Weight Loss

When Elaine began describing the events leading up to her admission to the hospital, she said that for the prior two months she had no appetite. Without the assistance of Jenny Craig she realized a loss of 20 pounds during that time. While she was at University of Maryland Hospital another 7 pounds disappeared. She moved to Kernan Rehab Center where her meals were pureed everything. It was hard to tell the difference between mashed potatoes and pasta, and who could tell what green vegetable was being served. Finally, even with home made ice cream (she devoured this) brought in by her cousin Mike, and fantastic pureed meals by Chef Kris (Cassie's husband) she lost a whopping 20 pounds during the 2 week stay. Now that she is at Northampton Manor and no longer has troubles swallowing, they have converted her meals to regular food, minus, hold your breath, chocolate and spicy foods. She does have to drink some Maalox before every meal. Our prayer is that she will eat and enjoy some good food and break the trend of rapid weight loss.

This cancer spreads fast and is not curable once it leaves the pancreas. It does not have many warning signs. As it was in Elaine's case, the first sign was loss of appetite.

This next bit of news will surely earn this writer a stern look of disapproval from Elaine. I suppose we all would respond the same way. Some things in life are just personal. Truth is truth and cannot be dismissed when providing her friends and family an update on her medical condition. The past few days she has lost control of bladder and bowel functions and is being treated with some medicine. Hopefully the doctor who visits her this evening can identify the cause of this symptom. Finally, an oncologist is being selected to review the cancer elements.

Today was not a good day for her. She could only say how terrible the pain is in her left leg during a phone call this evening. Earlier today she could not identify her clothes to the physical therapist which resulted in a trip to the Nursing home by Mom with some new clothes. Thank God she is in close proximity to Dad and Mom. She slept for most of the afternoon and only had a 15 minute talk with Mom and Dad during their 3 hour stay. Elaine also complained about how badly her shoulder hurt and that she could not see very well.

By the way, please include Mom and Dad (Pat and Otts) in your prayers as well. They need encouragement and God's strength.

She loves phone calls (remember she might forget that she's talking to you or to say goodbye. Keep it short!) and visitors, but gets tired very easily and needs rest after her physical therapy.

Please don't forget to write your stories in the comments.