Tuesday: Not the news we were hoping for.....
We received the news yesterday around 5:00 P.M. that the bone marrow biopsy still indicated the presence of leukemic cells. This means that Jan will require a second round of chemo starting today (Tuesday). They will not use the same two drugs which were used in the first round. Instead they will use three different drugs, administered over a five day period. We don't know yet if that means twenty-four hours a day, as was the case with the first round of chemo. Of course we wanted better news, but we also knew that this was a possibility. We have already learned that this will be a long, hard fight.
Jan will require another bone marrow biopsy about a week after this next round of chemo is concluded. The rashes that I mentioned in an earlier report continue to spread throughout her arms, legs, and torso. The doctors believe that if may be medication related, or a condition called petechiae, which are actually little spots of bleeding under the skin, usually related to low platelets. A dramatic reduction in blood platelets is a side effect of chemo. Jan has already received two units of platelets, as well as four units of blood. She is scheduled to receive another unit of platelets today. This may be more information than you care to hear, but we have several nurses in the family who appreciate these details. We continue to have confidence in our doctors, and we plan to follow their recommendations to the letter.
Not all of the news has been disappointing. This morning we were told that the results of the breast ultrasound were negative. The lesion appears to be a cyst, which should be monitored, but does not require any immediate attention. So now we can concentrate on the task at hand............pouncing on leukemia.
posted by Tony @ 9:42 PM
11 Comments:
Jan,Good Lady of the Scolaro House. I write to inform you we have found the demon, and are determined to destroy it. Our men to the north have reported several injuries, but we have conquered the lands that the demons have been uprising there. You know the peril we are in, it is very perilous.
Our next step is to move in on the demons with a force of Hospital Knights, men and women of brave and strong will, and sweep through the lands, so that our countrymen may be given safety and shelter. It is because of your faith, we continue to provide strength and spirtuality in your name.
We shall conquer this demon overhaul. I am sure of it.
- Sir Matthew of Haynes
Donna says:
My sisters and brother are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers daily. This blog really helps us keep in touch with your battle which will be victorious. I didn't know our cousin Pack was talented. What neat cards he created.
Good Morning Little One, I had to sit in a room full of people who were coughing when I went to have my blood checked this morning. Feeling that I needed to rush home and disinfect myself, I didn't dare drop by to see you. I passed right by the street where I would turn to get to Moffitt and it was hard to "keep a going". I wish you Enough.
I love you, Mom
Sorry to hear the news, but keep figthing! Sending love and warm thoughts from Illinois.
20 Things to do at the hospital (Theres 20 really)
Editor in Chief : Me
1. Have a wheelchair race with Tony. Loser gets to pay the insurance bill.
2. Whistle the "Star Trek" theme in the MRI.
3. After a MRI, ask if they found the cat.
4. Write Kronos reports for the hospital. When they give you the invoice, hand them yours
and they will owe you money.
5. Tell the doctor you see stars. When they ask what they look like,
Just say "Well, one looks tall like Chevy Chase, the other may be Bill Murray.
There both from Saturday Night Live, odd don't you think?"
6. Ask if you can use the Radiology department for the thanksgiving turkey.
7. Speek in different accents and call everyone "Fred".
8. Make origami birds and tape them all over your room. Call for a nurse and request
someone to deal with the infestation.
9. Make a full sized picture of yourself and put it in your work office. Place yourself
on a schedule in Kronos.
10. Start a underground ebay business that sells used napkins.
11. Start a website www.iaminadamnbed.com (Website address is available) that pays you for doing absolutely nothing. Wouldn't be the first time thats worked on the Internet.
12. Have a beer chugging contest in the room. Make sure you have a funnel. Or hell, just use the IV.
14.(Miscount on purpose) See if you can burp the alaphabet.
15. Rubber band fight with Tony.
16. Get a automatic fart machine. Blame every fart on Tony. Hmm... Dont kill me Tony.
17. Discover and embrace the Art of nose picking.
http://jubal.westnet.com/hyperdiscordia/nosepicking.html
18. Find a way to get things stuck to the ceiling.
19. Zap Tony with those CPR bars. Woohooo!
20. When asked by a doctor to do something clearly not fun, say "Sure is bad day to stop sniffing glue."
21. Have jello races. Throw the jello on the wall with Tony and watch to see which one slides down the wall the fastest.
I wish I could deliver a bright bouquet of grace and a giant basket of courage to you all right now. I also wish there was a clinical trial out there that involved kitten therapy. The nurses bring in big boxes of kittens that they set all around you to wiggle, snuggle and purr you back to perfect health.
I know that's not the reality of your treatment options, but you can still think about it. . . if it helps you to smile for a while.
I know that the staff at Moffitt will treat you with far more potent and effective medicine. There are few organizations of people that exemplify the power of grace, courage, honesty and love like Moffitt does.
I know there are lots of important things on your mind right now, so I scoured the web for some unimportant things to share with you. . .
How did a cat take first prize at the bird show? He just jumped up to the cage, reached in, and took it.
What is a cat's favourite song? Three Blind Mice.
Is it bad luck if a black cat follows you? That depends on whether you're a man or a mouse.
What side of the cat has the most fur? The OUT-side.
Where does a cat go when it loses its tail? The retail store.
What is the difference between a cat and a comma? One has the paws before the claws and the other has the clause before the pause.
Jan, I am sorry for Round #2 of chemo but thrilled that there is no breast worry. Since you have asked - we have found a house in St. Simon's and are in the works of acquiring it. Will let you know more in my next card. Fight hard and don't give in to bad thoughts - think about your great husband, sweet boys and the smile of your grandson. That is all that matters in life - those who love you. Be good to the nurses ...Love you, Lainey
Jan, Tony + family: I love the blog and wish we could be closer than via the cyber-highway. Keep jumping those hurdles and dodging those balls that come at you. You're in it now and doing great. Many strong and determined well wishes to you and your medical team. Steven, Shannon, Elise, and Brannan *Did you get our card?
Hi Jan! I think your new hair cut looks great - very chic! You have inspired me to go short as well.
Elise told me to tell you to eat lots of M & Ms. They always make her feel better.
We are praying for you daily and one has already been answered - mammogram scare.
Talk to you guys soon!
Love from Elise, Bebe, Steven and me!
Hey Jan,
So right after I wrote that message yesterday at 1:30 pm, I walked out of IT and got into my truck. I look down at my Blackberry, thankfully no calls, and looked over to the right at the storage shed and saw something very Ironic. Irony can be pretty Ironic sometimes. It was a black kitten puncing on something it just found. And it reminded me of you. Happy puncing!
Jan, Tony and Family,
Hi there! You and your family are being prayed for and being cheered on for your battle with this mean demon. I'm not near Florida but you are known throughout the land in Mississippi too. Yes! That's right! as far away as Mississippi.
We love you guys even from Mississippi.
TD
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