Monday Update

The chills that Jan experienced resulted in the need to run some precautionary tests to check for possible infection. Her x-ray was negative for pneumonia, and her blood cultures still require another 24 hours to process. She has had some chest and back pain. They ran a Cat-scan, which was also negative. To ensure that the pain was not cardio-related, she was given a nitro glycerin tablet, and an EKG was run. Again, nothing that would indicate that she has any heart related issues. Her pain medication seems to be taking the edge off the chest pain. Her labs are about where they should be, near zero white count. Her chemo will end around midnight, or early Tuesday morning. That will take us to the next critical stage of monitoring her vitals for any signs of infection. Her defense mechanisms have been depleted by the chemo, so quick recognition and treatment of any problems is critical. Her spirits are good today.

Flowers are NOT allowed in Jan's room. Germs, you know. To those of you who unknowingly sent flowers................thank you. We're sorry we didn't get the word out earlier. However, they have placed the flowers in a prominent location outside Jan's room so that she can see them from her bed.

If you'd like to send a card (funny ones preferred), you can be mail it to the following address:

Moffitt Cancer Center
Attn: Jan Scolaro Rm-417
12902 Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612