As many of you know, Laurie pushed herself extra hard to make it to her race last Saturday 8/10 and was present and loving it, even if in a weakened state. By last Monday 8/12 she was in the hospital with significant pain, fatigue and digestive problems---all caused by the tumor in her pancreas and all predictable issues for the kind of cancer she has. The tumor is pressing on a nerve which is causing the pain and was blocking a bile duct which was the cause of her digestive issues. While in the hospital, a stent was put in to help re-establish digestive flow which is important. She was discharged last Friday 8/16 and spent the weekend at home, still in considerable pain and coping with it with pain meds.
At her oncology appointment this morning, Dr. Yu (her fantastic oncologist that many of you met at the race) scheduled a nerve block procedure for Weds that is aimed at lessening the pain. She is also scheduled for 5 days of targeted radiation after Labor Day with the goal of shrinking her tumor so that it will not be pressing on the nerve so strongly and also lessening pain.
In the meantime, she is very tired and needs to eat more to build up her strength which is not so present. Through it all, she continues to be determined and of strong spirit, but it is not easy. As such an active person, historically, it is a shock not to have the energy to do much. The goal is to get through the pain---the pain and the meds used to treat it both are a big cause of fatigue---and build up her reserves once again to resume enjoying herself more.
Please keep us in your heartfelt thoughts and prayers as Laurie continues to move forward in this challenging marathon. with love----Neal
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