UCLA Today
Today we will meet with the UCLA study team. We got word late last week that they have recommended that Keith resume the study as soon as possible. If all goes well, he will receive the IV drip this morning (temsirolimus) and once again start with the daily tarceva. Doing the study will mean that we will forgo the radiation option. This was not an easy decision - however the radiation we can do is limited to specific areas so it can only target tumors which have appeared. The chemotherapy is "systemic" and could potentially act against the cancer cells throughout the brain - not just those that have coalesced into visible tumors.
The last few days have been challenging but we have been cheered by many lovely visits and calls from friends and relatives. We are managing to adjust to getting around the house although Keith has begun to lose strength and motor function in his left arm and leg. He is not able to walk without assistance and he does not have much energy. Among the biggest challenges is getting him up and down the (outside) stairs to get to the car. (Living in the hills is not ideal!) We have a visiting nurse who is arranging for a bedside commode and a walker - these should make some of the maneuvering easier. Our dear friend Susanna has also arranged for us to borrow a wheelchair - this will also make it easier for Keith to get in an out of doctor's appointments.
A physical therapist will be in to work with him this week and to make recommendations for making the house easier and safer for us to negotiate. Our friend Mimi stopped by yesterday and inspired him to toss a ball back and forth and do some arm and leg exercises.
Many of you have asked how we (the girls and I) are doing. We are taking this one day at a time and just putting one foot in front of the other and doing what needs to be done. We have had many wonderful moments and many sad moments with him over the last few weeks. I am very grateful that the cancer has not affected his sense of humor or his ability to communicate. These are hard days, but we are managing.
The last few days have been challenging but we have been cheered by many lovely visits and calls from friends and relatives. We are managing to adjust to getting around the house although Keith has begun to lose strength and motor function in his left arm and leg. He is not able to walk without assistance and he does not have much energy. Among the biggest challenges is getting him up and down the (outside) stairs to get to the car. (Living in the hills is not ideal!) We have a visiting nurse who is arranging for a bedside commode and a walker - these should make some of the maneuvering easier. Our dear friend Susanna has also arranged for us to borrow a wheelchair - this will also make it easier for Keith to get in an out of doctor's appointments.
A physical therapist will be in to work with him this week and to make recommendations for making the house easier and safer for us to negotiate. Our friend Mimi stopped by yesterday and inspired him to toss a ball back and forth and do some arm and leg exercises.
Many of you have asked how we (the girls and I) are doing. We are taking this one day at a time and just putting one foot in front of the other and doing what needs to be done. We have had many wonderful moments and many sad moments with him over the last few weeks. I am very grateful that the cancer has not affected his sense of humor or his ability to communicate. These are hard days, but we are managing.
posted by Keith and Kathy | 7:37 AM
3 Comments:
Dear Kathy,
What can one say?Our admiration for the way you are coping with such adversity is truly heartfelt.It does not look good but if you can maintain such fortitude and such good humour I am sure there will be rewards at the end of it.Pl do accept our sincerest, deepest and most fervent of prayers.
Amitabha
Dear Kathy,
We do not know each other but I am grateful to read your blog and I am holding you, Keith and your girls in my heart and thoughts.
I hope that we will meet someday.
Love and warmth.
Helene (in Toronto)
Give Keith a hug and kiss for me. Hope today went ok with his temsirolimus. Did he make it to Sam's gig? Also, it was nice to hang out with YOU last Friday.
Karin
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