Hi All,
Since my last newsletter to you all on October 15th, much has happened. Last week Posy got a rash on her arm so we went to see her doctor to check it out. When there we mentioned that Posy has been having much difficulty with tremors and her equilibrium. He said that the rash was nothing to worry about, but gave us some antibiotic just in case it was an infection. He also scheduled Posy for CT-Scan of the brain the following day to check and see if the cancer has spread because of the tremors and equilibrium problems. We returned to the doctor today for reports on the brain scan and Posy was also scheduled to have another chemo. She was not feeling well and was very tired this morning even though it had been 10 days from the last chemo. So Posy had already decided to delay the chemo - she just wasn't up to it.
The doctor indicated that the CT-Scan of the brain was normal and that there was no evidence of cancer that could be found in the brain.
He did indicate that the cancer is spreading and that the tremors and equilibrium are just another manifestation of the cancer. This also indicated that the chemo that she is now on is not doing the job nor has the previous chemos helped enough either. He basically said that he has used his bag of tricks and that he could only offer hospice at this point. Quality is better than quantity. He did say that we should go up to UCLA as planned and said he would check the internet and other sources for any cancer centers that may be currently doing any special testing for her kind of unknown adenocarcinoma.
The doctor indicated that Medicare will pay for hospice as long as the medical determination is for six months or less. He did indicate that we could start the hospice services at this time or when ever we wanted it. We didn't ask how long Posy has and I don't think he could have answered the question realistically anyway.
We haven't enlisted the hospice services at this time. We are still searching for possible alternatives. But, we will only take action if there is a good possibility of extending her time and without extensive pain, sickness or sedation.
Posy is in some pain at this time from the cancer, but the medication that she has seems to help her with most of it without sedating her. She is starting to breath a little easier also because she had her right lung drained last week. The doctor removed over a liter of liquid from around her right lung!
Last week we had already re-scheduled our trip to Big Bear to some time in December, so we will not be traveling there next week. The idea was that Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and with over 20 family and friends joining us, we had much to do to prepare for the festivities. Moving the trip to a later date is much better so we can get things ready now.
Thanks to you all for your support. WE ARE NOT GIVING UP, just approaching things in a comfortable fashion. Posy actually feels relieved at this point. Now the ball is in our court rather than under the control of a doctor, and there won't be any more chemo for a while to drag her down further.
More news when we find out anything further.
Lov 'N Stuff
Bob & Posy
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First created: November 12, 2000
Last updated: June 18, 2005