Got Steroids?

Since Thursday evening Jeannette has been on a fairly enthusiastic steroid regimen.  It seems to be helping quite a bit.  Friday evening she ate a turkey sandwich for dinner, and then this morning she had yogurt and fruit.  Tonight Justin and Emily joined her and Tim for supper, courtesy of Jeannette's sister Mary.  Jeannette ate some chips and coleslaw and the better part of a BLT.  Today she was also able to do some laundry, dead-head plants, play Solitaire on the computer, and generally just be more present.  Conversation at supper was lively, and Jeannette seemed to feel much better.  While we are well aware this isn't a cure, we are grateful for whatever we can get.

Late Friday evening Dr. Thomas called Jeannette and Tim and said the early spinal tap results did not show elevated proteins, which is good.  The final test results should be ready on Monday.  Even if the spots on Jeannette's brain lining are cancer, the spinal tap would only show conclusive evidence of the cancer 50% of the time.  If the spinal tap ends up being inconclusive, further steps would have to be taken to figure out exactly what is going on.  Regardless, Dr. Thomas said whatever is happening with Jeannette's brain lining is causing inflammation, and her body's reaction to that inflammation is making her feel ill.  Hence, the steroids, and they do seem to be helping her symptoms.

If a positive trend continues, there may still be hope for the Cape this coming week.  Send thoughts and prayers!