Tough Week

Dear Friends and Family,
Last week was a very tough week, Johns hardest to this point. He had Chemo last Monday and Tuesday. The Dr. also did the bone marrow biopsy and the bone marrow is good for a transplant if the tumors will respond to the chemo. His white blood count went down to 1.4 and his bilirubin to 10.1. We could not get him to eat or drink much.  His breathing was jeopardized because of the tumors in the neck and throat area, also the tumor in his chest is wrapped around the Vena-cava vessel going from the heart to the brain and constricting blood flow. Dr. Chand suggested Radiation for comfort measures and John began those treatments Friday of last week. Today he completed his 5th treatment. It seems to be helping. He is on oxygen 24/7. Extremely tired. But he is eating!!

 He has 5 more radiation treatments, ending on Wednesday of next week.(August 8th) On Monday the 13th the oncologist will determine if he is able to take another round of chemo, which would be given the 13 and 14th. The week of 27th he would have scans done to see if the tumors (in the abdomen and around the liver and kidneys) are responding if they are he is eligible for a bone marrow transplant at Wake Forest Hospital. If the tumors are not shrinking they will call the cancer non-responsive and our earthly options will be done.
 
We have started home health care and palliative care. A great blessing!!! Our kids have really stepped up to the plate and are coming often to see their dad and help with care. Also Johns sister, Peggy and brother Gene are here a lot to help with Dr. visits and cheer us up!!
 
We are overwhelmed with the love and support you all are extending. It is so helpful not to worry about meals after long days at different Dr.s offices. Our daughters, Heather and Beth are keeping up with meals for us.(828-371-8240) Your calls and messages are encouraging and uplifting. I am attempting to keep up with phone calls but many days I am just to tired. Our daughters, Jennifer and Jonlyn are returning some calls for us.
Know that you are loving us well and we are grateful...

In His Arms,
  Mary Linville (for us all)