MOM'S BACK and making us practice!!!!

Jan 21:  Nanette received her third Avastin infusion today.  Her lab results were all good and they started the infusion which lasted only 30 minutes.  It is the same amount but a faster "drip".  They have determined that there are no negative side effects so they can do the infusion without delay.  We were in and out in two hours time (taking blood and waiting for results and doing a flush afterwards takes about 1 1/2 hours, the infusion 30 minutes.)  She has been doing very well.  Her headaches are very minimal, her energy level remains high and she has not had to take any pain medication at all.  She continues to gradually reduce the steroid dosage.  She did her first chemo pill regimen (5 days on, 23 days off) and had no side effects.  She will continue this treatment for an undetermined amount of time (possibly 6 months to a year).  She is scheduled for an MRI and appointment with Dr. Colman, the oncologist the end of January.  We may know then the status of the tumor.  We are, of course, hoping for the best results possible.  Any positive results, regardless of the scope, will be a win.  Nanette remains optimistic and in good spirits.  She has resumed a fairly normal daily routine.  She is taking Regan and Riley to piano lessons, insisting on daily practice much to their delight (?), taking the dog to be groomed, cooking meals, doing laundry, organizing closets and cupboards, and driving herself wherever she needs to go.  She is loving the more normal pace of her life and feeling fairly good every day.  She still suffers from insomnia and she has a little fatigue from time to time.  But, she is doing well and her family is delighted to have her "back".  She continues to be grateful for the phone calls, visits, prayers and concern of her friends and family.  Thank you for your caring and loving concern for all of them.  Every kindness and effort from you is appreciated more than words can adequately express.

Tender Mercies

Jan 6-11:  Nanette had her second Avastin infusion on Monday (6th) at Huntsman in Day Break.  This one took less time than the first one because they have increased the drip speed.  Her lab report was good again and so they proceeded with the infusion without delay.  She had a sweet nurse Melinda originally from South Carolina and she took good care of Nanette.  The oncologist at Huntsman wanted Nanette back on chemo immediately (5 days of double dose pills and 23 days off) but Nanette had a terrible time getting the pills sent to her.  She was on the phone for literally hours with the pharmacy (not a local one) and the insurance agency.  Every time she talked to someone, it was a different reason or excuse why they couldn't send her the pills.  It was a frustrating experience involving hours of phone time.  However, Nanette was kind and patient with everyone she spoke to and never once got angry.  The rest of us were pretty angry but not her.  She finally had to call Huntsman and ask them to be an advocate for her.  She was worn out trying to deal with everyone involved.  Doctor Colman's nurse Kiley came to her aid and got it straightened out and the pills were finally deliveredFriday morning, a week later than the doctor wanted.  Other than the trauma getting the pills, she had a very good week.  Her headaches are very, very minimal, if at all, and she has discontinued all pain medication.  She has even been able to reduce the dosage of steroids in small increments.  She is still suffering from insomnia but manages to get about 4 hours uninterrupted sleep and then she can sometimes go back to sleep for an hour or two after she has been up for awhile.  She is steady on her feet, has quite a bit of energy, and feels good.  The tremors in her hand have subsided.  Even though she is taking a higher dosage of chemo pills, she is tolerating it and hasn't had any side effects after the first dose.  And today (Friday) she drove her car for the first time in months.  Sergio did a test drive with her and said she was fine to drive locally.  So, she was off to the car wash and grocery store and beyond!  She is feeling like herself again in many ways..  We are all grateful for the good week she has had.  Elder David A. Bednar said "We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies.  The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live."  She is grateful for every day of progress and the Lord's tender mercies and your continued love, concerns and prayers.. 

Spoonful of sugar

January 2:  Back to St. Marks hospital but this time just for a checkup with her surgeon Dr. Pingree.  He checked her incision and said it looks good and healing well.  He told her that his part of her treatment is completed and now she will be totally in the hands of the oncologist, although he reassured her that he is always available to her for help.  Today was a far better day than the first day Sergio took her to the hospital and our family's world temporarily halted.  But, today was a beautiful day and she is pressing forward with treatments and a good attitude.  We had a fun lunch with Regan and Riley and continue to mix the pleasant experiences with the necessary and not so pleasant ones - you know, as Mary Poppins said "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down".  She appreciates all your nice Christmas cards and gifts and especially your prayers and concern.   

Happy New Year

December 30-January 1:  Nanette has had three good days.  Her headaches are manageable and she has been cleaning, organizing, and purging so her energy level has greatly improved.  She isn't using the walker anymore because her equilibrium has stablized and she's fairly steady on her feet.  She enjoyed being with her family on New Year's Eve and Day.   Her family has taken President Uchtdorf's advice from a General Conference talk and resolved to (1) spend more time with those we love, (2) strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be, and (3) to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.  She is looking forward to the new year with faith and hope.

Each day a good day

December 29:  Yesterday was another tough day for Nanette with headaches, dizziness and insomnia.  However, today she felt better and was able to go to church and stay for all three meetings.  Her headache was manageable and she was more steady on her feet.  She helped fix dinner and enjoyed a fun visit from cousins from Virginia and Heber.  She was alert and able to get through the day with minimal discomfort.  She didn't take a nap all day, which is unusual, and had a fair amount of energy.  We are all encouraged by the turnaround and hope it continues.  She is trying to make each day a good day and today was a good one.  "What day it is?" asked Winnie the Pooh.  "It's today" squeaked Piglet.  "My favorite day" said Pooh.  Good point.