Friday morning status - Feb 13

As of last night, Christina's condition has declined somewhat. They're continuing dialysis, and have started back on the radiation treatments. But her bilirubin levels have increased and she is very jaundice. At this point the doctors are not sure why.


We have a Nurse Navigator that is arranging a family meeting sometime today, where we will sit down with all of the specialists (Kidney Dr, Liver Dr, Oncologist, maybe others), to review all of her symptoms, get questions answered, and talk about what we have to do next.


Some of Christina's friends from out of town called to say they are flying in today, so she will have a few visitors for the next few days. I think that it might be best to have others hold off for now. It is hard to judge when she wants visitors, and when she doesn't, but for now I think that would be best.

I will try to provide an update as soon as I can after the family meeting.

Thanks,
Ken

Quick Update-Tuesday, Feb 10

Not much new on Christina at this point, other than she has moved from Critical Care to Progressive Care, which is good. She is still having dialysis and they have not scheduled chemo or further radiation treatments yet. They've got to confirm that the dialysis is working as expected, and that she's stabilized. Her legs are also still very swollen, and she still has some trouble talking, due to some mouth sores and dry mouth. That has definitely gotten better though.

The last two days she was in good spirits. Sunday she had a several visitors, and Sunday night, Christina, Jarrett and I were having a lot of laughs. Christina was cracking Jarrett up. It was great to see. Yesterday she was also doing well, but I couldn't get down there until the evening, and I think she was actually a bit lonely. So, I think she's up for visitors more now, especially during the day, because I've had to work.

I have to go out of town Wed afternoon until Thurs evening, so if a few people could visit during those times, that would be great. Jarrett will be staying with Connor, and Christina's mom Mary will be around, so I think all of the logistics are taken care of. It's just the visits that we'll need help with these days, now that she seems more up for visitors. Please be aware that she does still get tired, so you have to guage how she's doing, as to how long it's best to stay.

Speaking of logistics, bringing meals has gotten so popular that I've had to outsource the scheduling of that. There's a sort of consortium that has formed to take this on, but it will be headed by Tina White, bless her soul. The Meal Schedule link on this page will still be used, but you'll see that Tina has some coordination instructions now. Tina's contact info is (also on Meal page):

Tina White
tinawhite86@gmail.com
425-793-6433

Thanks,
Ken