Via phone, email and Facebook most know that Dorene was hospitalized in Las Vegas while she accompanied Matt to a work conference hoping for a little pool side sunshine... just in case you didn't see any of those communications...
Dorene and Matt arrived in Las Vegas last Sunday... by Wednesday morning Matt took Dorene to the hospital because of shortness of breath where they discovered the pericardial sack around her heart was filled with fluids. The doctors drained a significant amount of fluids and the next day a small amount from her lungs. It was also discovered that she had a mild case of pneumonia. After a long week, strong antibiotics and Dorene's enduring inner strength she was released from the LV hospital this evening and they have booked a 7am Monday morning flight back home where their doctors are awaiting to evaluate this new turn in side effects and how best to help Dorene with it.
As always Matt, Dorene and our family are so grateful to everyone who has been praying for Dorene to recover enough to get home... you bless us so much with your love.
xoxo
Dorene's Sister
Deborah
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dorene weighs 109.5 pounds!
I haven't posted in awhile and that's because things have been fairly status quo in a good way. :-) But I'm on the phone with Dorene right now and she just weighed herself and she weighs 109.5 pounds! Yeah!
The megace has been a God Send and Dorene continues to eat and enjoy food. They cut the dose in half because her restless leg problem has been so bad and still she is eating well on a half dose. Only big issue right now is that she has trouble sleeping. She's on Ambien CR and even with that she is struggling to get to sleep which is a big drag.
On the brighter side the tumors that were last irridated are gone. Dorene is experiencing a remission as she's not found any new tumors since that treatment. She says she feel good and except for the sleep problems is doing well.
Well... I'm still on the phone with her so I'm making this short.
Dorene sends her love!
as do I... :-) xoxo
The megace has been a God Send and Dorene continues to eat and enjoy food. They cut the dose in half because her restless leg problem has been so bad and still she is eating well on a half dose. Only big issue right now is that she has trouble sleeping. She's on Ambien CR and even with that she is struggling to get to sleep which is a big drag.
On the brighter side the tumors that were last irridated are gone. Dorene is experiencing a remission as she's not found any new tumors since that treatment. She says she feel good and except for the sleep problems is doing well.
Well... I'm still on the phone with her so I'm making this short.
Dorene sends her love!
as do I... :-) xoxo
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Give and Take?
With the tremendous blessing of discovering Megace and Dorene's ability to eat and enjoy food again has come a side effect that takes it's own toll...
Dorene has has a lot of restless leg syndrome from the drugs she has to take and Megace has added to that to a large degree and Dorene's ability to get a good night's sleep has been greatly altered. She's spoken to her Hospice nurse and the medication they recommended has not helped. But by luck last Friday, and it shouldn't have been left to luck as I should have discussed it with Mom sooner, I made a 3 way call with Dorene, Mom and I and when we started talking about it Mom brought up taking Magnesium to help control the restless leg. She has recommended it to several people, all of who were on medications, with great results.
Dorene went to the Health Food store today to pick up some magnesium and we are hopeful that this will bring at least some relief. I will update you again once I have something more to share. Our Mom is such a wonderful resource of health information, we are very lucky. xoxo
So, there has been some given blessings; appetite, enjoyment of food, a little more energy, and new hope. And there has been some set-backs. Not getting solid sleep takes a big toll on Dorene. She is also struggling with her hospice provider over getting certain medications. They will not give her the megace and marinol both... and they have switched her from Ambien CR to Ambien. The marinol was helping with her restless leg and the Ambien CR helps her to not wake up a few hours after falling asleep to toss about bed the rest of the night. It seems Hospice is only willing to provide "Quality of Life Care" if it fits their budget. Very frustrating. Matt is going to look into it further.
Dorene's wonderful co-workers at the Veterinary office she worked at have started a fundraising campaign for Dorene called "Daisies for Dorene." Isn't that the sweetest thing ever!!! They sell daisies for I think a dollar. She loves everyone there so much and said that she really wants to return to work. There was a little hope that maybe she could go in for an hour or two here and there before the restless leg problem took such a surge but if she can get that under control and feel rested I know she'd return in a second. If any of the people at Prairie Animal Hospital in Coeur d'Alene read this blog... please know how much our family appreciates all of you and the love you've given to Dorene. Daisies for Dorene or not you've all been forever imprinted on our hearts, and Dorene loves you all so very much! Thank You from the bottom of our heart!!! xoxo :-) I didn't get this photo up sooner but I've added a photo of our visit to the vet clinic on Dorene's 48th birthday last November... they had cake and pie and baloons and presents all waiting for her. Such lovely people.
Summer is on it's way and Dorene is looking forward to warmer weather which is a blessing as there were times Dorene didn't think she'd see another summer. Unfortunately Coeur d'Alene is experiencing one of it's wettest/coldest springs at the moment so come on weatherman!! Bring sunshine to Coeur d'Alene!! :-)
I can't help but want to add today and again how amazed I am at Dorene's perseverance, strength of spirit, and beautiful, loving heart. I was talking to our Uncle Olin today and we were discussing that it is only because of an inner strength that I don't think Dorene is aware of that she possesses that she is here with us today. Many, maybe most of us, wouldn't have been able to fight like she has. Her body is stronger than most of ours when we are healthy... it keeps fighting and it must be a reflection of that amazing beautiful spirit that resides inside her soul. The last couple of years have been torturous and yet she keeps on fighting. I wish I knew how really express the truth of how I feel about her in words. I don't think it's possible. I love her, I cherish her, Dorene is my hero and I can only hope that I'm half the woman she is... heck, I'd be happy for 1/3rd. And I know you all see her beauty too...
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
Dorene has has a lot of restless leg syndrome from the drugs she has to take and Megace has added to that to a large degree and Dorene's ability to get a good night's sleep has been greatly altered. She's spoken to her Hospice nurse and the medication they recommended has not helped. But by luck last Friday, and it shouldn't have been left to luck as I should have discussed it with Mom sooner, I made a 3 way call with Dorene, Mom and I and when we started talking about it Mom brought up taking Magnesium to help control the restless leg. She has recommended it to several people, all of who were on medications, with great results.
Dorene went to the Health Food store today to pick up some magnesium and we are hopeful that this will bring at least some relief. I will update you again once I have something more to share. Our Mom is such a wonderful resource of health information, we are very lucky. xoxo
So, there has been some given blessings; appetite, enjoyment of food, a little more energy, and new hope. And there has been some set-backs. Not getting solid sleep takes a big toll on Dorene. She is also struggling with her hospice provider over getting certain medications. They will not give her the megace and marinol both... and they have switched her from Ambien CR to Ambien. The marinol was helping with her restless leg and the Ambien CR helps her to not wake up a few hours after falling asleep to toss about bed the rest of the night. It seems Hospice is only willing to provide "Quality of Life Care" if it fits their budget. Very frustrating. Matt is going to look into it further.
 |
| Dorene's 48th BD at the Vet office - November 10, 2010 |
Summer is on it's way and Dorene is looking forward to warmer weather which is a blessing as there were times Dorene didn't think she'd see another summer. Unfortunately Coeur d'Alene is experiencing one of it's wettest/coldest springs at the moment so come on weatherman!! Bring sunshine to Coeur d'Alene!! :-)
I can't help but want to add today and again how amazed I am at Dorene's perseverance, strength of spirit, and beautiful, loving heart. I was talking to our Uncle Olin today and we were discussing that it is only because of an inner strength that I don't think Dorene is aware of that she possesses that she is here with us today. Many, maybe most of us, wouldn't have been able to fight like she has. Her body is stronger than most of ours when we are healthy... it keeps fighting and it must be a reflection of that amazing beautiful spirit that resides inside her soul. The last couple of years have been torturous and yet she keeps on fighting. I wish I knew how really express the truth of how I feel about her in words. I don't think it's possible. I love her, I cherish her, Dorene is my hero and I can only hope that I'm half the woman she is... heck, I'd be happy for 1/3rd. And I know you all see her beauty too...
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
Friday, April 8, 2011
Talking to Dorene...
It is such a blessing to have good news to share with everyone, to reconnect with hope. :-)
In the last two conversations with Dorene when I asked, "How are you feeling?" which I ask every time we talk and she usually replies "okay" or "same" or something worse than those two comments... what I have received in reply lately is "Great!" :-) I was so surprised at this response the first time she said it which happened to be April 1st I actually asked... "Really? Or is this an April's fools joke and you're saying it because you're tired of me asking?" It was REAL! Dorene feels Great!
Megace continues to be her saving grace and her appetite is still normal. She eats a lot and often and she enjoys her food. She's not gaining weight which seems odd but the cancer got a pretty strong advance on her body while it was starving and cancer eats up lots of calories so they've put Dorene on a steroid for two weeks which is supposed to help her add a little weight. The recent radiation treatment has already proved to show results and the new tumors are shrinking. :-) Dorene even mentioned that one day she forgot to take her pain meds until late in the day because apparently she didn't need them as much. :-)
We've even noticed how there is more inflection and emotion in her voice. When she was so weak she had no strength to put into conversation... even Dorene noticed it. But now she is more animated in her conversation. She's anxious for summer weather, looking forward to her friend Pam to return so they can go on their walks, and she is hopeful that maybe she can keep cancer at bay and gain back some quality of life.
To everyone reading this blog, if you ever have someone in your life who can't eat because of illness, please, please ask them to seriously consider Megace. Don't just look at the side effects because those can be intimidating... look online for testimonials (I found many positive testimonials), and then if they choose to use Megace, just be smart about it. Heed the instructions. Megace has literally saved Dorene's life. Before she started the Megace she was talking to Matt and me about how she felt she had maybe 10 more pounds to give before her organs would shut down. She was preparing for the end. Now she is looking forward.
Speaking of looking forward, our Dad is going to arrive at Dorene and Matt's this Monday for a visit. :-) For Dorene, to be able to be present for visitors instead of constantly in bed, to be able to take a little walk with Dad, to walk the property with him, to have the energy to sit and talk... these are big blessings.
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
In the last two conversations with Dorene when I asked, "How are you feeling?" which I ask every time we talk and she usually replies "okay" or "same" or something worse than those two comments... what I have received in reply lately is "Great!" :-) I was so surprised at this response the first time she said it which happened to be April 1st I actually asked... "Really? Or is this an April's fools joke and you're saying it because you're tired of me asking?" It was REAL! Dorene feels Great!
Megace continues to be her saving grace and her appetite is still normal. She eats a lot and often and she enjoys her food. She's not gaining weight which seems odd but the cancer got a pretty strong advance on her body while it was starving and cancer eats up lots of calories so they've put Dorene on a steroid for two weeks which is supposed to help her add a little weight. The recent radiation treatment has already proved to show results and the new tumors are shrinking. :-) Dorene even mentioned that one day she forgot to take her pain meds until late in the day because apparently she didn't need them as much. :-)
We've even noticed how there is more inflection and emotion in her voice. When she was so weak she had no strength to put into conversation... even Dorene noticed it. But now she is more animated in her conversation. She's anxious for summer weather, looking forward to her friend Pam to return so they can go on their walks, and she is hopeful that maybe she can keep cancer at bay and gain back some quality of life.
To everyone reading this blog, if you ever have someone in your life who can't eat because of illness, please, please ask them to seriously consider Megace. Don't just look at the side effects because those can be intimidating... look online for testimonials (I found many positive testimonials), and then if they choose to use Megace, just be smart about it. Heed the instructions. Megace has literally saved Dorene's life. Before she started the Megace she was talking to Matt and me about how she felt she had maybe 10 more pounds to give before her organs would shut down. She was preparing for the end. Now she is looking forward.
Speaking of looking forward, our Dad is going to arrive at Dorene and Matt's this Monday for a visit. :-) For Dorene, to be able to be present for visitors instead of constantly in bed, to be able to take a little walk with Dad, to walk the property with him, to have the energy to sit and talk... these are big blessings.
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Now that food isn't an issue...
With the collective "we" being greatly relieved that Dorene can eat and enjoy food now it is time to give you a little update.
During the past couple months Dorene had more tumors show up on her chest wall. While I was in Idaho we went to the radiologist to see if Dorene could have more radiation since that was very effective in her other tumors. They said she could and set her up on an 8 consecutive day radiation treatment plan. She has had four so far and will finish up the other four starting tomorrow, Monday.
So far Dorene is not suffering any great side effects from the treatments, and she said she didn't feel she noticed much negative effects last time, but the radiation does take time to sort of "sink in." Only time will tell on this and only time will tell if it will once again reduce her tumor sizes.
I am hoping that with being able to eat and nourish her body that Dorene will see a reduction in new tumor growth. This is only my personal health logic but how could her body effectively fight the cancer when it hadn't been able to receive strength through nutrients? Now that she is eating I hope to see that Dorene's body is able to fight.
I think I mentioned already in the blog that since being able to eat Dorene has, understandably, had more energy. She is taking more energy baby steps but it is still there.
That's about it for now...
As always, we appreciate your love and prayers on Dorene's behalf!
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
During the past couple months Dorene had more tumors show up on her chest wall. While I was in Idaho we went to the radiologist to see if Dorene could have more radiation since that was very effective in her other tumors. They said she could and set her up on an 8 consecutive day radiation treatment plan. She has had four so far and will finish up the other four starting tomorrow, Monday.
So far Dorene is not suffering any great side effects from the treatments, and she said she didn't feel she noticed much negative effects last time, but the radiation does take time to sort of "sink in." Only time will tell on this and only time will tell if it will once again reduce her tumor sizes.
I am hoping that with being able to eat and nourish her body that Dorene will see a reduction in new tumor growth. This is only my personal health logic but how could her body effectively fight the cancer when it hadn't been able to receive strength through nutrients? Now that she is eating I hope to see that Dorene's body is able to fight.
I think I mentioned already in the blog that since being able to eat Dorene has, understandably, had more energy. She is taking more energy baby steps but it is still there.
That's about it for now...
As always, we appreciate your love and prayers on Dorene's behalf!
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah xoxo
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Another Day to Rejoice...
Here is Dorene proudly displaying her Chili's Pulled Pork Burger before digging in... Unfortunatley, Chili's in Coeur d'Alene seems to be on a Salt kick, this sandwich was so salty I asked the waitress to bring the Chicken Burger that Dorene had difficulty choosing between, my meal and the Chicken Burger were salty too but Dorene ate half at the restaurant and the other half at home. Along with other snacks through out the day and evening.
We plan on eating out again tomorrow while we are in town, which is sadly my last day here this trip. I go home and Matt returns on Friday. But I have to say it is much easier to leave knowing that Dorene is once again enjoying food. Did I tell you yet that she has already gained 5 pounds! :-)
Dorene and I were discussing that when in a situation like this simple things become great blessings and even overly salted Chili's food is something to be grateful for today.
Love,
Dorene's Sister
Deborah
xoxo
Monday, March 14, 2011
Thank God for Megace!
I'm in Idaho! Arrived last night to stay with Dorene for the week while Matt makes a business trip. It is great to be here again and have time with Dorene. :-)
Because Dorene's inability to eat had continued to only get worse (she was down to 95 lbs), I on the advice and guidance of a good friend, Elise, contacted a couple of people to ask more questions. One was a very kind lady in Alaska who works for the palliative care unit at Providence, the other is a woman in the Nutrition Department of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Gretchen, from Fred Hutch arranged a conference call with she, myself and Dorene last Monday. We had questions to ask about appetite stimulants and foods to help Dorene. With her guidance and a little research on our own to aleve us of bad side effect concerns Dorene decided to try Megace. She received her prescription started taking it last Thursday and by Friday night Dorene was calling me crying because she was eating! Not only eating but the food tasted good to her and she wanted it!
This is monumental news!! Dorene has been wasting away these last few months. It has been torturous for her to go through and torturous to watch. She has had to force every bite down with it tasting like she was eating a chemical and after that she was throwing up much of what little she could get down. Megace is a God Send!!
This afternoon, after dropping Matt off at the airport Dorene even wanted to go to Red Robin where she promptly inhaled a Teriyaki Burger! :-) She ate every bite and they are BIG burgers. She said it tasted wonderful to her and she felt like she couldn't eat it fast enough... like she hadn't eaten in a year (which was practically true). It was a wonderful experience. Made us both very happy! We thanked God for the meal.
Dorene is sitting here next to me on the couch while I'm typing this and I asked her how she felt and she said FULL, she said her bellie hurts and I asked if it was good hurt or bad hurt... she said it is like Thanksgiving Full Hurt. :-) She said that with a smile. :-)
Dorene is very grateful for this improvement as we all are. She is eating and taking her vitamins and doesn't have to drink slimy Ensures every night! :-) We even brought home some of Red Robin's cupcake deserts for a snack later. :-)
Here is a photo of Dorene waiting for her Monster Burger... :-)
Because Dorene's inability to eat had continued to only get worse (she was down to 95 lbs), I on the advice and guidance of a good friend, Elise, contacted a couple of people to ask more questions. One was a very kind lady in Alaska who works for the palliative care unit at Providence, the other is a woman in the Nutrition Department of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Gretchen, from Fred Hutch arranged a conference call with she, myself and Dorene last Monday. We had questions to ask about appetite stimulants and foods to help Dorene. With her guidance and a little research on our own to aleve us of bad side effect concerns Dorene decided to try Megace. She received her prescription started taking it last Thursday and by Friday night Dorene was calling me crying because she was eating! Not only eating but the food tasted good to her and she wanted it!
This is monumental news!! Dorene has been wasting away these last few months. It has been torturous for her to go through and torturous to watch. She has had to force every bite down with it tasting like she was eating a chemical and after that she was throwing up much of what little she could get down. Megace is a God Send!!
This afternoon, after dropping Matt off at the airport Dorene even wanted to go to Red Robin where she promptly inhaled a Teriyaki Burger! :-) She ate every bite and they are BIG burgers. She said it tasted wonderful to her and she felt like she couldn't eat it fast enough... like she hadn't eaten in a year (which was practically true). It was a wonderful experience. Made us both very happy! We thanked God for the meal.
Dorene is sitting here next to me on the couch while I'm typing this and I asked her how she felt and she said FULL, she said her bellie hurts and I asked if it was good hurt or bad hurt... she said it is like Thanksgiving Full Hurt. :-) She said that with a smile. :-)
Dorene is very grateful for this improvement as we all are. She is eating and taking her vitamins and doesn't have to drink slimy Ensures every night! :-) We even brought home some of Red Robin's cupcake deserts for a snack later. :-)
Here is a photo of Dorene waiting for her Monster Burger... :-)
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