Tuesday, January 8, 2019

1/8/19 A slight rally

First of all, thanks to so many of you who have offered encouragement through your words and actions.  Too many to list, but they do indeed help us all remember that we are surrounded by many people who love and care for Gabrielle (and the rest of us).  I am sorry if I don't get around to thanking each of you, but I am very grateful for the outpouring of support.

As for Gabrielle, she has done a little better the past couple of days.  Has been able to have a couple of conversations, and even wanted to try her hand at Scrabble last night, but she was clearly off her game.  Her first word only got her six points, which would be like Jesse Owens running the 100 in 30 seconds (aside: I have started really enjoying making analogies to "ancient" history as it's fun to see the complete blank looks on millennials' faces, like when I said I am only four days younger than Bo Derek).  But Gabrielle's hands were quite shaky and we ended up stopping after two turns.  


As for her appetite, she ate a little more, but still not much.  Cough persists.  Is still sleeping now.  I expect she will get up in an hour.  Yesterday, she actually got up on her own, walked past Renee who was sound asleep on the floor next to her and was at the top of the stairs before we could help her.  She hates being helped around, but understands that we do it to keep her safe.  


The biggest news is that she has asked us to check with her oncologist about going back on the Taxol.  We understand that it has failed several times before, but the goal at this stage is to decrease the "tumor burden".  Who knows? It just might help.  Lately, it's the only chemo drug that has done any good at all.  We sent e-mails to her care team at the UW and they have said that they are willing to try it.  They are looking into scheduling it now.  It's clearly well beyond a Hail Mary pass.  We all have our eyes open and very realistic expectations.  But Gabrielle is not ready to sit back and go to "comfort care" just yet.  I both admire her fighting spirit, and am worried about its effects on her.  


At this point, we don't even know if her labs will be good enough to get the Taxol.  But, if so, then she may get a dose later this week.  As for me, my big goal is for her to have the best quality of life she can with the remaining time she has with us, whatever that entails.  If Taxol can help her achieve that goal, then bring it on!  If not, then we will be accepting of that.


Update.  She just got up and has had a few sips of a smoothie that Daniel made and is asking for cheese and tomato on toast.  Right now, she is reading some texts on her phone.  She likes doing that.  May not necessarily be able to respond, but she is encouraged by the kind and supportive messages.


1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the update as always. 🙏 We are praying for Gabrielle and your support of Gabrielle. We wish we were closer so that we could help in some way. What we can do is pray and let Gabrielle and your family know that we love them. God bless you all and may He hold you in the palm of His hand. 🙏❤️✝️

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