Update of Joan's condition August 1998
August 28, 1998
Sorry to take so long with this update but it's been an emotionally trying time. Also, I wanted to wait until all the tests were done and the doctors had their meeting so I could give you a complete update.
My Medical Oncologist told me yesterday that there was nothing more they could do for me....he said, at this time, chemotherapy would only make me sick and not improve my situation. But that we may fall back on it at some point in the future, depending on the course the disease takes.
And that there was nothing radiation had to offer except making me tired and weak.
He told me I have between three months and a year to live.....maybe, with a lot of luck, two years.
Okay....so it's not the best news I've been given....and I don't know what to write about it....so let me think it through on the keyboard.
First, I've had a wonderful and happy life. It's had it's bad times but they only make the good times sweeter.
I am an organ donor so I want to be sure no one will try to prevent that from being done.
And, what about AngelicArtistry....I'm going to need to get busy and cut it down to a size that can be maintained with very little effort. I'd be interested to hear what you think could be cut. I'll put a link at the bottom of this update to a page where you can tell me what you think needs to stay on the AngelicArtistry website......your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Okay...now I'll tell you something that is going to sound absolutely crazy but it's true.
Since I awoke this morning I feel as though a great, heavy burdon has been lifted from me. I'm even smiling and laughing more and I feel much better. I'm actually pretty tired of being sick....and I have a feeling that God has a lot more for me to do....and if He doesn't and He calls me home, I will pray from wherever I go for those who love me and miss me. But that's not going to happen for a while yet...I just have that feeling!
They say it is wise to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, so let's not waste even a few precious moments....let me know what you need from AngelicArtistry and I'll try to get it done.
Comments on Cutting Down AngelicArtistry
August 22. 1998
Tomorrow Lorraine's future mother-in-law and father-in-law are giving an engagement party for Lorraine and Bob. Phil and I are going. I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter smiling radiantly....she is so very, very happy....Bob seems just as smitten. It's so wonderful to watch them interact. Lorraine is smart and tricky....she was a real handful to raise! But Bob is smart and strong and seems to be amused by her shenanigans....he's just what she has always needed!
Yesterday I had a series of cat scans done but will have to wait until Thursday to hear the results. This waiting, I think is the worse part of the treatment.....no....I take that back....it's all bad!
But these tests will show whether or not the chemotherapy and the radiation treatments have helped.
Actually, I have no pain and very few symptoms. I tire very easily...making the bed is a whole afternoon's labor. And shortness of breath is very bad. I hope for the best but I will prepare for the worst.
I think it's time to begin a discussion/study/investigation of the Near Death Experience....or NDE.
August 5, 1998
Well...what an experience I've had! Yesterday I received the tenth radiation treatment to my brain. I have been told that it is impossible to do more than ten treatments because healthy brain tissue can't tolerate it. So...it's done....and now we wait to see what has happened to the three tumors in my brain.
I have behaved badly about these treatments....moaning to anyone who would listen to me about how tired and exhausted I am....for all ten days I have been complaining.
Today I conferenced with my Radiation Oncologist about this fatigue and he explained that I needed to rest my body now before any more chemotherapy or any other treatment. He recommended two weeks of bedrest.
WHAT.?....WHAT.?....BED REST.......I CAN'T STAY IN BED FOR TWO WEEKS.....I'LL MELT DOWN!
This is what I've decided....
Between now and Monday, August 10th I'm going to play and do happy things!
On Sunday the 9th all of the children are coming home to attend church with us while Phil and I renew our marital vows. I'm so very happy about this....it makes my heart sing.
And then we'll come back to the house where friends will join us for a cookout.
I intend to dance and laugh and hug my children and my grandchildren and love them to pieces.
I want them to see me happy and looking pretty.
I have a lovely gauzy peasant dress to wear. It's light blue, Phil's favorite color.
Actually, I was very fortunate to be able to order the dress again this morning with a promise that it will arrive by Friday morning.......why......because Boyo got his paws on it through the night and when I awoke this morning my dress was in shreds.
It's just mind boggling how much mischief an 85 lb puppy can get into!!!
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers.
When things calm down a bit I want to put a lot of information on AngelicArtistry about the Near Death Experience.....I think you'll find it fascinating!
Joan x
Updates on Joan's Condition
April 1998 / May 1998 / June 1998 / July 1998 / August 1998 / September 1998
October 1998 / November 1998 / December 1998
I will take you to
the AngelicArtistry homepage
I will take you
to the Overview of Heaven page 
