Hi Everyone,
Again, much has happened since our last message 10 days ago to you all. I'll try to fill you in without a bunch of medical-technical mumbo jumbo. Also, this is my first message to everyone using a web page rather than directly via email. (I will send you notices when I post any new pages, but you can also check in here as often as you like. The main page that will lead you to the most current 'Cancer Report' is at Posy's Cancer Home Page. I you want to be included in my notification list of updates and aren't on the list already, please email me.)
We have registered Posy into Hospice. Everyone seems to be very nice that we have met with so far. The best thing is that they have changed Posy's pain medication to a patch that lasts 3 days. This way she gets a constant dose of pain medication without having to take pills. This also means that when she wakes in the morning, the pain is greatly reduced (the patch works through the night - she doesn't need to take a pill before she wakes up.) Posy is in some pain and nausea follows along too. The medications seem to be able to take care of most of these problems so she is becoming more comfortable.
Posy had a thorecentisis last Friday (right lung drained). They removed over a liter of liquid from around her right lung. Although there is still some pain to take a deep breath, she can now at least take a deep breath. Simply breathing a little easier is much better and she can actually say a complete sentence without stopping to take a breath. The liquid gathering around the lung is a byproduct of the cancer and will continue. Posy's last draining was on October 17th, so she lasted about 4 weeks. Previously each time she went in for a 'draining' there was much trepidation. It was painful to do the procedure and just wasn't fun. We have changed a few things about how we do the procedure, have a good doctor to perform it and this last time was much less stressful and much less painful. So that shouldn't be so bad in the future. There is a process where the doctor can fuse the lung to the chest cavity. I asked further about this process to see if it would be beneficial to Posy. Yes it is possible, however it would take a stay in the hospital of around 5 days and is rather painful. Because of the pain and hospital stay, Posy has decided that it would just be better to be 'drained' every so often rather than go through the fusing process. (I know there's a technical name for this procedure, but I don't remember what they called it - and who cares anyway, we aren't going to request it.)
It's been a busy time list last few days. Our visit to a new oncologist on the 1st at Scripps Green helped Posy decide to have no more chemo and settle in to deciding what is most important now. Not only is the chemo toxic, but it is debilitating to her ability to 'get things done'. And she still has 'a lot to do'. We also cancelled our appointment with another oncologist up at UCLA. We felt that he would have no other information for us other than a possible clinical trial, and Posy had already decided to discontinue any kind of chemo - new or old. Because of that, why should we waste his time and ours (three days to include traveling) - we cancelled UCLA in Los Angeles.
Last Wednesday we were interviewed and signed up for Hospice.
Thursday we visited Posy's cardiologist just to check on things. He changed a couple of his drugs and sent us on our way pronouncing Posy's heart in good stead. We also had a visit from the Hospice social worker, letting us know the kinds of extra services that are available from them beyond just nursing care.
Friday was the lung draining and a second visit from the Hospice Nurse.
Saturday we had a nice visit from some old cruising friends: Bill and Natalie Reed and Ben and Arlene Arterburn. They came by for a few hours and brought lunch for the visit. Posy had a great time reminiscing about cruising, writing, boats and lots of stuff. Ben brought his digital camera and took a few pictures. I'll post a few here for you:
Click each picture to get a big version. For those of you who may not know who's who - the second to the last picture includes from left to right: Arlene, Ben, Bob, Posy, Bill and Natalie. The last picture includes my brother Pace rather than Ben.
We all had a great visit and Posy even brought out some of her writing and gave us a reading from 'Hang In There Honey' her book about our cruising aboard Merrying. All were impressed with Posy's Prose and let her know. She was really inspired to finish up and submit her current work.
After the crew left, we drove to Ramona to pick up Lea (Posy's daughter) for the weekend. She stayed Saturday afternoon and returned Sunday afternoon. Sorry, I don't have any pictures, but they had a wonderful visit, talking, watching the birds in our aviary and just plain girl talk.
Ben and Jackie then came by for an early dinner. It was great and we again had a great visit with close friends. (Sorry, no photos of this one either. I guess I need to remember to get my camera out more often.)
Dee (Posy's Tennessee Daughter) is expected to arrive late tonight and stay for a nice visit and help with Thanksgiving preparations.
Lea is taking next week off so that she can continue her visit and also help with Thanksgiving preparations.
The construction on our bathroom is continuing and should be complete shortly. Check it out on the web. I should be able to update the bathroom construction web site shortly so check back to see the progress.
The construction on the fountain is mostly complete. We only need to finish the pavers on the deck around the fountain.
Well that's it for now. I'll let you know when new things happen.
Luv 'N Stuff
Bob & Posy
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© 2000-2003 Robert Snyder
URL: http://www.snyderville.net/posy1113.html
First created: November 12, 2000
Last updated: June 18, 2005