Update on Robin - 12/25/04

 
I figured it was time for an update on Robin, since it has been 11 days since the last message, and I've been getting lots of queries by e-mail. Before I to discuss her status, though, I want to thank all of our "family" for their prayers and support. I want to say that when I use the word "family," I speak of our "extended family" that goes far beyond the bonds of blood, which we do not choose. I am speaking of all those who have chosen to love us for whatever reason, and who have accepted us as a part of their lives in some way.

Our extended family from across the country (even the World!) have been praying for Robin. We have received great encouragement in cards, letters, e-mails, loving hugs, and verbal words. I don't think people really know how many others they have touched in their lives until a situation like this hits. From the response we have received, it is obvious that Robin has positively touched many lives. We want to send personal notes of thanks to each person, but that will take significant time. So in the mean time, please accept this as a token of our thanks to you, and to God, who has brought us together.

In general, I'd say Robin is doing pretty well. The Chemo symptoms have been manageable, and her spirit and hope seem good. Details follow below.

In my last message, Robin had just received her first Chemo treatment on Tuesday, December 14th. She seemed fine on Wednesday and Thursday, having only some sharp pains at night that kept her from getting a good night's sleep. On Friday, it hit her the hardest; she couldn't stand up without getting dizzy, so she stayed home from work that day. To me, the symptoms seemed to be like flu, with ache and pains, dizziness, and weakness, especially in the legs.

After that Friday, Robin seemed to rebound fairly well. She stays tired all the time and gets nauseated feelings easily. She has medications that she takes when those feelings start, and they seem to work. Her legs continue to feel weak to her; like they will buckle, but they do not seem to give out. She still gets the random pains, but they have become less intense, and she is learning to cope. Other than that, it seems like the same old Robin.

One different symptom that has occurred is in Robin's taste buds. She cannot eat or drink many foods due to the weird taste in her mouth. Anything with alcohol tastes like motor oil. For many years, Robin has been a "Diet Pepsi" addict, consuming "mass quantities" on a daily basis. However, since the Chemo, Diet Pepsi also tastes like motor oil, so she has switched to plain water or carbonated flavored waters. Spicy foods are definitely out. A friend at work suggested pasta and rice, and that, or soup, seems to work when she can't stand anything else.

The effects seem to be lessening over time, but she is still careful about what she eats, and she cannot drink Diet Pepsi.

Upcoming events:

On Tuesday, December 28th, Robin will go back to the oncologist to get her blood checked. They will be looking for drops in platelets, or red or white blood cells. They will give her some (very expensive) injections to boost production, if any of these is too low.

On Thursday, the 30th, Robin will get a PET-Scan to see if they can determine if the tumor on her trachea is cancerous. This test is not 100% conclusive, but it should give better indications than her previous scans, and it is less invasive than a biopsy.

On Tuesday, January 4th, Robin should receive her second chemo treatment. We are hoping that they have the PET-Scan results by then, but it is doubtful, since there are holidays in-between.

I'll try to send another update after this treatment.

With love and thanks to all, Larry

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