Every one's thoughts had an effect: Janette is consistently eating and drinking, remembering and making the effort to do so herself. As Aunt Eliska says, "She's now fighting the cancer instead of us." Janette's weight hovered at 118 lbs for a while and on Wednesday was up to 121. She often looks very good. There's a sparkle in her eyes that wasn't there before. Her attitude about her own healing feels very different to me. Thank you everyone for your help.
You are welcome to call her to say hello and you are welcome to stop by for a visit now, just call for an appointment first. Talking is still tiring for her and of course the treatments take their own energy toll, but she is doing much, much better. Right now in fact, I have a touch of some virus and she is trying to take care of me. She's certainly been doing more housework than I have the last few days.
You didn't hear from me for 3 weeks because Jochen was visiting. We had a few play days all to ourselves, worked very hard at times and spent much time running around. Any free time I had, I took it with Jochen and not working on this blog. I'm sure you all understand.
The other piece of important news is the results from Janette's CT scan on Monday. The good news is all the lymph nodes with cancer are smaller. The treatments worked and may be why she is feeling better with more energy. The not so good news is the cancer has spread to three more spots: a spot on L2 (a vertebrae in the lower spine) and two, 1cm sized tumors on her liver. The oncologist said its time to step up the treatment. Wednesday she began a new, more aggressive chemo protocol with the drug docetaxel or "Taxotere." It has the potential for more side effects or effects felt more strongly in the body. So far, so good, though her blood pressure is higher. We are talking with the cardiologist. Saturday is usually when the nausea starts, so we'll learn more tomorrow.
The normal protocol for docetaxel is 3 weeks on, one week off. The oncologist wants to start with two weeks on, one week off to see how she handles it. Next Wednesday, Aug 19, is her second treatment and the next Wednesday after that we check in with the oncologist.
If the chemo wears her down too much then she wouldn't want to talk with or see people after all. But ask anyway, she and I will tell you the truth.
Much has been happening in our Louisiana family, most of it not easy. Our thoughts are with you all over there. And also for you all, I went with Aunt Eliska to her cardiologist appointment yesterday. She is fine; her heart sounds good. The extra chest pain she has been having could be due to the great amount of extra stress, but is also part of her condition: slowed blood flow through her microscopic arteries. The treatment is medication to improve the flow over time. She should continue to get better. The doctor slightly modified her current dosage and added a new medication for some extra help right now. She's OK. She's doing the right things. Her blood pressure is good. Her heart sounds good.
And other good news, Wendy is coming here on Aug 22 to stay for 2-3 weeks. We look forward to seeing her.
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