December 17, 2009 - Update

The third round of Chemo through the Omaya Resevoir was administered today and went well.  Not before we had a fainting spell or two here at home before we left for the Moore Cancer Center.  It turns out that Dee's blood pressure medication, once again, had to be reduced.  She was also dehydrated and low on hemoglobin counts.  So, after a very long day (including the 4 hrs. it took to give her 2 pints of blood), she is once again on the mend.  Dee is giving it her all to strengthen herself so that she'll be feeling well by Christmas Eve.  All of her children and grandchildren will be sharing Christmas Eve dinner at Misty (granddaughter) and Hank Blalock's house and she is very much looking forward to it.  Dee would like to thank you all so very much for your prayers and well wishes ~ they fortify her.  She continues to pray for each of you every night and wishes you all a very beautiful, peaceful and blessed Christmas.  Dee sends her love and hugs.  The entire Marcotte family wishes you a joyous Christmas and an abundance of blessings in the coming New Year.  Thank you for your never failing love, prayers and devotion.  God Bless You and your families.

December 13, 2009 ~ The Power of Prayer

All that can be said is "Thank You Lord ~ Thank You!!" We had our weekly visit with Dee's oncologist,  Dr. Curtain, following the first of her  bi-weekly blood draws this week (taken on Mondays and Thursdays).  Dr. Curtain was pleased with Dee's general condition and overall strength, following her second round of Chemo.  While discussing her next appointment for Chemo to her brain, through the Omaya Reservoir, he casually mentioned that the last draw of spinal fluid through the reservoir, indicated no showing of Lymphoma; Meaning, we are already seeing results, after only one dose of the Chemo to her brain.  It is truly miraculous!!  We couldn't ask for anything better for our family than this particular Christmas gift.  Both, Bernie and Dee,  were overwhelmed by the positive news. Even with that forward progress, she will continue to receive Chemo through the Omaya, and intravenously,  ~ for an unspecified amount of time.  At the six month mark Dee will be re-evaluated to determine her status and any possible future treatment that will be required.  She is still very weak, has begun to lose her hair and her facial droop continues.  The Dr. informed her that it could possibly take 8 or 9 months for that condition to dissipate.  Relatively speaking, Dee is doing extremely well.  We feel encouraged and so very blessed by the news today.  We believe, without a doubt, that the power of prayer has once again given Dee this beautiful Christmas blessing.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your devotion, your heartfelt prayers, and beyond all else...... your love.  May each of you, and your families, be blessed in every way.  At Christmastime, and always, we wish you love ~ The Marcotte Family

December 3, 2009 ~ Second Round Chemo Begins

Dee had the second round of Chemo administered into her skull today through the Omaya Resevoir.  The Drs. were pleased that the Resevoir is now working properly as they were also able to remove the necessary amount of spinal fluid to run their tests. Her blood pressure was good and, especially important, her blood counts were back up to where the Drs. like them to be.  Her next round of intravenous chemo is scheduled for the 14th of December, but they may move the date up if her blood counts stay stable.  Dee seems to be faring very well following her treatment and her attitude is extremely positive.  She continues to move well and is receiving physical therapy which,  she complains about,  but secretly enjoys.  Once again, thanks just doesn't seem sufficient  for all of the prayers lifted up on our behalf ~ but, we will say it anyway.  THANK YOU ~ and we wish you all God's Blessings. Stay safe!!

December 2, 2009 - Chemo Tomorrow

Hello Everyone ~ it's been a little while since our last post.  Fortunately, there hasn't been a lot to share.  Other than Dee having a few fainting spells, things have pretty much been as expected.  Her blood pressure was actually too low ~ and she fainted a few times.  Her blood pressure medication was increased in the hospital because it was needed for the anxiety.  They did not reduce it upon her discharge from the hospital, so she was receiving double her original dose.  She visited the Dr. a couple of days ago and it was reduced so she should be stable now.  She will be making a couple of trips a week to the John Moore Cancer Center in La Jolla to have blood drawn.  She has also been taking daily shots to increase her red blood cell counts.  So, she'll be monitored pretty closely now.  Tomorrow is the second dose of Chemo to her brain.  This time they will be using the Omaya Resevoir.  Hopefully, she wil not suffer any ill effects and sail through as easily as she did the first round.  We ask you to continue to keep her in your prayers ~ we know that they are being heard.  Love to you all ~ and God bless you in your travels during this busy holiday season.