Update from Bob

Noreen was able to bring Maureen home by plane, after we decided that a 9 hour ambulance ride would be very traumatic. Maureen was pretty worn out as expected, and was taken right to the hospital, and she had a 102 fever the next day and was started on very powerful antibiotics, which she is still on. Dr Hess plans to keep them going a long time in case there is a hidden area of infection that has recurred. Things have been going very slowly. She has not been able to support any weight at all, but the head of PT told me today that she did walk 50 feet with a walker today, which is actually very good news. Dr. Maysonet, anesthesiologist and pain specialist, is injecting 3 areas under fluoroscopy today-right shoulder, left hip, and cervical spine---if this is successful, it may decrease the amount of pain meds she needs. Also, her MRI of the brain with contrast was negative for any spread of cancer to the brain. Her very high tumor marker of 271 has come down to 217 and then 171, still high but going in the right direction, possibly due to Faslodex, a monthly anti estrogen injection which does not cause serious side effects. She is too weak for any other chemo at this time.
She is in Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, WV 26038, Room 524

Thanks alot to John M, who did Ti Chi exercises with her that seemed to help.Janet was also a huge help and her expertise in wound prevention was very helpful.I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit and talk with her more than I have in a long time. Anna Mae was fantastic as usual--what an amazing person, high energy and always looks at the bright side. All of Maureen's sisters and brothers have put their own lives on hold many times to help her---And in case I havn't said it enough, I am deeply appreciative and I know many, many families who would not do the same. Noreen came for 2 weeks and we are really grateful for that. Kathleen is here now and doing her best to keep me in line and help Maureen as much as possible.
I will try to update sooner next time
Bob S.