Feeling the continued and greater effects of treatment

Hello faithful friends:

Jeanine felt pretty rough during this last weekend. Especially Sunday. I don't know for sure the collation, but it seems that after each weekend, the previous weeks treatments maybe "accumulate". Then, on the weekends it is time to just rest! She slept most of the day yesterday. Jan came over while I went to 7:30am Mass; and she stayed around most of the day while I did some much-needed yard work.

Last week, our dear friend Janet visited from South San Francisco. She was here all week, watching over, and taking care of her while I was in Sacramento. I have to go to Milwaukee tomorrow, but Mom and Dad Ezzell will return to take care of her until I return Thursday night. We are so blessed to have them, and so many of you friends that care about us.

I have suggested that Jeanine update this blog herself in the next couple of days, and that would give you a better perspective of exactly how she feels from her point of view.

Love you all and thank God for each and every one of you.

Bill

Feeling the effects of the radiation treatment

Hi 'y'all-
Jeanine received her 9th radiation treatment today! Yesterday we met with the radiation doctors, and they indicated everything looks fine, and told us that the treatment is very aggressive. She had a slight sore throat, which the indication is sinus drainage. We are keeping an eye on that. After Fathers Day weekend rest, she was doing great on Monday. She felt, looked, and acted "sharp". After today's treatment, she needed a few hours rest.
Our dear friend Janet V. is visiting here from San Francisco. She will remain the rest of the week. I have a business trip to Sacramento tomorrow. Janet will stay with her this time (her folks usually do) and will take her to the radiation treatments Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.God Bless You All.Bill

Informative Pictures

Thanks to Kara, the pictures of Jeanine in the radiation treatment room appear right below this post.
Bill

Pics of Jean in the Treatment Room

Pics of Jean in the Treatment Room

The radiation treatment

Howdy folks -
Jeanine continues to do well. It is apparent now, from her getting tired and all, that she is "under treatment". The radiation seems to have a larger impact on how she feels. She seems to be tolerating the chemo just fine. Couple of little complaints of nausea, but no severe illness or anything.

I was allowed to enter the treatment room with her today, and see and understand the process. It is amazing! I had to leave for the actual "treatment", as does everyone else. There is no one int he room but Jeanine, and the moniter her on closed circuit TV. Everything is controlled from the exterior of that room.

The techs were kind enough to take some pictures of Jeanine in the treatment room, being setup for the treatment. I am e-mailing the pictures to my niece Kara to put on this blod. I just ain't that smart yet...... She is our uncomplaining source for tech help.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. It gave me a much better understanding of what was going on. I thank God for giving the scientists and doctors and techs the ability to engineer, build, develop, and use such marvelous and healing equipment. It still all goes back to HIM.

More later, as I have to get the pix sent to Kara.

Bill

Sunday Afternoon

She seems to get some of her best sleep in the mornings until about 9am or so. (That is also the scheduled time each morning for her anti-seizure medication) She had a good Saturday, but we pre-arranged to have Jan come over and stay with her this morning while I went to 7:30 mass. (My Sunday again as one of the extraordinary-ministers for the Eucharist.) When she rises in the mornings, the area of the surgery is still quite swollen. As she gets more active each day, the swelling will go down considerably. Sleeping in the recliner has not proven to be significant in preventing the swelling.

My Mother used to say "if it doesn't taste bad, the medicine isn't working". I can tell in Jeanine's case, "the medicine is working". She is doing very very well, but even though she isn't sick to her stomach, hurting, or anything; it is evident that she must listen when her body tells her to "sit down and take it easy".

A Blessed Sunday to all, and more will follow.

Bill

Friday Marks the Second Day

Good Afternoon:

Jeanine took her second chemo pill at bedtime last night, and this morning she received her second radiation treatment. This afternoon has been a bit rough for her. She says that even though there was no pain associated with the radiation treatment, "I can definitely tell that i've been zapped this time"! So far, no adverse reaction to the chemo pills. She takes the pills every night at bedtime, but no more radiation until Monday. She is staying very very strong, and all the prayers and encouragement from everyone is very important to her and her recovery efforts.

Blessings to all.

Bill

First Evening and Day of Treatment Completed

Howdy all!
Last night, Jeanine took her first dose of oral chemo. That was preceded 30 minutes, with a little pill to keep her from getting nauseous. She slept well all night in the recliner. (Which is now in the bedroom so she is more elevated during her sleep period to help prevent swelling) She still had some swelling this morning, but was rested and "ready to get up". Not sick or anything adverse. At noon we took her to Southwestern Medical Center for her first radiation appointment. (The "mask", and "body liner" were made last week, and were ready for this appointment.) We were there a total of about 30 minutes; about 20 minutes of which included getting her set, and the treatment itself. No pain, burning or anything so far. Said she opened her eyes once and saw a blue light, but that was it. No problem breathing or anything with the mask. We go again tomorrow, which will conclude the radiation treatment for this week. She will take the chemo each night however.

All prayers being answered so far, and thank you for including her in yours. More follows as anything develops.

God Bless You All.

Bill

First treatment day changed

Howdy - Well Jeanine got her phantom-of-the-opera mask made yesterday. The actual process that she went through was slightly different than we had understood originally. She will be lying down rather than sitting; there is also a "form" made that rigidly supports her entire body, as well as her head. She will be positioned on her back, and the rear of the mask attaches firmly to the platform. The first treatment is now scheduled to begin June 7th. She will receive the radiation treatment in the afternoon, and then begin the oral chemo that same night. In her own words "I'm ready to get on with this". She gets a little weary in late afternoons, she needs to rest, and there is still some swelling over the trauma site. Doctors assure us that all is well.

Gods blessings to all.

Bill