Major Setback

Dear friends and family,

I am so very sad to report that Janet had a major setback on Thursday. Her legs had been swelling with excess fluids during the week, and despite our best efforts to control it, the accumulation went up into her abdomen. This caused her significant discomfort. Her shortness of breath and pain also increased. Yesterday Joan Chouili came over to check on Janet and we quickly agreed in the late afternoon to get her to Kaiser Kensington urgent care. After some preliminary evaluations, she was sent on to the emergency room at Holy Cross hospital. I finally left her at 3:00 am once it was determined that they would admit her to the hospital for further treatments starting on Friday morning. They will drain the abdomen with a thin needle on Friday morning. This will give her relief. More problematic is that her right lung has collected fluid and this must be dealt with too. Overall, her metabolism is out of balance. We are worried that because of this, the chemo may be delayed or started in the hospital. Both tracks have significant risk.
I will go to see her in early Friday afternoon and Aleta and GW will probably visit as well. I may ask for Joan or Robin to help too, but I think it is not appropriate for any other visitors. I will try to post an update later today.
God bless all of you who have supported Janet through these difficult times.
george