
Doc Phil will be @ work; I'll be with the Peanut from 8 until 5:30; Paul & Brian will either take her home or lunch there, leaving in time for their 3 pm flight to Boston; if discharge is in the afternoon, her Godson Philip will get her there & settled and if discharge is late afternoon , Phil Sr. & I will get her around 6.
She looks far more energetic and is pleased to report that the chemo was tolerated well thus far & the meds that increase her appetite & decrease nausea are working. She's gained about 6 lbs since Monday.
Sooo, Dr. Ryan will make the discharge decision, relying on Dr. Cross' recommendations. All of her meds are oral and her mediport will be sealed until needed to administer Chemo as an outpatient next week. (That is our sincere hope & prayer)
I'll keep you in the loop, even if she spends the weekend in the hospital, the big news is that she actually started her course of treatment and did it without any negative side effects.
Keep her in your prayers & scan in photos with your comments. She really enjoyed going through the pictures of the bridal shower she gave on Devonshire for Charlene Costa in 1969.

Till the next "hurdle" day, 01/02/09. . . .
Lorane

Mom's Initial Chemo Regimen

Happy New Year Everyone.

In case anyone wanted a little more info on the the chemo that Mom's receiving, I've included the specific combinations below. If you click on the name of the drug, you'll be linked to a website describing the drug, it's side effects and some other information about it. Also, if you have any questions or comments (no matter how small) that you'd like one of us to ask Mom's doctors/nurses directly, please post them here.

I've also changed the blog format in hopes of making it easier on the eyes. If anyone has any other suggestions for improving it, please don't be shy about commenting!

Thanks,

~BDH

Wednesday: Gemcitabine (a.k.a: Gemzar)
Thursday: Carboplatin