Kim reporting today that Karri is still in the hospital. It has been a very intense week - working with the hospital staff has been quite challenging as they have changed frequently, and now with the Labor Day weekend upon us, many of the primary physicians are away. The hospital ward doctor, the pain management specialist and Karri's oncologist all have to agree to each new treatment plan and each of them have their own ideas about what is at the root of Karri's pain and how best to treat it. This is a kind way of saying that it has been a rather hellish week for Karri, and for Jerry, Myrth, Claude and I as we have tried to trouble shoot and bring the doctors together into some sort of consensus. In the meanwhile, Karri has contracted an e-coli infection and had blood transfusions on two different occasions. That she is still smiling when not in pain is a major testiment to her internal strength, stubborn perseverence, and determined focus on battling back from each new roadblock. As of last night she was in pain less frequently, and she was, with the help of pysical therapists, able to sit, stand, walk a short distance, and eat a meal while sitting in a chair. We believe that given this progress and given that most of her medications have now been changed to oral medication from injections, she will be discharged this weekend, probably with follow up physical therapy. We still have many unanswered questions, but if we can get her home again and she can continue, through rest, physical therapy, and the prescribed regime of medications to recover from the back spasms, we will take it and be grateful.
On the positive side, she is having less fluid build up over the past week - yay! They are taking only about half as much out a week. Also she is experiencing almost no nausea and is eating small meals three times a day! WOW!! She missed her chemo last week, but is scheduled to resume it next Tuesday and go back on the 21 day schedule between treatments. So...we are all hoping and planning on her having a much better week next week, even with the post-chemo blues (physical) that accompany the treatment. That may seem easy by comparison with this week. Bless you all for your continued concern and strong support - we all feel it with great gratitude.
Happy Birthday Karri!! Final Chemo is 10/15 - hooray!!
The actual date of Karri's birthday is October 8th but we've been joyfully celebrating all week long. She's been able to go out to eat, see movies, watch Allie play volleyball, and attend church. We love watching her enjoy her favorite foods again. We are so grateful for all your support; it has been critical to help her to celebrate this birthday with gratitude for her return to good health. She continues to improve steadily each week. Pictured here: Allie (14), Brandon (24), Karri and Jerry, and Abby (6). Matthew and Jordan are away at school. Love from all of us to all of you.
Sept 13th: Happy Birthday Jerry!
The Robisons (sans Jordan away at school) celebrate. Karri has had a good weekend too! She is eating a healthy normal diet without nausea, and with the benefit of an epidural shot, she is beginning to regain some mobility. While her back pain is not entirely diminished, she has begun to get around with a cane instead of a walker - yay!
June 22: Welcome Home from the hospital Karri! Good Luck w/Chemo
The Robisons with Mother's Day gifts and the "Wrap Yourself in Our Love" quilt made by friends from church. L to R: Matthew, Brandon, Karri, Jerry, Jordan and Allie
May 31st - Jordan's Senior Prom photo op
Despite looking great, Karri is fighting post surgery complications including serious infection and debilitating, persistent nausea.
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1 comment:
Glad to hear that there is some progress at least in one area of your life Karri. I so admire you that you can keep smiling through it all. The Lord is blessing you with the strength to handle all that has come your way.
As always we are sending your love and prayers your way daily.
Love,
Clairlyn and family
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