The week after the Relay for Life, Joanne called the Madrona Oncology Clinic and the nurse asked her if she was a celebrity or a political candidate, since she had so many bags in her name!Of course we all know that she IS a celebrity!
Today was the third chemo infusion. I'm aware that when I'm in the infusion room with Joanne I find myself curious about all the other people sitting in these plush recliners getting their toxic chemical bath. I want to know each person's story. Some are with loved ones, some are not. Some are bald, others have hair growing back. Some are becoming familiar faces. There is one commonality that unites us all - the faith that these chemicals are vanquishing the beast so that each may live a long, fulfilling life.
I'm learning that how Joanne is doing clinically is ascertained by numbers. The most crucial number is the CA125, the cancer marker. Fortunately, hers is dropping dramatically and is approaching the normal range. This is an important criteria for her next surgery, which is now scheduled for September 6th at Virginia Mason.
The other important numbers, checked weekly, are her blood counts - especially the white blood cells. The effects of the chemo are cumulative, so hers have dropped precariously in the last week. Fortunately, she rebounded enough today that she was able to get her chemo. It also means she will need to get three painful injections next week of a drug that will stimulate her bone marrow to produce more cells. When her cells are low she is very susceptible to infection. One of the side-effects of this drug is bone pain, so we are holding the vision that she will sail through this next treatment.
Following the orders of the oncologist to do something fun after treatment, Joanne went to lunch at Anthony's with a friend and then to a yarn sale where she did major shopping.
6 comments:
Yes, Ms. Joanne was having a blast at the yarn sale...lots of friends and great wools, alpacas, etc. to choose from. Knitting is theraputic, isn't it?
Peace
Jerry Horner
Ace,
Jeanne wanted me to tell you that "your head and your future are so bright that we're all wearing sunglasses in your honor!" :)
Love,
Ace
Hey gals,
Missed the yarn show last evening due to a change in schedule, but I was there in Spirit, and trusting that you would be there, Joanne. Can't pass up the good deals Marilyn was offering!
My thoughts and prayers are with you as each phase of each passing days. I reiterate how your white blood cells are the perfect amount, and now I will add that your bone marrow produces them with joyful ease, and that you feel only tingling goodness in your bones.
You BOTH are CELEBRITIES in my book. It's the book like you see at the beginning of a Fairy Tale or a Disney show, where the wind rustles the pages and opens to the perfect scene, and then the story begins . . . And before you know it, the story ends in the most beautiful way, all the challenges and strife long forgotten, and all that is left is smiling faces and full, beating hearts, aglow with joyful pink colors.
Next week, those "shots of life" will be a breeze. You know EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique? I highly recommend it for training your pain body to relish in the delightful stimulation of your core . . . I learned about it at Sanoviv from Kim, and, it helped me get over some major issues with needles after birth trauma. I'd discovered it quite by accident during an accupuncture treatment when it was clear my physiological body was in charge of my response. Knowing that I'd receive many needles and huge bags of goodies while I was vacationing for my health, I wanted to make sure I didn't pass out. I tell you: It works.
Sending you both big hugs from me and Z . . .
Enjoy.
Tess and Zander
Hi Joanne and Janet...
Thank you for the updates...great to see you standing with all that support...we think about you everyday...as celebrities, you certainly have attracted wonderful papparazzi...
Love Natalie and Mara
Joanne and Janet,
I can not thank you two enough for the strength and passion you show for each other and to move forward no matter what! You have helped me see my own struggles differently and thus made them less of a struggle!
xoxo,
Lara L. Wepprecht
Well said.
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