Update of Joan's condition October 1998

October13, 1998

We have found a doctor on the staff of our local hospital who is an oncologist. He did not agree with the other doctors that nothing further could be done for me. He told me he knew I was getting very tired and that chemotherapy is hellish to go through. And he said he needed to be sure I was still strong and determined to fight.... I assured him I was.

Once each week now...on Tuesdays...I receive an infusion of the chemotherapy drugs....it only takes a half hour and I am out of there and 'free' again....not that it does me much good because I can't drive with tumors in my brain....I would be too afraid that a moment of slow judgment could kill someone.....bah! ... so now I'm house-bound...but I'm blessed with good friends who will take me wherever I want to go any day of the week.

This new doctor feels that we should continue the treatments for eight weeks and then check to see by catscan or MRI whether any improvement is evident....so far I've had two infusions and they've made me very sick...that's why I haven't been writing.

But...I'm working on a lot of material for the Near Death Experience program. You can read about the NDE on the page of that name...or go from here....NDE.htm

It was such a gorgeous day in New Jersey today. The leaves are brilliant and make wonderful patterns as they fall. I sat ourside with 'Boyo' for a while and thoroughtly enjoyed the sunshine and the smells....it was great!

Boyo is our Pit Bull puppy...except that he weighs about 90 lbs now and is difficult to handle...but he's smart and learns very fast. I'm working very hard to train him and to reaffirm the bond between Phil and him everyday. Boyo's sun rises and sets on Phil. He will be a great comfort to Phil when things get rough.

My daughter Rain wants me to go shopping with her for a dress for me to wear at her wedding on January 9th. I'm trying to figure out how to do this.

I've begun giving my clothes away.....it's great fun!

Because I was in a business for many years that required I entertain a great deal, I find myself with a fabulous wardrobe of excellent labels. I had a lady come in and look at everything and she wanted it all...but for pennies...I decided not to let her do it. Instead ....I'll give my things away.... I gave a lovely piece of jewelry to a cashier at the Acme Food Market and a Faux fur to a neighbor....It sure does bring me a lot of pleasure!

And....I've been teaching Phil how to cook. That man could eat grass and be happy. When I think of all the fancy dinners I made over the years while I watch him consuming a hamburger....groan! But he's learning fast and made an excellent dinner of sausage with green peppers and onions in a red gravy....yum, yum !

Oh, and Phil is home everyday now...he did take early retirement....we're having a second honeymoon....it's a shame we didn't do it sooner when I was healthy.

Well, the animals need feeding, Phil is banging around pots and pans so I think that means he needs my help....and our friends Jean and Bill Jack are coming at eight to play cards....so I'll close for now.

You are all in my thoughts every day and every night. Your concern and your letters and your prayers are really helping to keep me strong through this horror....

I humbly thank you!

Joan xx

Updates on Joan's Condition

April 1998 / May 1998 / June 1998 / July 1998 / August 1998 / September 1998

October 1998 / November 1998 / December 1998

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