The last couple of days have been difficult for Elaine. Monday was a very tough day, Elaine was in a great deal of pain and very fatigued, spending all day in bed. Conversation was limited and Elaine drifted in and out of sleep most of the day. It was sadly the worst day Elaine has had since this ordeal began. By days end, Elaine had been placed on low doses of Morphine to control her pain. Tuesday saw improvement in her condition, the medication kept her pain level under control, her energy level was improved and she was able to engage in conversation, although she did spend the day in bed again.
We hope that the medicine will allow Elaine to rest and regain strength as she continues this very difficult battle. Our prayers are with her always!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Weekend
The weekend saw Elaine go through a couple of tougher days with a noticable drop in energy and the onset of some nausua and stomach pain. The reality is that all of Elaine's conditions continue to be present and some are getting worse. Late last week, Elaine began receiving pain medicine to offset the back and shoulder issues she has been dealing with. Elaine was opposed to taking pain pills for a long time but can no longer go without them. She has continued to receive all her therapy for now.
The most pressing issues at this time (this is opinion, not a medical conclusion) are fatigue and lack of appetite. Elaine has very little to no appetite and nothing on her plate appeals to her at all. Fatigue is becoming more of an issue likely because of the medication(s), continued lack of appetite/adequate nutrition, and whatever toll the cancer is taking on her body. It was mentioned on the last post that more daytime rest would be required and it was clear over the weekend that Elaine needs more rest than ever before.
Elaine did have a chance on Friday to have a lot of the postings that have been left on this blog read to her. She wanted to hear most of them more than once, and as before they brought both tears and laughter and it is very evident how much she appreciates each and every posting.
Elaine is a remarkable woman and we wish her continued strength and courage!
The most pressing issues at this time (this is opinion, not a medical conclusion) are fatigue and lack of appetite. Elaine has very little to no appetite and nothing on her plate appeals to her at all. Fatigue is becoming more of an issue likely because of the medication(s), continued lack of appetite/adequate nutrition, and whatever toll the cancer is taking on her body. It was mentioned on the last post that more daytime rest would be required and it was clear over the weekend that Elaine needs more rest than ever before.
Elaine did have a chance on Friday to have a lot of the postings that have been left on this blog read to her. She wanted to hear most of them more than once, and as before they brought both tears and laughter and it is very evident how much she appreciates each and every posting.
Elaine is a remarkable woman and we wish her continued strength and courage!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Update
Elaine continues to have the same issues reported on the last blog. On Thursday Mom and Dad attended a meeting with staff members who advised that Elaine's fatigue level continues to increase and more rest time will be necessary during daylight hours to allow her to obtain the proper amount of rest. When visiting during the day, don't be surprised if Elaine is in bed getting the rest she requires.
She had a good week with a lot of visitors, which is the best medicine she can receive right now. As mentioned before, nothing lifts her spirits more than seeing family and friends walk through her door.
Your continued support, concern and prayers are greatly appreciated.
She had a good week with a lot of visitors, which is the best medicine she can receive right now. As mentioned before, nothing lifts her spirits more than seeing family and friends walk through her door.
Your continued support, concern and prayers are greatly appreciated.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Update
Sorry we have missed the past couple of days, here are some updates on Elaine.
In response to the Oncologist visit, Elaine has repeatedly said since then that she does not want to undergo chemotherapy.
Her continued issues at this time are short term memory loss, deteriorating vision, lack of appetite, overall fatigue and shoulder and back discomfort. As mentioned before, the shoulder pain is a result of the shoulder being out of socket because her muscles are too weak to hold it in place. Her wheelchair has been fitted with a new support to help with this and will hopefully offer some relief. Her back pain is a muscle issue and is caused because her right side muscles must compensate for the lack of strength on the left side.
She was able to watch/listen to most of the Ravens game with her Dad providing the commentary and some play by play action. As you may know, it is hard for Elaine to stay focused on anything for very long, so Dad had to keep her updated on the game. Elaine enjoyed the first half of the game but became too tired to enjoy the second half of the surprising Ravens victory.
After weeks of pureed food that has not been very appealing, Elaine had "Sloppy Joe's" for dinner on Saturday and actually loved it!
She was able to get her hair cut on Thursday and while the reports are that it looks great, Elaine said it wasn't as good as Pat does it!!
In response to the Oncologist visit, Elaine has repeatedly said since then that she does not want to undergo chemotherapy.
Her continued issues at this time are short term memory loss, deteriorating vision, lack of appetite, overall fatigue and shoulder and back discomfort. As mentioned before, the shoulder pain is a result of the shoulder being out of socket because her muscles are too weak to hold it in place. Her wheelchair has been fitted with a new support to help with this and will hopefully offer some relief. Her back pain is a muscle issue and is caused because her right side muscles must compensate for the lack of strength on the left side.
She was able to watch/listen to most of the Ravens game with her Dad providing the commentary and some play by play action. As you may know, it is hard for Elaine to stay focused on anything for very long, so Dad had to keep her updated on the game. Elaine enjoyed the first half of the game but became too tired to enjoy the second half of the surprising Ravens victory.
After weeks of pureed food that has not been very appealing, Elaine had "Sloppy Joe's" for dinner on Saturday and actually loved it!
She was able to get her hair cut on Thursday and while the reports are that it looks great, Elaine said it wasn't as good as Pat does it!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Elaine's Room - PLEASE READ
Please DO NOT move any furniture in Elaines' room, her entire room was designed by the therapy and medical team at Homewood specifically for Elaine in the manner that is needed to assist in her therapy and rehabilitation.
No one, except for the medical team at Homewood, has permission or is authorized to move or rearrange any furniture in Elaine's room.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
No one, except for the medical team at Homewood, has permission or is authorized to move or rearrange any furniture in Elaine's room.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Oncologist Visit
Today Elaine met with her Oncologist, Dr. Oh of the Cancer Care Center in Frederick, MD, accompanied by her parents and brother. Please keep in mind that this site is meant as a communication tool and the intent is to share facts and reality with those of you who are concerned with Elaine's well being.
Dr. Oh reviewed her recent test results and advised us that the Cancer has continued to grow and has made what he would deem "normal" progress since it was originally detected. It has intensified in her Liver and spread to Lymph nodes around her Kidney. On the positive side, cancer was not detected in any other organs at this time and the blood tests were all at acceptable levels. The doctor thought that Elaine was relatively stable and if she wanted to attempt chemotherapy, now would be the time to do it. Very honest discussions were held regarding the pros and cons of undergoing Chemotherapy and what symptoms and results Elaine could expect with and without treatment, knowing that Pancreatic cancer is extremely aggressive and that her prognosis is grave. Chemotherapy is further complicated due to the stroke, which has left Elaine in a weakened condition and there is profound concern over the toll it would take on her.
A decision will now have to be made in the coming days as to whether or not Elaine will undergo Chemotherapy.
We wish Elaine well and ask for your prayers and strength for Elaine during this difficult time.
Dr. Oh reviewed her recent test results and advised us that the Cancer has continued to grow and has made what he would deem "normal" progress since it was originally detected. It has intensified in her Liver and spread to Lymph nodes around her Kidney. On the positive side, cancer was not detected in any other organs at this time and the blood tests were all at acceptable levels. The doctor thought that Elaine was relatively stable and if she wanted to attempt chemotherapy, now would be the time to do it. Very honest discussions were held regarding the pros and cons of undergoing Chemotherapy and what symptoms and results Elaine could expect with and without treatment, knowing that Pancreatic cancer is extremely aggressive and that her prognosis is grave. Chemotherapy is further complicated due to the stroke, which has left Elaine in a weakened condition and there is profound concern over the toll it would take on her.
A decision will now have to be made in the coming days as to whether or not Elaine will undergo Chemotherapy.
We wish Elaine well and ask for your prayers and strength for Elaine during this difficult time.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sunday-Monday
Elaine had a steady stream of visitors on Sunday and Monday and was able to spend time outside on both days after lunch enjoying cousin Mike's Peach ice cream for desert. Given the holiday weekend, she did not have therapy but that will resume on Tuesday.
On Sunday, we discovered that there are four computers available for resident use located just beyond the chapel by the main reception area. We utilized the computer to access this blog and read the comments to Elaine directly from this site. I can tell you that Elaine enjoyed hearing all of the comments that have been left for her, some brought tears and others brought laughter but all of them touched her heart very deeply. It would be a great activity for anyone to participate in while visiting Elaine, she enjoyed the blog and approved of the picture we have posted. Only the comments left by all of you were read to her, we did not read any of the postings.
Her musical collection was increased this weekend with the addition of the soundtrack to Jersey Boys and the return of the Abba/Beatles/Beach Boys mix. If anyone is visiting and would like to listen to some music with Elaine, the CD's are located in the top drawer of the dresser that the CD player sits on.
Elaine has an important week ahead of her, we wish her all the best.
As always, your concern, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
On Sunday, we discovered that there are four computers available for resident use located just beyond the chapel by the main reception area. We utilized the computer to access this blog and read the comments to Elaine directly from this site. I can tell you that Elaine enjoyed hearing all of the comments that have been left for her, some brought tears and others brought laughter but all of them touched her heart very deeply. It would be a great activity for anyone to participate in while visiting Elaine, she enjoyed the blog and approved of the picture we have posted. Only the comments left by all of you were read to her, we did not read any of the postings.
Her musical collection was increased this weekend with the addition of the soundtrack to Jersey Boys and the return of the Abba/Beatles/Beach Boys mix. If anyone is visiting and would like to listen to some music with Elaine, the CD's are located in the top drawer of the dresser that the CD player sits on.
Elaine has an important week ahead of her, we wish her all the best.
As always, your concern, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
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