Hi,It's been a while but we've been very busy. Leenie had a PET scan Monday and we met with Dr. Cross Tuesday to discuss the results. It seems that this cancer responds better to radiation than to chemo. Additionally, Henry's affinity for the exit of cervical nerve # 5 which goes to the shoulder and right arm/hand has become more exaggerated and is causing increasing pain and, therefore, the need for increasing amounts of pain medication. Henry, then, is the total focus. They began the mapping last week and she had her first radiation treatment Tuesday. Phil took her & was furious when after a 10 minute treatment, with very heavy pain meds on board, she emerged at the verge of tears. You can be sure he "handled" the situation. The techs had insisted that she keep her right arm straight at her side and NOT MOVE throughout treatment. This is the most excruciating position. When questioned, they really couldn't provide a reason for this position. When asked, "Do you just WANT your patients to be in pain?" they muttered & fumbled about, finally agreeing to place her arm & hand on a pillow across her chest (semi-flexed) the next time. And indeed, with Phil on hand again Wednesday, she was propped & positioned comfortably. Of course the dosage is very high so there is still discomfort but w/out the added insult od position nerve pain. This morning we went at 8:15 am b/c I have a cervical MRI @ 4 PM. (This time she's coming to hold MY hand.) And tomorrow, the LAST treatment of the wk will be at 3 pm but TIM WILL HAVE ARRIVED @ 1:30 so it will be more like a family outing/reunion. The kids have big plans for the weekend (he'd better pray for rain) and Leenie is just beyond excited. He'll be here until the 17th so we'll be wearin' the green starting tomorrow!
Happy St. Paddy's Day to one and all
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Happy St. Patrick's Day to the Leavy's and everyone else who celebrates!!! Eileen, remember in college how we would go downtown bar-hopping, drinking green beer and having a great time?
Thank you for all of the updates and good luck to Lorane tomorrow w/the MRI! I want to hear those results, too, please.
Love to all of you, Charlene
Dear Eileen Lorane and Phil,
Well, here it is...another Friday the 13th...whatever the hell that means! I just KNOW that St Patrick's Day is a great Day for libation and celebration. Hopefully, that C5 Henry issue will "lighten up" so Eileen can enjoy the Day that boasts the essence of our true Irish heritage. Luckily, we are NOT among those that are Irish for JUST 1 DAY, but Irish for EVERY glorious day!!!! YEAH!!! It kills me that Eileen has so much pain with her right arm and shoulder. And, Lorane, how are YOU?????? I hope that your cervical MRI is TOTALLY negative...now I am doubly praying, praying, praying.
I KNOW Eileen will be very, very happy to see that #4 son. May you all have a joyous time together. I will be thinking of all of you.
And Eileen, thanks for making me take that call from Dougger...I will always give you the credit for that one....may the wind ALWAYS be at your back! I love you, Marge
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