November 20, 2009 ~ Chemo Day 2

We believe that it is time to start a Post with a bit of positive news.  After 8 days of lying in her hospital bed and becoming pretty weak, Dee took a cruise around the hospital corridors ~ twice.  The second was 2 laps at a record speed!  (That's no kidding we almost couldn't believe what we were seeing.)  Well needed physical activity that  seemed to help keep her calm during the absolute craziness of scheduling in the 3 large proceedures that she was to endure. A side note: Dee has retained her sense of humor through all she has endured.  She teases the Drs., Nurses and Hospital staff and has tried to adopt at least one Certified Nurses Aide who stays in her room at night to assist one of her family members with her care. 
As we mentioned in an earlier Post, nothing about Dee's case has been "typical".  Today was no exception.  The Drs. went to administer the Chemo for her brain into the Omaya Resevoir but must take a spinal fluid sample from it first.  This verifies that the placement of the Resevoir is in fact correct. That's right no fluid ~ supposedly this happens in a small number of cases.  We have come to the conclusion if things proceeded as expected we could only assume that they were talking to the wrong patient's family.  To make a long story short, after an exhausting day of "wait and see" and "probably on Monday", we received news at about seven this evening that they would take her down to radiology and do a spinal puncture and administer the Chemo for her brain through that.  Which did occur ~ She was a champ.  Relatively calm and very clear in spite of her already hectic day.
Upon return to her room, the third and final component of her IV Chemo is now being administered.  She is restless and more than a little tired at what is now 12:05 a.m., on November 21st.  We are thankful that she is remaining calm and pray that it does not lead to a full blown anxiety attack.
Did we forget to mention that in the midst of the chaos she also had the spinal MRI?  Dee was restless and squirmed a bit, but the Oncologist believes that he will get what he wants regardless.  We are praying that tomorrow is "Test and Procedure Free Day".  It may be the first day that she is free from the anxiety of being held in suspension and can finally start the slow and steady forward momentum toward recovery.
By the way, we forgot to pass on some very important information in the Post yesterday, or rather 2 days ago now.  Dee asked that we say "Thank you so very, very much to everyone for the wonderful cards, letters, emails, posted comments and most especially your prayers.  It means so much."  Her family says "Ditto"  The amount of love and support that we've received is truly a priceless gift.  We love you all.  Good night and God Bless.