Around 10:00 PM last night all of Betsy’s care providers reached agreement that her medical signs were favorable to begin her chemotherapy.
Early this morning she was infused using the same catheter which has been draining the liquid from around her lungs. Proceeding in this manner not only provides chemotherapy but the chemo may also result in the pleurodesis that could prevent fluid from reentering Betsy’s diaphragm.
Betsy has been receiving a diuretic causing a significant reduction in edema. Now, she’s actually able to bend her legs and move around in bed with some ease, relatively speaking.
For the first time since this ordeal began, Betsy said she felt like she was getting back some strength. I've asked Betsy to rate how she feels. On the suckiness scale of 1 to 10 - going from least to most suckiness - today comes in at about a one.
I’ve been reading the postings and your comments to Betsy and she wants me to let everyone know how much they have meant to her and bolstered her spirits. I’d be a liar if I didn’t say how much they’ve helped me as well.
Please keep the prayers and comments coming.
PS: Congratulations to Tennie for being the first to correctly identifying yesterday’s title as being from Genesis. Please stop by the house to claim your prize.
15 comments:
Tom:
I've been lurking on this site (and praying)every day since you set up this information blog. Now I have to learn how to respond and just add my best wishes for things to continue to progress positively. Please, if she can stand it, give Betsy a big hug for me.
Sincerely,
Gene Saderholm
Hi Betsy -
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and hope you are getting better. I miss seeing your face and smile as I race around the corner at your end of the hall each day. :-)
Wishing you a speeding, positive and comfortable recovery...
With warm thoughts,
Antigone
Betsy,
Not a day goes by without all of us eagerly reading this blog to find out how you are doing. Between updates from Suzanne and the blog, we feel "connected" but sincerely miss you so much here at work. And not because it's the end of the month...ha!
Seriously though, I'm happy you are taking another step forward on your path to recovery. Looking forward to visiting with you soon.
Stay strong...Becky
Betsy,
So glad to hear you are doing better. Looking forward to when we can visit. We miss your smiling face! Keep up the good work.
Hugs to you!
Inez
Hi Betsy!
We are thrilled to hear that another big step forward has been accomplished...one day at a time! Good job as Inez would say!
Mari and Maria and Sue from Odenton today
Chemo never sounded so good, did it? Glad to hear Betsy was able to receive her first treatment and praying it goes as smoothly as possible.
Hoping Betsy can get some rest and keep growing stronger.
Eileen Cortese
Betsy,
So good to hear things are turning around for you today. I wanted to let you know that everyone's thoughts and prayers are with you from Parole.
Hugs...
Meghan
Aunt Betsy,
We are so happy that you are able to have your first chemo treatment. I'm glad you are feeling more comfortable and you are able to move around a little easier. Keep up the good work! We love you!
Love and prayers,
Amy, Jay and kids
Betsy,
Glad to hear you started your treatments! Our continued prayers for your strength and courage.
Love to all,
Fluffy and Frank
It sounds like you have very capable medical staff who only want the best for you. I pray that you continue to become stronger each day. When you don't feel as though you have the strength to pray, let others intercede for you. Tom, Andrew and Kevin you are also in my prayers. Much Love, Kathy
Hi Tom & Betsy,
I'm a Libra and a first time blogger. Sooo, how's the hospital food? If you get hungry for REAL food just let me know. I have a friend with a big can of spotted ...., well never mind.
Betsy, we are prayin for ya baby! I guess being married to Tom all these years has built up your resistance and stamina for tolerating intense discomfort and pain. if you still are having challenges in the area of perfuming the air, just let me know and I'll fix some special dinner for you.
I really miss you guys. and that means you too Tom. I saw Kevin at the church picnic and from the look of his face I could tell he sure loves you very much Betsy. Your blessed to have him. He is a great young man. And as for the other one, hairball, Drew,is as solid as they come. 2 great yuong men who can come over and eat with us anytime they want to. Oh Hell, Tom you can come over too. Just bring a wine that goes with hamburgers.
love the "Blog Show".
Keep the faith people!!!
Betsy and Tom can't seem to say anything prfound BTW Tom has the market on that. So just know the entire ICES family is praying hard and glad to hear you are doing better and well enough to start Chemo. Tom as you know ANYTHING MY FRIEND don't wait also I make a MEAN Meal for a ex 1Sgt. But would recommend Betsy eat someone else's food first! :) keep up the spirits and ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!
Scott
Betsy, Tom and family - We are praying for you and your family. Sounds like things are finally settling down and you can get the chemo you need.
The Quade family
Betsy,
That's great news that you're onto the next step. You're all in my prayers.
Peg
Hi, Betsy,
Just read the updates, I don't get to the computer at Odenton! I'm sure the decrease in edema is a big step. I hope the chemo is off to a good start. My thoughts and prayers continue. Let us know when you are ready to receive visitors. Continue to be strong...
Love, Sue T.
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