Dearest Friends and Family,
As you know, Lynn has been struggling with pain for quite awhile, so she was “teamed” with oncology, radiology and palliative care all participating. The consensus was that Lynn should get vertebralplasty, which is an injection of a cement substance into her thoracic vertebrae where it had collapsed (T-3) much like a compression fracture with the hope that it would give the spine more structure. It would also take some of the pressure off the nerves which they believed was a source of some of the pain. It was also suggested Lynn undergo a pain medication change as she had reached the top end of the therapeutic levels of the fentenyl without much relief. Both procedures had to be done inpatient.
Lynn and I decided to move forward and undergo both at the same time for the long haul and she checked into Froedtert last Monday. She underwent a battery of tests and after some delay, the spinal procedure was done Thursday. It was very successful according to the radiologists. It will take some time for the nerves to “quiet down” before she sees the total benefit but we are optimistic.
After that was done, they began the process of changing her over to new meds. Again, it will take some time but she is doing well…extremely tired, but well. Her pain is already significantly reduced and we are hoping for more improvement.
We would like thank you all for the extra good thoughts and prayers during this time. We would also like to thank the entire Froedtert staff from the very talented doctors and nurses to the techs who gave us wonderful care.
She is back on the chemo schedule of two weeks chemo on, and one week off and then will be scanned periodically to see if the chemo is stabilizing the cancer from growing and spreading.
We will continue to meet with the doctors to explore any and all options available for her continued care and treatment. We love you all!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Belated Update!!
Sorry we have not updated lately. We know many of you rely on the postings and don’t call because you don’t want to bother. We will try to be more prudent.
Throughout the summer, Lynn’s condition remained relatively stable. She continued to receive chemo, Gemzar which is a targeted agent. She did pretty well on it with. Although she still has affected areas, at least the treatment seemed to keep the growth controlled. It is also more tolerable than some of the harsher drugs. We had a recent scare which had us believing chemo may be winding down but we are reevaluating this issue this week.
The problem we are dealing with is pain management. Lynn’s cancer has infiltrated in some bones including her ribs and some vertebrae. We are working with the palliative doctors to try to address this and we are currently examining options. We are confident these good doctors will come up with some solutions for her pain.
With the chemo, the pain meds and her body fighting this disease, she is tired, really tired so if we haven’t attended a function, we are sorry. We love to see all so we do the best we can. Lynn also still hits the office as much as she can because she wants to. She loves her clients and everyone at the office is like family.
The kids are doing well. Jake continues to live large in Chicago, Danny is headed to Denver to network to try to find something more permanent after his MUHS gig and Abigail is back at St. Mary’s for her junior year. Their strength is a beautiful thing to see.
Our love to each and every one of you. The love, support and continued prayers have been unending. Words truly cannot thank you. We could never have made it this far without you all. For all those we owe a thank you note for the gifts and flowers, please accept this as our sincere thanks.
Lynn and Tim
Throughout the summer, Lynn’s condition remained relatively stable. She continued to receive chemo, Gemzar which is a targeted agent. She did pretty well on it with. Although she still has affected areas, at least the treatment seemed to keep the growth controlled. It is also more tolerable than some of the harsher drugs. We had a recent scare which had us believing chemo may be winding down but we are reevaluating this issue this week.
The problem we are dealing with is pain management. Lynn’s cancer has infiltrated in some bones including her ribs and some vertebrae. We are working with the palliative doctors to try to address this and we are currently examining options. We are confident these good doctors will come up with some solutions for her pain.
With the chemo, the pain meds and her body fighting this disease, she is tired, really tired so if we haven’t attended a function, we are sorry. We love to see all so we do the best we can. Lynn also still hits the office as much as she can because she wants to. She loves her clients and everyone at the office is like family.
The kids are doing well. Jake continues to live large in Chicago, Danny is headed to Denver to network to try to find something more permanent after his MUHS gig and Abigail is back at St. Mary’s for her junior year. Their strength is a beautiful thing to see.
Our love to each and every one of you. The love, support and continued prayers have been unending. Words truly cannot thank you. We could never have made it this far without you all. For all those we owe a thank you note for the gifts and flowers, please accept this as our sincere thanks.
Lynn and Tim
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