Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The chemo/radiation gig is definitely a land of hills and valleys. When you leave the valleys, you just have the feeling that you'll never see them again, and it's true, you won't see that particular valley again, but there is sure to be a new one around the corner! Yesterday wasn't all that good a day, though nothing specific, but last evening they found Shelley had a fever of over 102 again. So, that got them going on IV antibiotics being resumed, and a round of tests to determine the source of infection. Eventually, they got her fever down, and things calmed down again, and she had a "fair" night. Anyway that certainly dashed any hopes of going home today, which had been the plan for awhile.
Now, the news for this morning is that Shelley's white count it up to 2.5, a nice increase, and her ANC is 1400, which is nearly a normal level. Dr. Oncologist was in this morning--he's a unique "nerdy" bookish fellow, who actually carries a little black doctor's bag! The source of the infection remains a mystery, since all the test to try to determine that, have come back negative, buy guess the treatment is the same anyway--more IV antibiotics, at least through Saturday. Guess Shelley will know what her address will be for the next few days! They took the "neutropenic cautions" off yesterday, which means Shelley isn't quite as much at risk for picking up new infections.
A lot of the "plan" has been suspended while Shelley recovers a bit, but it was interesting to her that Dr. Oncologist doesn't plan, and has never planned, ot give more than two chemo treatments during radiation. So, that last two chemos will we done sometime after the radiation is in the past. What a relief to hear that! After Shelley's ANC is back above 1500, they will resume radiation. She just has one more treatment of regular radiation yet. Then they will do the "boost" which is concentrated in the area where the tumor was removed. That should give her poor beat up neck area a chance to start healing.
Right now, Shelley spends a lot of time sleeping, which is quite merciful--a wonderful way for time to pass. Her mouth, throat, tongue, nose and probably sinuses are full of sores. Her body makes lots of mucus to copy as the sores slough off the old cells and start healing. The mucus causes, coughing, gagging, choking, coughing, coughing and more coughing. Hopefully, any remaining tumor cells are finding their way down the drain these days, also.
Thanks again for checking in!
5 comments:
The J's said...
Obviously, very much one day at a time. But it's good that's really all we ahve to deal with anyway. Hoping for a continued recovery on this segment!
August 22, 2012 at 2:42 PM
Renee said...
So glad for the update!! Hang in there, Shelley. Your cheerleading section is cheering earnestly for you!! xo xo
August 22, 2012 at 2:46 PM
Gramma Lorna and Grampa Garland said...
So glad for the post so we are "up-to-date" again! Our thoughts are up there with you, Shelley, and know you are getting very special care with Dorothy and your family with you!! Keep your patient 'lil smile on and we'll try to stop by again soon! Love you!
August 22, 2012 at 4:18 PM
Unknown said...
Dear Shelley and family, Thinking of you all, sorry it took so long to get updated and have been thinking of you through this last week. I think for a minute that Parkinson's and all that goes with it are hard to deal with sometimes and then know that there are families out there going through so much worse. So, I am hoping that the mucus issue is soon behind you as that is bad enough on its own, but combined with everything else, well, that is just more than I can imagine. Glad you are close to home even if you can't be home and that family can be with you. Love, Jeanne
August 22, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Dan & Cyndie said...
We are cheering & keeping positive thoughts winging their way to you side. It's good news about the chemo & radiation separation :) and hopefully you can continue to get some rest. love you much & plan to pop in on you tomorrow :)
August 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM
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