Thursday, July 28, 2011

Hi everyone--
I thought it was time for an update. When we last talked, I was suffering from pain in my back and was going to start radiation. Well, it was all very confusing. I had radiation (5 days), but I found out yesterday that the radiation oncologist had a mind of his own and radiated the wrong spot (not the one that was causing pain on a nerve between two vertebrae, but another one on my lung that he thought was a better one to nuke). At least he radiated a cancer spot and not something important, but I still have no relief from my pain. It was a little awkward sitting in my oncologist's examining room as he yelled at the radiation oncologist (in front of me) for not doing as he asked. Now I have another 5 days of radiation to face, starting on Tuesday. The radiation, combined with the chemo put me through a few transfusions, as my platelets and hemoglobin took a serious dive.

Meanwhile, I had round 15 of chemo yesterday and today, and will have a PET scan in two weeks to see how my body is doing after all of this. The last two rounds were an increased dosage of an extra day. I'm so tired of hospitals. I'm sure you can see it's been a lovely summer for me so far. Can't wait to get back to my students!

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I go through more radiation and the PET, and that the results are back on the right track. I'll keep you posted.

5 comments:

Mrs. Raaker said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. Raaker said...

Hang in there JoAnn! My prayers are with you!

Andrew said...

JoAnn, thank you for the update - been thinking about you and praying for you. Wow. I can only imagine the tension in the doctor's office with all the yelling...jeez! I am so sorry you are in this terrible pain. I will be praying for a better summer, with some relief and comfort for you. You are an amazing, strong woman, and an inspiration. Hang in there...you are awesome and we love you!!!

rg said...

JoAnn,

Please check the following website out. Dr Schulze's herbdoc.com

Many people have had cancer and been on their last leg and about to even have surgery, etc., but revolutionize their lifestyle. Please look into this and talk to Dr Richard Schultz, if possible, to see what you can do to eradicate this 'dis ease' in your life...forever. All you can do is ask. You don't need to be going through all of this. You're too young and need to enjoy your life and family...and they need you. I remember when you were born...a beautiful baby w/a full head of black hair and a delight to your parents. You still have a life ahead of you...don't give up. Look into alternative ways of canceling out cancer. Stay strong...you're a survivor!

Best regards - Regina Garabedian

Unknown said...

Hi Cousin!

Just wanted to say I love you and you are in my prayers every night.

You inspire me JoAnn. We all stress about stupid things in life and never really take a moment to appreciate the good things around us. At least Im guilty of that.

With all thats happened this year and with talking to you more now, I respect/admire and am proud that I have someone close to me thats as driven as you are to fight whatever comes your way.

You inspire others through your motivation and strength. Whenever you have those difficult days, please know that there are so many people in your life that are so proud of you.

Love you!

Shahan