Low Phase

December 9 was the beginning of a low phase. I have been having increased pain my left arm and back and that Thursday it came to a head. My pain was so bad that I went to Girard ER in the early morning for pain control and after a shot, they sent me to cancer center in Pittsburg Mt. Carmel (Via Christi) to Dr. Mathews, my oncologist. I was also very short of breath. After an x-ray and a PET scan, they discovered a tumor in the spinal coulmn which they anticipate is bone metatasis. I have been in Mt. Carmel for pain control for the last four days waiting for records from Barnes Jewish in St. Louis so that the doctor can develop a radiation plan. Radiating the tumor to shrink it should help the pain. My appetite has been very poor but has improved in the last couple of days. My treatment will be at least 10-14 daily sessions, which take only a few minutes. My family has surrounded me with care and my friends extended their offer of help and I will need them soon. I am hoping to be dismissed from the hospital on Monday after my radiation treatment.
Blessings to you.
Love,
Ellen