Sally's Second Chemo Treatment

Since my last communication, little has changed regarding Sally's condition. She continues to sleep 18+ hours each day. Generally speaking, she seems a bit weaker each day.

Yesterday, we returned to Johns Hopkins for Sally's second chemo treatment. Ron took us, as I felt that the trip was too much for me to attempt alone with Sally.

I asked Dr Rudin, Sally's oncologist, if he would see Sally while we were there to give us (me) some guidance as to developments which I observed over the past 4 weeks since the completion of brain radiation. He agreed, and arrived shortly after our 1PM treatment began. He spent about an hour and a half with us. Over the course of the visit, it became apparent that many of the adverse developments were the down-side effects of the steroid that Sally has been taking. Dr Rudin prescribed a tapering of the steroid. He also called in a staff psychologist who met with Sally to determine more clearly her current mental state. The psychologist verified things which we have been observing, and indicated these are also associated with the steroid. She prescribed medication for releiving the symptoms, and indicated that most should clear up with the reduction of the steroid. It was a tremendously long day, and Sally was exhausted by the time we returned home.

Our weeks have been filled with visits from the friends and workers. Many helped us so that we could have the workers visit us at our home during this time. Our Special Meetings concluded on Sunday April 23rd. Although neither Sally nor I could attend, we listened to the meetings over the phone..

We continue to be thankful for each day, thankful for the peace and trust we have in our Heavenly Father, and thankful for each of you that remember us in various ways.

Sally's Post-Radiation Recovery

In response to many email inquiries, I have a bit of an update on Sally's condition since radiation has been completed. Our doctor has advised us that the recovery period for full brain radiation is 4 to 6 weeks.. After completing 2 weeks, the radiation nurse informed me that Sally is probably beyond the worst of the recovery period.. Never-the-less, Sally has required 24 hour care since returning home.. I need to help her get up, but then she is able to get around with the aid of a walker.. She has a good appetite, and sleeps well.
On April 11th, Sally had her first chemo treatment. She receives a treatment every 21 days for as long as these treatments are effective. It is a very minimal treatment lasting less than 10 minutes.. The most significant side-effect is extreme fatigue.. Since Sunday she has been sleeping 16 - 18 hours daily, getting up for 2 hours at each meal period.
On May 22nd, Sally has a return visit to Johns Hopkins for another evaluation of the effectiveness of these treatments. We will know better at this time just how well she is doing..
Again, we thank you all for your continued interest and kindness during this time...

Sally's Radiation is Completed!!

Sally completed her final radiation treatment this morning at 9:30AM...

Please click below to join the celebration....

Return to our "Country Home"

Treatment was over early on Friday... We were home by 3PM and doing our usual - putting away groceries, doing laundry and becoming adjusted again to "country life!"

Sally has been doing well with the brain radiation treatments.. She has two more next week and then she will be finished with radiation... So far the side-effects have been minimal.. She continues to gain strength in her legs, although she has been having some trouble getting up from a low chair.. Hopefully, more strenthening of her leg muscles will remedy this problem..

We want to thank everyone again for your interest and expressions of encouragement over the past month.. Unless something new arises, we will give an update of Sally's progress again next weekend..