February 21, 2010 ~ REASSESSMENT

Dear Friends and Family ~  Here we are with another month passed.  Actually, until just recently there hasn't been too much activity.  Since our last post Dee has had her 4th round of R CHOP Chemo and two rounds via the Omaya in her head.  Relatively speaking she has physically passed through all treatments with flying colors.   Her blood work has come back well and she's received potassium and some additional blood, which are normal procedures in the "after-treatment" care.  Dee is eating well and is mobile, but still suffers from depression and delusions.  A meeting with the Psychiatrist, specializing in these types of patients, resulted in his assessment that Dee's mental condition is solely Chemo related.  After experiencing her hyper-sensitivity to all other medications, including sleep aids, it would stand to reason that this is the case.   It has been extremely difficult for Bernie as,  in this state, she has refused her last R CHOP treatment.  Therefore, delaying the process and her eventual return to a clearer thought process.  At this point, her Oncologist, Dr. Curtin, has decided to do a reassessment of her condition and the success of the treatments that she's been given.  So, all treatments have been temporarily halted for additional tests.  An MRI and a PET Scan have been completed and we are going back for the results next Tuesday.  We would ask that you pray for favorable results, as it would truly be a blessing to have the veil of unknown fear,  surrounding both Dee and Bernie, lifted.  At this point the entire family is in need of positive news as it would offer some light at what has seemed to be a very long tunnel and would substantiate our feelings that she is actually responding quite well to the treatments.   Although we feel she is progressing well and we remain positive in our feelings about her recovery, occasionally it is a challenge to keep spirits lifted.  Thank you to the Mullins and Rheaults, family friends, that have come on separate occasions from Oregon to visit Dee and Bernie.  You will never know how much that meant to our family.  God Bless You and everyone else for your constant show of support and never ending prayers.   We especially need them now.  An update will be posted on Tuesday, sharing the news.  Until then, we once again ask you to keep us close in prayer.  Much love and God's Blessings ~ from the Marcotte Family.