Thursday, May 27, 2010

Shelley was sitting up feisty as ever when I visited this morning. She has a feeding tube in her stomach and while I was there she got her first 'meal.' As you can see, her color is good and she's taking charge of her life. But before I left she requested more pain medication, saying that her pain level was '1000.'

The roses are from my garden and the 'pet' is Betty - John brought it to her last night.





Shelley doesn't have a clear idea yet of what will happen next. Some of the plans: starting the combo chemo/radiation treatment, setting her up in the nursing home close by for a few days, and having visiting nurses help her at home. But no word yet on when she'll be discharged or what the treatment schedule will look like.

I'm very impressed with Shelley's good disposition and energy.

By the way, if you want to leave a comment feel free to use the 'anonymous' option, but include your name in the comment so that we know who you are.

Love, Greta

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Keeping track of Shelley

Hi, family and friends of Shelley. This is Greta. I'm starting this blog so that all of Shelley's friends and family can keep track of what's happening.

Today Shelley is at St. Luke's hospital getting a stomach tube in preparation for the chemotherapy and radiation that she needs to treat a large tumor at the base of her tongue. Yesterday she had a tracheotomy, to facilitate her breathing during the period of treatment.

The tumor was diagnosed earlier this month with a biopsy after Shelley continued to have a sore throat despite two rounds of treatment.

Soon we will put more information about Shelley on the blog, including photos.

Come back soon.