maybe radiation

My friends,

Val’s breathing is shallow and labored these days, and we can see it worsening weekly. To sleep, she props herself with pillows into a half-sitting position, but violent coughing episodes jerk her awake for an hour or two most nights, leaving her even more exhausted. Two and three and six in the morning find me adjusting her oxygen; proffering her latest spittoon; measuring out her morphine; and thumping her gently on the back with cupped palms the way we’ve been shown (to loosen any phlegm), as she gasps grimly for air. It’s a wearing regimen, and a scary one.

So we called the doctors from Montana, and asked: if we come home, is there anything you can do to help? Not much, they said, but maybe. Maybe radiation. Maybe another experimental drug. Maybe something. Maybe not.

We loaded the oxygen tanks and tubes in the car (the home O2 concentrator got its own seat), and hauled ourselves home.

And after some tense moments in medical communication this morning, Val now has an appointment to consult with the radiation oncologist this afternoon. Tomorrow the oncology team will discuss her options in their team meeting. Monday Val has an appointment with her primary oncologist, Dr S. If appropriate, it’s likely that radiation treatment could begin next week.

I hope that it does, or that they can suggest other helpful interventions. I desperately want this girl to get a break.

D