Holding Pattern

Today we received the results of the spinal tap: everything was clear!  The findings showed no abnormal cells and no elevated proteins, which means that there is no cancer on Jeannette's brain lining.

However, this good news was dampened by the fact that the oncologist has no clue what is causing Jeannette's symptoms.  She is still extremely parched even though she is drinking a huge amount and received IV hydration today and yesterday.  She is fatigued and yet has insomnia, can't eat even though she isn't really nauseated, and is generally just unwell.  Without a diagnosis, the doctor said he cannot treat her symptoms.  All the tests they have done on her (including the spinal tap, blood work, kidney function, etc) have come back clean.  Other than the obvious (lung cancer), Jeannette's sickness cannot be explained.

This is obviously very discouraging, but Dr. Thomas is starting Jeannette on a few new medicines and is hoping to see a difference.  He believes if we can get her sleeping more regularly then she will feel better want to eat more regularly, and that in turn will make her more well overall.  Only time will tell.