A Happy Birthday

Thursday turned out to be a day I can describe only as "wretched" -- most of the day I spent in bed. This meant that the chemotherapy drugs had caused anemia, so that I did end up spending seven hours today at the hospital receiving a blood transfusion. It turned out to be a relaxing time and actually went fairly quickly. I have to say that I feel a LOT better than I did 24 hours ago. As it happened today is my birthday, and I was treated so well by my friends and family that it more than made up for the time spent at the hospital. I felt very loved and cared for as Willie fixed breakfast for me; several people called to wish me a Happy Birthday; others stopped by with or sent flowers and gifts; a number sent cards or e-mails; and one prepared us a wonderful meal of pot roast, vegetables, cantaloupe and homemade cookies. Highlighting the day was a phone call with Peter, Heather, Delia (3), Hayley(3) and Spencer (2) singing "Happy Birthday" and creative homemade birthday cards from Kurt, Barb, Megan and Ethan. I end the day feeling content.

NEXT STEPS

"Just a quick note to say that Jenny and I made the decision to stay with the Taxol and Carboplatin for my next chemo session on June 5. We will do the Taxol drip at a lower level that, hopefully, I will tolerate. It just means it could take 7 or 8 hours to complete the entire sequence. One other concern -- I have felt really bad today -- headache and dizziness, especially. Jenny said that I was borderline needing a blood transfusion, and that the blood count would go down even more over the next few days. If I am feeling as bad tomorrow as I have today, I will have to go in for the transfusion on Friday (May 22). It takes 6 to 8 hours. But for now I am going to bed to get a good night's rest." by Pattie...

TWO STEPS FORWARD,,,, ONE STEP BACK

Yesterday's Thoracentisis was among the very best of the nine that Pattie has had. Dr. Nicholls, head of staff of Community Hospital, was not only skilled, but very personable and informative about Plural Effusion (fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs). The relief from breathing difficulty was so helpful in giving Pattie the gift of a better night's sleep than she had had in quite some- time. Today, Chemotherapy was not quite as successful. After meeting with Jenny Fox's Physician's Assistant, Pattie went to the "Infusion Room" to receive the treatment. Shortly into it she began to have severe pain in her lower back and more coughing than usual. Nurses responded immediately, withdrawing her from the taxol and administering an antirejection /anti allergic medication. It was determined that Pattie had developed an alergy to the level of taxol that she was receiving, and they started over, gradually increasing from smaller dosages. To make a long story short, Pattie ended up having about 1/2 the intended Chemotherapy infusion. Jenny Fox was with patients in the hospital, but directed the situation from that venue through her P.A. We have an appointment for next Wednesday afternoon to follow up with Dr. J. Fox. We were so hoping that this treatment would be the one to diminish the fluid buildup and take a step closer to getting rid of the oxygen nuisance, but we'll see what happens. Thanks for hanging in there with us.

NEW, BUT FAMILIAR

Two challenges are on the horizon in the next couple of days. Tomorrow will be thoracentesis number 9 in 10 weeks. Friday late morning and early afternoon will be Chemotherapy session number 2. Please continue to lift Pattie up in prayer as we embrace all the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of this phase of our lives.

Hair Loss and Wigs

Four or five days ago the entire top of my head became tender and sensitive. It turned out to be clue #1 that I would soon start losing my hair. Friday and today whenever I comb my hair, a significant amount of it comes out in my comb. This has been especially true on the top of my head. And so soon I will know what shape my head has. Thursday I had my first encounter with trying on wigs. I don't think I was seriously thinking of a wig as a substitute for my own hair; it was like I was going to attend a costume party. Nothing looked like me. One day I will move on, buy a wig and have my hair dresser cut and style it; but not right now. One of the drawbacks was that all the wigs have coarse and thick hair; I am used to fine and thin hair. Another problem was that after about a half hour of trying on wigs, my nostrils became very irritated, and I started to sneeze. Then I remembered that I have always had that reaction to fur - real or faux. So whether or not I will ever wear a wig may be a mute question. In the meantime there are plenty of scarves and hats to be had. Pattie K

A Day of Blessings

Today I physically felt the best I have felt since being diagnosed with cancer. On top of that the day was filled with good things: a good night's sleep; a bright sunshiny day; celebration of the good healing of my body since surgery one month ago today; a successful time getting the fluid drained from my lung; Willie there with me to encourage me and monitor my oxygen; lilacs from a friend; four handmade scarves for when I have a bald head from a fellow cancer patient; brownies from another friend; soup for dinner tonight brought by a friend yesterday; energy to get the ironing done; success in setting a time to look at wigs tomorrow. I am indeed blessed. Pattie K

GOOD NEWS

At the appointment with Jenny Fox yesterday we were thrilled to have her examine Pattie's rash and declare it not to be shingles after all! She said " we will watch it closely, but that does NOT seem to be what I know to be shingles". Further "you can stop taking the pills and that will take care of the nausea and headache side effects too". The very best part is that Pattie can resume eating peanut butter! A hemoglobin shot was given to boost the levels and the rest of the day was reasonably good. Today started quite well, with the exception of some extra tiredness... which will likely become a familiar companion as we take next steps along this familiar, unwelcome detour. What is hoped to be the final lung fluid tap is scheduled for next Wednesday. Thank you for walking this road with us. It is comforting and very reassuring to know that we do not walk alone.