We spent Thursday at MD Anderson in Houston from 2:30 p.m until 9:30 p.m. where Irene endured a cardiac scan, blood/specimen collection and a CT scan. It seems that those tests could be done in less than seven hours, but in between there was a chest x-ray to determine if her PICC line was inserted properly and could be used for the CT scan injection.
The various locations for the tests are identified by building, elevator in the building and the floor in the building. We have become very familular with the Main Building and the Mays Clinic which are connected with what seeme like a one half mile sky bridge. We are also acquainted with the A, B, C, D, F, S and T elevators. Also the 3rd, 7th, 8th and 9th floors.
Today she was scheduled for one more CT scan at 6:10 a.m. However, when we arrived it was determined that since the CT scan was done so late last night that it was not in Irene's best interest to have another one.
At 8:00 a.m. we met with Dr. Ravi's nurse and PA and finally Dr. Ravi. The good news is that the chemotherapy is working very well. The spots in her lungs are almost indistinguishable and the tumor in her leg has been reduced. They are very pleased with the results to date and recommend that we continue with two additional cycles of chemotherapy which will be done in Mesa.
The unexpected news is that Irene has some blood clots in her system which is not uncommon in patients during chemo treatment. They started her on Lovenox to thin her blood. Lovenox is administered at home with an injection twice a day into her belly fat tissue of which she does not have much anymore. The bad news is that Dr. Ravi strongly advised us not to fly back to Mesa for 72 hours, so we will miss our grandson Scott's baptism on Saturday.
We are grateful that the chemo is working so well, and we hope to solve the clotting issue.
Lovenox works wonders...you will be just fine. Good luck and we're thinking about and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAlison Whiting and little Willow Jane (30th ward...Talma's daughter and granddaughter :))
You both are remarkable! Your love and concern for each other is evident as you share the latest updates. You are being so blessed and your courage and faith continues to inspire. May heaven continue to bless you both. Love always!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news!! It's nice to get some sunshine after the months of rain! Our hearts and love are with you both always. I am guessing that when you get back to Mesa you will have a "happy" Nielson's frozen custard run. :-)
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