Robin Update--Return to Normalcy --- 03/16/10

Robin was released from the hospital, as we expected, on Thursday, 3/11/10. Even though Robin's oncologist agreed to release her at 8:00 AM, the process took most of the day. After seeing the gastroenterologist, the nurse needed to do her paperwork, and give us our discharge instructions. We finally left the hospital about 2:30 PM. From there, we went to the drugstore to drop off the prescriptions, and then went home. The trip took a little longer than expected because we had to stop to let Robin's stomach settle. However, in spite of the extra effort and time, she lost her lunch (if you could call it "lunch") before we made it home. Connie, Robin's attendant, met us at the house and helped me get Robin settled in. We both had showers, some real food, and our regular prescriptions. By 8:00 PM or so that evening, Robin was doing 100% better. It was as if someone had flipped a lightswitch. The doctors seemed to think it was the blood that did the trick, but WE know there were other factors involved.

Over the next couple of days, Robin continued to do well. We had only minor bouts of nausea, no upchucks, and her sores seemed to be improving. She was able to rest through the weekend without anyone waking her to take her vital signs, change her IV, etc. It was a good weekend for Robin (so it was a good weekend for me, too).

Today,Tuesday, March 16th, Robin started her third cycle of the GemCarbo Chemo. Her blood counts were still good after the transfusions, and the chemo infusions went well. She was finished with the treatment by about 2:30 PM. We stopped to get lunch and I got her home before 4:00 PM. Chemo day wears Robin out and fills her with fluids, so the next 12 - 18 hours will be spent between sleep and the bathroom.

Please continue to keep Robin in your prayers. We are praying that her Hemoglobin (red blood cells) do not drop again, so she will not need a colonoscopy. During this last week or so, we have learned about several other folks (friends and family, or friends and family OF friends and family) who are also dealing with serious cancers, and WE have been asked to include them in our prayers, too. We hope that you will join us in asking God for mercy and healing for ALL those suffering from various cancers, especially those for whom we have been asked to pray.

Our love to all, and Thanks Again,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John