Week Five

The Chemo process went easier this week, though it was still a 5-hour visit with the doctor's exam included.

We remain thankful that Lynn's only reaction to the Chemo has been fatigue. It could be much worse.

A special thanks to all the walking buddies who volunteered the past two weeks. Lynn comes back from the walks feeling much better. You’re the best!

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

PS – feel free to post your guesses on the hair.

Week Three

"They're going to have fun sticking her all the time."
- one R.N. to another, after they discovered that Lynn's portacath implant is nearer her armpit than typical, and thus difficult to locate and access. This might be related to the fact that the 30-minute procedure to install it actually took 90 minutes.

Oh well, I guess if these things were easy we could have installed it at home.

I found it interesting that the nurses suit up (gown, gloves, eye protection) each time they insert or change chemical syringes for the Chemo treatment. I asked about that and one nurse said they didn't want any of the chemicals splashing on their skin or clothing. When she said that, I was thinking "Wait a second...they don't want the stuff touching them, but they are going to pump Lynn's veins full of it. Seems like something's wrong with this picture."

Everything actually went well today, and the staff at Sutter are very nice. We are very happy Lynn is getting her treatments there.

We arrived home this afternoon to a wonderful phone message from Molly (and one yesterday from Lynn R.). Thanks ladies!

Our friend Tammy shared a verse with Lynn yesterday that I want to post here:

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms
-Ephesians 1:18-20 (NIV)

Thank you all!

Week Two

“Glad that’s over”
– Lynn, at home the evening after the portacath placement.

We are three days into week two and next week (Monday) begins chemotherapy.

We are both glad to get the good news of the recent tests, and we are optimistic that this trend will continue. Still, it seems almost surreal to be doing all these tests and procedures when Lynn doesn’t feel sick. It takes a while for the whole thing to sink in.

On a side note - I don’t know where they get those gowns for the hospital, but the one Lynn wore today looked like someone stole the seat covers off a 1972 Ford Pinto. Thinking it might be of some interest for the blog, I asked Lynn if I could take a quick picture of her in the gown with my camera phone but she said…well, I’ll just translate it as “no”.
Oh well.

We appreciate all the calls, and e-mails, and posts to the blog. We read (and often re-read) every one. It helps more than I can say.

So please drop us a line and say “hi”. I have the system set up so that Lynn receives an e-mail copy of all the posts, and we both appreciate the kind words and scriptures you have all shared.

Above all, we appreciate your friendship, love, prayers and support.

Thank you.