LEARNING TO TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME

We are learning to take one day at a time and be ready to deal with the unexpected. Irene was released from the hospital May 25 after her hip surgery on May 23. She is not to put any weight on her right leg so is using a walker to go the short distances in the house and the wheelchair for the long distance moves. A portable shower chair provided by Karl Watkins is also helpful in rolling her into the shower. Getting in and out of the car is often difficult and painful for her. 

Memorial Day was celebrated with most of our family.  We visited the Mountain View Memorial Cemetery here in Mesa where my parents are buried. Irene and I have looked at grave sites for us at that cemetery and were able to consult with our children regarding the proper location within the cemetery. We just need to act now and secure a resting place for us. 

The home health care nurse and physical therapist came to assist us with the hip fracture recovery process. The radiation for her brain lesions was scheduled for May 30, but was cancelled after we arrived at the facility because one of the computers was not working properly. The procedure was rescheduled for June 3. 

The radiation for the brain tumors ended up being probably the most painful event Irene has experienced. Her head was placed in the mask and then bolted to the table so she could not move during the procedure. The procedure took much longer than was planned (estimated 45 minutes ended up being over two hours) and the pressure from the mask on her face was unbearable. She resolved that day not to do that again. Dr. Chamberlain was very apologetic about the time and pain, but felt the procedure was successful. 

          Irene being positioned on the table for the radiation therapy

 The face part of the mask being positioned to the back half of the mask

          The two halves of the mask bolted together and to the table

                    The final positioning

 

She was examined that day by Dr. Homsi’s nurse practitioner because of the swelling and painful leg. The nurse recommended she be hospitalized and begin IV antibiotic therapy. She was in the hospital from June 3 until June 7, and we continued the oral antibiotics at home. Dr. Homsi had the first infusion of a new chemo drug infused on June 5 while she was in the hospital. 

Ron and Marilyn Cook, dear friends in our ward, had offered the use of their cabin in the mountains to the Garn family for a few days. We had all planned to gather at the Cook’s cabin on June 5 and stay through June 9. Our family had a great time at the cabin without us. Thanks to Ron and Marilyn for their generosity. 

On June 12 she had a hip X-ray, and we met with Dr. DeComas who reported that the surgery looks good.  The bones are positioned properly and appear to be healing nicely.  Dr. DeComas wants Irene to only toe touch the floor with the right foot when using the walker until we see her again July 24.  Irene has so much other pain in that right leg that any pain from the hip surgery has not seemed to bother her much.

The second round of chemotherapy was June 13 with the follow up Nulasta shot to protect the heart the next day. This has been an extremely difficult last four weeks for Irene. She now has sarcoma skin metastases on her right leg, which was confirmed by a biopsy at the time of her hip surgery. We have been advised not to wrap her leg at night or wear the constriction stocking during the day, so her leg is severely swollen with the red raised lesions covering her leg. As a result any movement from the bed to the bathroom or the lounger just kills her. 

              Irene's swollen and painful right leg

     Her left leg looks great compared to the right one

 

The pain meds she takes are generally effective and we have recently added Lorazapam which causes her to want to sleep a lot and makes her a little groggy. She is scheduled to see a doctor who specializes in pain on June 27, and another chemotherapy session is scheduled for June 28. 

We had a consultation with Dr. Korn at the Envita Natural Medical Centers of American in Scottsdale on June 20. We received his recommended treatment plan with the associated costs yesterday and will be evaluating additional treatment with the natural therapy that he has recommended. He noted several times during the consultation that stage four sarcoma cancers are very difficult to treat. 

               Beautiful cake given to us by Verna Perkinson

 

We are so appreciative of dear family and friends who have been so supportive with visits, cards, calls and the wonderful meals they have provided. Irene is in good spirits and we are still hopeful.