New Challenges

(Diane writes) - Dr. Lynn McAslan (our wonderful palliative care doc) and her (also wonderful) nurse, Monica Flinn, spent an hour and a half with us this afternoon. Nerve pain, which unfortunately has made itself known in Shelley's back over the past three days, has become the new challenge for pain management. There are several options that can address this new reality and Shelley is beginning with option number one which, over the past few hours, is revealing itself as "hopeful." The palliative care team will closely monitor her response to the changes over the next couple of days.

Dr. Lynn was extremely pleased with Shelley's physical progress and also with her increased energy level. She was also very hopeful that Dr. Doreen will recommend chemo treatments this Thursday when he sees how well she is doing.

All in all, a mixed past few days with major pain appearing (mostly over 5-6 hours in the morning) and some great walks through the hydrostone area with its "back alleys" (like Shelley's hometown in England) in the afternoon.