May 1, 2020

 Dear Friends and Loved Ones,

    Assuming that you are somewhat interested, my letter this month will be to inform all of you of my current physical condition.

    The PET scan of April 14 revealed that the melanoma cancer is still active in my lower right leg, but has not progressed to anywhere else in my body. So, that was good news. And now my doctor plans to go ahead with the treatment recommended by those in Portland, which involves using infusion of the immune system with a certain chemical by means of slow intravenous injection, once every three weeks, beginning May 13, for four times until completed. Then they will determine how successful the procedure was. I hope it will be good. 

    The scan also showed the #10 rib had been fractured, but was now healed. I'm sure glad that ordeal is over. Knowing that if it happened once, it could happen again, however, I agreed to subscribe to 'Lifeline', and thus put my family ad neighbors more at ease. Just like life insurance, it's good to have, but you hope you never have to use it. Being tied up like that was very uncomfortable and I was not permitted to drive or do other things for myself, so I really felt like a decrepit old lady, indeed, as I now had to depend upon my neighbor, Shirley, and daughter, Linda.

    Of course, my real problem, and the one I have the most trouble and pain with, is the open sore that's located in the same spot on the lower right leg. From a biopsy taken there over two years ago that became infected, it has continued to grow in size and increase in severity, until now it covers an area of appoximately 2" by 4", and needs cleaning and dressing twice every day. A number of things have been used to treat it, but so far the infection has not responded to any of them. The main theory seems to be that since radiation was used to heal the cancer when it first appeared and operated upon in 2014, that same radiation is now what is preventing the sore from healing itself. With that being the case, they don't expect this sore to ever heal, their objective is to try to keep it contained as much as possible, it doesn't seem to be very successful, so far.

    The whole area from toe to knee is involved in a terrible burning, stinging senasation that makes it so difficult for me to concentrate, enjoy my surroundings, or even sleep sometimes. But life goes on ... and I am learning to accept the situation for what it is, and try to keep a bright sunny outlook about things, so as not to get depressed and mournful. And most of all, to put my trust in the Lord, and know that it is only He who can make all things right.

    I am expecting my son, Dan, to come from Florida for a visit in June, and am planning to attend a family reunion scheduled for August in Utah. Oh happy day! But, with my age and condition, I am vulnerable to the virus right now, so I am staying home! How about you? Please stay safe and know that I love you.

Marie

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Aug / Sep 2024

Nov / Dec 2024

July / August 2024