Chemo Side Effects Continue.

January 21, 2009:
I wish I had better news to report, but unfortunately, Jill is not doing well today. She was up almost the entire night moaning and struggling to go to the bathroom. They can put a catheter into the bladder, but it might cause an infection.
Jill also vomited again and is very weak. Today she lost 8 lbs. She shakes when she has to stand up and again when she sits down, just with the effort it takes. She was too weak to eat - no breakfast or lunch and only took a couple of bites at dinner and then asked if she could sleep again. She was up all night so her body is trying to catch up. She finally fell asleep and Vinny is asleep too.
She has been using an inhaler to breathe, but it is not working so they have ordered a breathing machine to help her. She will also be receiving breathing treatments, which are also adding to the water retention. The doctor has reduced the amount of fluids now that the chemotherapy is finished and feels that this will help with the breathing.
It's horrible to watch someone struggle to breathe - Jill told me that it feels like there's a weight on her chest and she can't get any air in. After the breathing treatment, however, Jill said she felt a bit better.
The side effects will continue for a week or so. Today she lost 8 lbs. She has no fever now, but I think this is the weakest condition I have ever seen her in.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to us to know that you're all pulling for Jill's recovery.
Love,
Doreen