We are seeing some progress with the radiation to her right thigh.
The severe pain in her thigh has been reduced by at least 75%. When she started, she had to have 2 or 3 pillows under her right knee to keep the thigh flexed at about 45 degrees to alleviate the pain. Now she can have her leg out straight in the bed.
Most of her pain now is in her back, as she has been flat in bed for 3 weeks.
There is some improvement in the weakness of her right thigh. She can flex it a little bit (perhaps 20% normal strength). The weakness was expected to take longer to recover than the pain relief. So this is normal.
She developed a fever Wednesday morning and IV antibiotics were started and cultures were obtained. The WBC had dropped to 1400 from the chemo 2 weeks ago. She is still getting the Neupogen shots to boost the white count.
She has been getting physio to help her sit, stand etc, but so far, she hasn't been able to stand. She finishes her radiation series on Saturday. I'm not sure whether she will be strong enough to go home. It will also depend on the results of the cultures and the infection. Although she seems to be better in that regard and hasn't had any more fever.
She has been in hospital for 3 weeks now and we all want her home for a while. Her next chemo would be next week, but it should be only a 2-3 day hospital stay.
Thanks for all the prayers, visits etc. They are keeping everyone's spirits up.
So glad to see a post. Was hoping no news was good news. I'm so happy for Linda that she is having less pain in her leg. When will you know if the chemotherapy is working? Three weeks is a long time, hang in there, it's worth it!!!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you,
Deb.