Sorry I haven't been updating on Lynna's situation, but things are not looking very promising at this point.
One of her kidneys is still working somewhat, but the other had to have a tube re-installed. They also have discovered that her cancer is back worse than was originally thought. When she had breast cancer before, she had a mastectomy & had been considered "cured". But it's now apparently back in several different areas - including, I think, 1 or both lungs & colon, as well as a couple of "female areas". They say they can't do the chemo unless both kidneys are working.
Sarah emailed an update this evening - she's been trying to stay upbeat (we think she's been in denial; she & Lynna are VERY close friends), but even she is sounding like it's nearing an end. Lynna sleeps most of the time, but doesn't seem to be in much pain; she's not on pain meds. Sarah said the nurses have said that cancer patients sleep a lot, because their bodies are so tired from fighting the cancer. But apparently Lynna does recognize people, when she's awake, which isn't very often.
Anyway, I know she appreciates any & all prayers & I hope you'll continue, in hopes of a recovery or as peaceful an end as possible. She's always been a very active, vital person (I just hope I'm still able to get around at ALL at her age, & she's not only in 2 riding clubs, but also belongs to a line dancing group). It would be just a worst-case scenario for her the linger & wither away.
Jenny
I have the ability of single-minded determination and focu... Hey, look! A horse!
HUGS! What a courageous lady! Sending prayers for what is best for her...
Blessings,
Gypsy
"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass
and loses itself in the sunset.
- Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator
Dog fighting is cruelty, which is a human activity and a human illness.
It's not the dog's fault.
All dogs need to be evaluated as individuals."
--Tim Racer, one of BAD RAP's founders
Thanks! Lynna's having her ups & downs; yesterday was a hard one. Apparently Sarah was planning on bringing Lynna home to HER house to make it easier to get her in for therapy, etc. but for some reason (which I can't remember at the moment) instead Lynna's going to go into a hospice-type place. So she's REALLY down about that. She'd had a couple of fairly good days, but this news really blew it for her!
Jenny
I have the ability of single-minded determination and focu... Hey, look! A horse!
Well, things with Lynna have gone from bad to much worse. When she was told how bad the cancer had come back, she was ready to fight it again. The Drs said they couldn't start the chemo with the 1 kidney still not working, so they had to put the stent (sp?) back in. She was moved to a wing where they would start physical therapy in preparation for chemo, but then she got a blood clot in her leg, so therapy was off the table.
About that time, they were realizing how far-reaching the cancer was (breast, kidney, bladder, vagina & colon) & said there was nothing they could do. But they still did a colonoscopy to find WHERE the cancer was in the colon. The first one they did wasn't conclusive, so the did another one the next day!!! WHY?? They weren't going to be able to treat it anyway; why the **** put her through that?!
On Saturday, Lynna was moved to a hospice facility nearby; the cancer Dr says maybe 2 months, but he doubts it. Sarah has still been by her side all day, every day. I'm telling you, you couldn't ask for a more loyal, devoted friend than she's shown herself to be!
I stopped to visit last evening & Lynna does still recognize friends & communicates pretty well. Once in a while she'd make a comment about something that's happened in the past & she'd have the facts exactly right but would be referring to things from 1-2 years ago as if they were really recent. Another friend, Ginger, had gotten there before me & gave Lynna a back rub which she really seemed to enjoy!
The facility she's at is called Beacon Hill at Margaret's House; it's fairly new, and is very impressive! It's small, allowing for more individualized care. Each patient has their own room, with a small entry foyer-type area & their own little patio. There are lots of flowers & bird feeders outside the doors; lots & lots of beautiful hummingbirds, Sarah said a roadrunner came right up to the patio door on Sunday! The place has a library, a chapel, a "common area", a "serenity garden", & the building itself is absolutely beautiful! Lots of wood & stone & plants. Anyway, Lynna isn't in any pain right now, which is a blessing; I don't think she has much time left at all, though. We're hoping she doesn't hang on so long that she goes through more misery than she already has.
Jenny
I have the ability of single-minded determination and focu... Hey, look! A horse!
I am so sorry. Yet she is in a beautiful place, from your description, too, and getting wonderful care. Prayers still continuing for the best for her.
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass
and loses itself in the sunset.
- Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator
Dog fighting is cruelty, which is a human activity and a human illness.
It's not the dog's fault.
All dogs need to be evaluated as individuals."
--Tim Racer, one of BAD RAP's founders
