A Less Stressful Day

Our dear friends,

Janet had a much better day today.

After being roused early, she was trundled off in an ambulance again to the radiation therapy clinic. This time it was fast and smooth, since they had all the calibrations set. She was on and off the table in short order. Back at the hospital they did some more CT's and then things quieted down. A surgeon came by and said that surgery to get at the spine tumors was very risky and invasive. It is best to let the radiation and steroidal drugs to control swelling do their job. The thoracic surgeon came by and said that it would be best to leave her right lung alone since most of the fluid had lactulated. Thus, there will be no drain or drain tube. Dr. Hwang, Janet's primary onoclogist, came by and had a very good conversation with her. He regreted not being able to stay longer yesterday after Janet's MRI test. They decided they could not delay the chemo treatment any longer. Chemo at a reduced dosage will start on Monday. This also made Janet happy, since anything to attack the cancer is a step in the right direction. Then she was left to rest. She is getting movement back in her legs and is starting to eat again.

Tomorrow, she will be left alone to rest and recover. No treatments, no scans, just rest (we hope!). Janet's mother and I visited Janet for a 45 minute visit to get caught up and bring her some things to personalize her room. She is starting to read now. It was difficult to focus and concentrate, with all the drug effects, the pain, and the discomfort. She was much more comfortable today, but a bit tired, so we did not stay as long as I would have liked to. Even I am beginning to learn not to overstay my visits. It's best to let her rest.

By the way, Janet's mother is an unsung heroine in all of this.
(The picture is from two weeks ago.) Through thick and thin, she has been at home to help in whatever way she can. She came down about 1 week after the crisis set it. Laundry, minor cooking, answering the phone, taking messages (saving Janet from answering), lending a friendly ear, and more. She even has experience with and helpful tips about some of the medications Janet was taking. Not bad for an eighty one year old. These little things have been very helpful and both Janet and I appreciate it.

good night all.
george sr.