Recovering Well - 6/24/05

 
The last update was about three weeks ago (June 3rd), after Robin was released from the hospital with her infection under control. Since then, Robin's scabs are starting to reduce in size, and there is no real sign of infection. She started going back to work, slowly building up her endurance. The first week, she put in three half-days at the office; the next week, she made five half-days. Last week, she made five days of about six or seven hours each day, and she is trying to go full time this week. She has also resumed playing piano at St. Luke's and St. Frances Cabrini, too.

Last week, Robin had appointments with her internist and with her oncologist. Robin's physician changed her prescriptions a bit, eliminating some and giving Robin warnings about others. She spent a long time with Robin, and gave her a pretty good report. Robin has developed a bit of an upper respiratory "infection", but she was not medicated for it. She still has it, but she seems to be improving.

Dr. McClure, Robin's oncologist discussed the pathology reports and explained that Robin is "Stage four". Although the prognosis is not rosey, she thought Robin's positive attitude was going to help her recovery. Dr. McClure explained that the surgery scabs must be (almost) gone before the next steps could be taken. She said that Robin would have four more Chemotherapy sessions, three weeks apart. The new chemicals are extremely toxic and can damage soft tissue, so they will not use the "Porta-Cath" that is embedded in Robin's chest, because any leakage might cause serious problems. The substance is very hard on the heart, so they will infuse her over a three day period using a pump that Robin will carry with her for those three days. The pump will be cause less-trauma to the heart, and it may also reduce the normal side effects (such as nausea) that are common with Chemo. Robin now has quarter-inch, peach-fuzz, white hair growing back, but Dr. McClure told Robin not to get too attached to it, because it will fall out again. According to the plan, after the four chemo treatments, Robin will receive six weeks of radiation, five days a week.

John and I are hanging in there with Robin. John is working at Walgreen's Pharmacy part-time, and is registered and oriented at the University of Houston. I am still looking for a job, and have gotten a couple of nibbles, but no firm bite yet.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers, but especially Robin. We feel that we are almost at the half-way mark now, at least for the foreseeable future. Only God knows for sure.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and good deeds that have helped Robin keep a positive outlook in spite of what the statistics imply. You can never know how much your support lifts her spirits!

Love and thanks,

Larry & Robin

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Out of the Hospital (AGAIN) - 6/3/05

 
Robin is out of the hospital. She got out on Friday afternoon at about 5:00pm. She is taking a serious oral antibiotic ($60 per tablet) twice a day for 10 days. She does not feel too bad, but she tires easily. The doctor said that if it continues to improve, we should come back in about 10 days. If the infection starts to worsen, she is to call and will have a debridement done to remove all dead tissue. We will let you know if that happens.

Robin hopes to go back to work on Monday, June 6th, but probably will not be there a full day because of lack of stamina.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Larry

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