Jen had her third radiation treatment (fraction) yesterday. It was another success. Though she should have more relief over the weekend, it looks like she’s already feeling a little less pain.
Jen will have a total of six treatments. Her fourth is scheduled for this afternoon. The remaining two will be Monday and Tuesday.
This week has been a mixed bag. Jen has windows of improvement, but she also had a few setbacks. Her heart rate has been high and she has been running low grade fevers. And this morning her pulse ox dropped to 79, prompting her nurse to put her on oxygen.
Dr. Vallabhaneni (Dr. V) ordered chest X-rays Wednesday. She found pneumonia in Jen’s lungs. Dr. V initially put Jen on IV antibiotics. But because she is retaining fluids, changed the order to “by mouth.”
Dr. V is not certain what caused the pneumonia (all of Jen’s labs are not back yet) but she says it’s possible that reduced physical activity made Jen’s lungs susceptible.
With better pain control, Jen’s mobility is improving. Dr. Sarma cautiously upgraded Jen’s activity order from “non-weight bearing” to “weight bearing as tolerated.” Sarma warned, “I need for you to understand that there is a razor thin margin between you being as good as you are right now and getting worse.”
We are considering several options Dr. Sarma presented to control pain and stabilize her hips. He is “looking for pain control, such that she can be much more mobile and up and about.”
Jen wants her hips stabilized and her pain managed so she can contribute to her recovery, “I just want to move forward. I don’t want to go backwards. I don’t want to stand still.”
Sorry to hear about the pneumonia on top of all the other stuff you have to endure. I pray there are no more setbacks to you being comfortable and stable in the next few days. I am amazed at your courage and mental strength. 💪🏻💐😘 Go Jen
Great to hear you are making headway for the pain management! Progress…even if baby steps…The antibiotics will hopefully work their magic! You are always on my mind and we are always send ALL our healing vibes your way … & Mia sends kisses!! 🐶
💗💗💗
You are as tough as they come, Jennifer.🤗
So happy that you are making progress. I’m not very religious , but I pray for you everyday. I have you on a lot of people’ s prayer lists as well. Our next door neighbor is a minister, I have him on speed dial for you!! Couldn’t hurt!! 😘
Love you very much!!!❤️❤️❤️😳😳😳
Stephen, I am a high school friend of Jen’s. I just found out about her condition yesterday and I wanted to reach out. I have been in immediate prayer for you both. My memories with Jen are priceless…but most in particular, was her strength and tenacity during times (and a fun road trip) we took together. I remember her fighting spirit and her love for life. I know she is fighting this because she loves you! Please offer her my well-wishes. I would love to be able to see her, if possible. Sending virtual hugs, prayers, and love.
Just thinking of you tonight. Hoping you’re feeling less pain as you go through your medical procedures. Sorry to hear about your pneumonia diagnosis but hoping that your antibiotics can clear that up very quickly. You’re always in our thoughts and prayers. Love ❤️ Johnny and Jill