Well, we lied to you. Not on purpose, but we received new information that puts us on a different treatment trajectory. Last Thursday, Gloria and Sidney met with Dr. Vasu at The James and it turns out that they found a bone marrow donor who is a very good match for Mom. This has given us a lot to think about over the last few days. After much deliberation, Gloria has decided to take the plunge and move forward with the bone marrow transplant. We feel that this will give her the best chance, though it will not be easy. So, that means that she and Sidney have a few more glorious days at home in Dayton. In the meantime, Gloria is trying to eat and sleep well and to get a little exercise in order to build back her strength. She is eating like a horse and has already gained 4 pounds in the last couple of weeks! Thanks to everyone who has been feeding her so well! We don't know yet what the timing of the transplant will be, but likely we will start in late October. Stay tuned for updates.
Love,
Rebecca, Karen, Sidney and Gloria
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Shana Tova
It is the Jewish New Year and we hope it will be a
sweet, healthy and safe year for all! Ours is starting off on a decent
foot. Rebecca is back at home enjoying life on the west coast. She has
already been sailing in Johnstone Strait along the northern coast of Vancouver Island and had a
visit to beautiful Santa Barbara.
Karen is enjoying good success with her business and comedy. Sidney and Gloria continue to enjoy life at the pond and visits from friends and family. They especially appreciated having Cordula and Aunt Rebecca around to enjoy the end-of-summer bounty. Now that Mom's counts are back up, she is off the low-bacteria diet and can partake in the Ohio tomatoes and corn.
This past week, Gloria has been feeling pretty strong, although a sorafenib-induced rash has flared up and her feet are blistered, making it hard to walk very long distances. On Sept 12, she had a visit to The James, and, in keeping with the clinical trial, will go back for the last round of chemotherapy on September 24. It will be the same as the last time, where she has 5-days of chemo as an in-patient in Columbus and then will be home to recover for the month following. As before, the key will be lots of rest and remaining vigilant in our attempts to stave off infection. Sidney and Karen will be there to care for her at the hospital, and Rebecca will join them for the period of recovery at home to round out Team Gloria. We look forward to being together again!
Lots of love,
Rebecca, Karen, Sidney and Gloria
 |
| 67' wooden schooner, Passing Cloud |
 |
| Orcas in Johnstone Strait |
Karen is enjoying good success with her business and comedy. Sidney and Gloria continue to enjoy life at the pond and visits from friends and family. They especially appreciated having Cordula and Aunt Rebecca around to enjoy the end-of-summer bounty. Now that Mom's counts are back up, she is off the low-bacteria diet and can partake in the Ohio tomatoes and corn.
This past week, Gloria has been feeling pretty strong, although a sorafenib-induced rash has flared up and her feet are blistered, making it hard to walk very long distances. On Sept 12, she had a visit to The James, and, in keeping with the clinical trial, will go back for the last round of chemotherapy on September 24. It will be the same as the last time, where she has 5-days of chemo as an in-patient in Columbus and then will be home to recover for the month following. As before, the key will be lots of rest and remaining vigilant in our attempts to stave off infection. Sidney and Karen will be there to care for her at the hospital, and Rebecca will join them for the period of recovery at home to round out Team Gloria. We look forward to being together again!
Lots of love,
Rebecca, Karen, Sidney and Gloria
Monday, September 3, 2012
Labor Day
Greetings all!
It has been a rather dreary weekend here at Sidney's. Rebecca left early Saturday morning to return to Vancouver Island. The rest of us miss her terribly, but are happy she's able to be home. Gloria has had a little more pep in her step since she received two units of blood on Friday evening, but is still a little tired, of course. We're hoping the next week will bring recovering counts and less risk of infection.
Our Swiss friend, Cordula, has been keeping us entertained in the meantime. She's also been trading cooking duties with Karen, who has been delighted to learn a few German words (mostly spices).
Although we're not doing anything horribly exciting, we're still enjoying each other's company. We're also still in awe of everyone's continuing generosity and kindness. We hope all of you are enjoying those you love this holiday weekend.
All the best,
Karen, Rebecca, Sidney, and Gloria
It has been a rather dreary weekend here at Sidney's. Rebecca left early Saturday morning to return to Vancouver Island. The rest of us miss her terribly, but are happy she's able to be home. Gloria has had a little more pep in her step since she received two units of blood on Friday evening, but is still a little tired, of course. We're hoping the next week will bring recovering counts and less risk of infection.
Our Swiss friend, Cordula, has been keeping us entertained in the meantime. She's also been trading cooking duties with Karen, who has been delighted to learn a few German words (mostly spices).
Although we're not doing anything horribly exciting, we're still enjoying each other's company. We're also still in awe of everyone's continuing generosity and kindness. We hope all of you are enjoying those you love this holiday weekend.
All the best,
Karen, Rebecca, Sidney, and Gloria
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