Healing Continues - 7/29/05

 
The last update was about three weeks ago, and I can tell by the questions that I am overdue with an update.

Last Friday, July22nd, Robin visited her GP and her oncologist. Her GP said she was doing well. Her blood work indicated that everything was fine except her bad cholesterol---it was 18---Way Low. The doctor wanted it below normal because of her diabetes, but this was lower than she expected. It was not really a problem; more of an oddity; but she decided to take Robin off of Lipitor. She also made some minor adjustments to Robin's insulin injections.

Robin's oncologist, Dr. McClure, inspected the wounds and felt they were healing well, but were not healed enough to start chemo yet. She also discussed an alternate chemo treatment, based on whether insurance would permit it. Instead of needing to wear a pump for several days, this would be infused in a few hours. It is the same chemo, but the chemicals are suspended in fat, which allows it to be released over time, just as the pump would. This is supposed to reduce some of the bad after-effects and it is easier on the heart. Anyway, the delay in starting the chemo will give them time to check on the insurance issue. She has 12 weeks of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation left in the current treatment plan. She will undergo more tests. If there is no sign of cancer, she will just need to be tested regularly (every few months) for a while.

In general, Robin is starting to feel human again, having been off of chemo for three months now. She is working regularly, and nearly full time, although she still gets exhausted and has trouble getting started in the morning. She is playing piano regularly at both churches again, at both choir practices and Masses. The summer schedule is lighter than usual, and that helps, but she get strength from her piano, I'm convinced. Robin's hair continues to grow back. She now has a half inch or so of "salt and pepper" (mostly salt, if you ask me) hair covering her scalp. It feels like velvet. If you see her, ask her to show you her hair, and don't be afraid to rub her head for good luck. She doesn't mind a bit... I actually think she likes it!!!

We are due to see her surgeon next week. Should just be routine. I'll let you know if anything major changes.

Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Keep it up, please. We still have a way to go, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. (Hope it's not an oncoming train!!!)

Love and thanks,
Larry & Robin

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Debridement - 7/1/05

 
Last week, Robin visited her surgeon, Dr. Mason, and he discussed debridement of her wounds to help speed the healing. On Friday, July 1st, Robin had the surgical procedure performed as an outpatient at St. John's Hospital.

"Debridement" is defined as "the surgical removal of lacerated, devitalized, or contaminated tissue." Dr. Mason surgically removed the scabs and cut away any dead tissue, until he got to bleeding tissue. Robin was able to come home a few hours after the procedure. The dressings on her wounds must be replaced about two or three times a day. A home healthcare nurse came twice a day during the long weekend. We went back to Dr. Mason on Tuesday because the wound packing was coming out green. We were not sure if she was a frog, a Martian, or if there was something bad afoot. Dr. Mason did not seem overly concerned. He said the green stuff was fatty tissue and, although it might be infected, it was not serious. He was much more concerned about Robin's respiratory infection, thinking that it might be dragging down her immune system. Dr. Mason trimmed some of the green stuff and repacked the wounds. He also ordered a chest Xray to see if Robin had pneumonia (she does not). I have taken over the packing and dressing of Robin's wounds since Tuesday.

On Wednesday, July 6th, Robin saw her GP doctor and she prescribed medications for her respiratory infection. On Thursday, Robin returned to work, and one of the nurses at TLC dressed her wounds there. She seems to be doing much better today.

I'll let you know if anything major changes.

Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Keep it up, please.

Love and thanks,

Larry & Robin

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