August 27, 2001
Kathy has completed cycle three and will start cycle four Friday. The first day of each cycle is the roughest and the medications take about four hours to administer. They implanted a catheter port while she was in the hospital, prior to her treatments and it makes it much easier and more comfortable to administer the different medicines. It certainly beats having an IV inserted each week.
She had a Cat-Scan last Friday and Dr. Miranda, her Oncologist, just called a few minutes ago and was optimistic in his report. He said the results showed a marked decrease in cancer cells and we are praying this will continue to be the results of future chemo therapy treatments.
Kathy has quite a bit of pain in her legs and her ankles tend to swell in the evenings. The doctor prescribed pain medication and it helps a lot. She continues to tire easily and the fatigue is a nuisance for her.
Karen has been coming home a few days each week, from
Mountain Home,Ar. and with the help Mark and Donna are giving, we are doing pretty well.
Again we thank all of you for your cards, flowers, and prayers. They are greatly appreciated.
God bless you.....
August 3, 2001
Kathy finished the second cycle of her chemo-therapy today and is doing fairly well with the exception of aching in her legs and general feeling of fatigue.
This, however, goes along with the treatment and is to be expected.
The doctor prescribed pain medication and it helps a lot.
We didn't see the doctor today, so there's not much to report on Kathy's progress.
Her white blood count was up and that is encouraging.
Cycle Three starts next Friday which consists of three medications. It takes about four hours for the treatment and is quite tiring on Kathy.
We will see the doctor next week and hopefully he will let us know the prognosis and when another cat-scan will be scheduled.
We wish to thank each of you for your good wishes and your prayers. It really means a lot to us. I saw my doctor yesterday and he said I was doing quite well and still assures me the procainamide induced Lupus will subside. We thank God for our children, Karen and Mark and their families, who continue to be a tremendous help to us.
We count our blessings each day for our good fortune.
Here is a photo of the Skyline Medical Center where Kathy is being treated. It is an excellent facility and the staff is outstanding.
I will keep you posted on Kathy's progress and she sends her love to all of you. She also is very grateful for the many cards and flowers she has received.
God Bless You......
July 23, 2001
Kathy started Cycle 2 of her chemo-therapy Friday 7/20 and tolerated it well.
The Oncology Clinic, a part of the Skyline Medical Center, is also brand new and is staffed with angels.
Everyone there goes that extra mile to insure the patients are comfortable and closely attended.
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful facility here.
Kathy was having some pain when she awoke this morning, but is feeling much better now after taking her medication.
She just finished breakfast and we are happy that she has had very little nausea.
Aside from the fatigue she experiences, she has been feeling quite well.
Kathy was fitted with a wig last week and even I have difficulty in distinguishing it from her real hair.
It is absolutely perfect.
Having been active her entire life, Kathy finds it difficult to lay around doing nothing.
I am becoming a pretty good chief cook and bottle washer.
Thinking of the many times she has nursed me back to good health, I am happy to repay the many debts I owe her.
Karen has been coming home each week for a few days and has been a tremendous help to us.
Michael and Muggs(our grandpuppy) came this week and we have enjoyed them very much.
A grandchild's love is priceless therapy.
Mark and his family returned last night from their Florida vacation, so we will be able to hug our other two grandchildren, Brittany and Benjamin tonight.
Mark and Donna have also been a tremendous help and comfort to us.
Kathy and I are very fortunate to have such a wonderful family and dear friends.
Words cannot describe our appreciation for the love and prayers we have received.
Kathy sends her love to all of you and we are determined to beat this thing.
Love,
Kathy and Jim
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