tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17402192941930298272024-02-20T23:02:59.794-08:00Thoughts for KathleenKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-19832831980443960672013-01-09T10:25:00.003-08:002013-01-09T11:26:14.081-08:00RIP Kiddo, You Wonder WomanHi everyone:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xWxEQCxSj4azLFKVnFS1mIxk1qxL5PXDRssjcAcVyeRD0vHfuuuURPq7K1KLekKOlZ4Sbd2B35fgnhJxb2cYNqkC9LQHmpgK0to9_g86WCpzfrzcayY0mop8SNAEucKl4K5_KTcU71E/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xWxEQCxSj4azLFKVnFS1mIxk1qxL5PXDRssjcAcVyeRD0vHfuuuURPq7K1KLekKOlZ4Sbd2B35fgnhJxb2cYNqkC9LQHmpgK0to9_g86WCpzfrzcayY0mop8SNAEucKl4K5_KTcU71E/s400/DSC_0344.JPG" width="267" /></a>This past Thursday morning, Kathleen Mary (O'Mara) Callahan--or, as I always called her, "Kiddo"--died. She was 52, the same age at which she lost her father decades ago. Although I'm relieved she no longer suffers, my selfish side feels it's totally unfair a kind and gentle person ever <em>had</em> to endure so much pain only to be yanked into death, anyway. If there's a life beyond this one, I hope her every moment finds her face painted with a shit-eating grin that leads to that infectious cackle of a laugh; and yet any hopes of eternity don't even begin to fill the void her death left here. In short, it sucks. </div>
<br />
<em>(As I'm writing this, it's easy for me to picture Kiddo tucked into the leather chair next to the fireplace, rolling her eyes and announcing, "Patty, hurry up and get in here; you're missing Asshole's pity party!" So enough of the maudlin, woe-is-me schtick.)</em><br />
<br />
Through the last chaotic week or so, a great many folks, including dozens of friends and family members (plus a few who became acquainted with Kathleen only through what I and others have written about her)--turned to her <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.o.callahan.9?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em> page to post updates, photographs and fond recountings of special moments. I wanted to provide updates on this blog, but I could not remember how to get in (again); my apologies to any who felt left out of the loop. I expect this will be my final post to this blog, so please bear with me if I prattle on for a screen or so in sharing a remembrance of a dear friend. My words may drip with a bias for which I'll never apologize to anyone.<br />
<br />
As most of you know, Kathleen discovered an almond-sized and malignant lump in her left breast a little more than 11 years ago. She underwent a mastectomy and, without skipping a step, launched back into business-as-usual, as though the offending boob and lymph nodes were little more than annoying skin tags. For years after that, cancer rarely came up in conversation. Why would it? In our minds, Kiddo had kicked cancer's lumpy ass and sent it packing.<br />
<br />
Through the last quarter of 2008, Kathleen struggled with significant and increasing pain through her lower back and hip. She went for an MRI--a procedure she loathed above all others. I remember being with Patty, on a field trip, when Kathleen called with her test results. The cancer had stormed back and staked a claim throughout her spine. For this, there would be no cure; one day, that stupid tiny lump would kill her. Kathleen felt sad and frightened at first but, again, she launched back into her role as wife, mother, sister and friend, even when chemotherapy and cancer weighed her down.<br />
<br />
In September of 2010, while hospitalized for almost four weeks with dangerously low blood counts, Kathleen developed ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the body's cavities. Her abdomen swelled so much she looked as though she would soon deliver a child; she even hammed it up for a photo, belly in hands. Her oncologist told us she shouldn't expect to live long; this was one of the signs the end was near. But we didn't lose her, and Kathleen turned another corner. She started to become a legend; she was, it would seem, invincible.<br />
<br />
Through much of this year, Kathleen has been fighting an awe-inspiring battle. Most of her days have been spent either at the oncology clinic, at the infusion lab receiving blood or platelets, or in the hospital itself. I've been awed by this. She rarely complained about how much pain she was in, or about how frustrated she just had to be. If you pushed, you might coax out, "Yeah, my back hurts a little," or, "I just wish I could get rid of this nagging headache." She insisted on being part of things, even if her hemoglobin was so low everyone wondered how she could be upright. She soldiered through her pain, even with her platelets so depressed that docs warned us the simplest scrape or bump could be life-threatening. Patty and I tracked her numbers week after week; even as the important counts started to slip into threatening levels, Kathleen still found reserves to socialize with friends and family.<br />
<br />
These past couple of weeks have been a total blur. Kathleen spent the day before Christmas in the infusion lab receiving blood; for the first time I could remember, she missed the O'Mara family Christmas party (Patty, the kids and I stopped in at her house on our trip home as a flimsy way to compensate.) Somehow--again, Kathleen is remarkable--she rallied to make it to the Callahans' gathering on Christmas Day. The next day, she received chemo, which made her violently ill; the day after, she stayed in bed. On the following morning, when Don took her to her appointment at the oncology lab, they redirected her to the E.R., where she slipped into a coma. An MRI of her skull revealed her brain was full of cancerous lesions. Of course, because Kathleen is a wonder woman, to everyone's surprise (including that of a neurosurgeon whose mouth fell open), she came out of her haze to spend an amazing Sunday with much of her extended family. And then she slipped back into the fog. She came out fully once again and was able to appreciate the fact her brother Kevin helped arrange expedited hospice service so her family could bring her home.<br />
<br />
I wish so much Kathleen could have spent her last night in her family room; she almost made it. As she lingered through the past few days, gifting us with fleeting glimmers of awareness and lucidity, we all tried to fool ourselves another miracle might happen. But her vitals--in particular, her rapid heart rate and fever while sleeping--suggested she was in severe pain, even though she couldn't tell us. Her oncologist asked that she be moved to a special off-site hospice clinic, where they could administer pain relief beyond what any family member could administer. With Don and her son Sean by her side, she died in the morning. Finally, she'd slipped beyond cancer's reach.<br />
<br />
Soon, I hope to forget most of these details of her illness; they seem so intimately tied to pain. I hope instead to fill my thoughts with joyful memories of the person who was so much more than the disease that chose to steal her. Here are just a few...<br />
<br />
As her son Sean shared at Kiddo's funeral two nights ago, Kathleen never met a stranger she wasn't inclined to treat as a friend. I remember, more than once, riding in an elevator with Kiddo, only to have her say to a crowd of passengers, "Oh, just ignore my brother-in-law Brian. He's a smartass. We're here to spend the day with my sister Patty; she has heart failure. What are you doing here?" I was sometimes embarrassed, just a little, but I admired this outgoing nature as well. This world could use more friendly folks.<br />
<br />
Kathleen valued her family and friends, I think even more so than most. One evening, we were reading a book of "would you..." questions when Kiddo was asked, "For ten million dollars, would you agree to never again see your spouse?" Kathleen acted like this was the most ridiculous question ever. "Of course not." She would have answered the same way about each of her children and of each of her siblings, other relatives and friends. Because of her genuine, straightforward and kind nature, Kathleen held an open invitation to any event hosted by <em>our</em> friends.<br />
<br />
When my first book was released in the summer of 2010, Kathleen was first in line to ask me to make her a t-shirt promoting the book. She not only wore the shirt--she wore it <em>out. </em>When the new book came out this autumn, she nagged, "When do I get my new shirt?"<br />
<br />
I won't try to tell you Kathleen was an unflawed person. At times, she could be irascible, inconsiderate and impatient; more than once, I sent her a text message blasting her for taking out the day's frustrations on her sister. A moment later, she'd call and apologize not only to Patty, but to me and to anyone else who might have peripherally been affected by her behavior. She never wanted anyone to stay upset with her; to the best of my knowledge, nobody ever <em>could</em> stay that way.<br />
<br />
Without Kathleen, our home seems strangely quiet. Patty and Kathleen spoke by phone, on average, three times each and every day for years. Between the phone calls, they clogged each other's phone with texts, many quick, simple expressions of affection like, "I love you," or "I miss you." Patty is lost without her sister.<br />
<em></em><br />
At Kathleen's wake, several nurses from the oncology clinic and hospital came to pay respects, some with faces streaked with tears. More than one said, "We don't come to all the funerals, but we just<em> had</em> to be here tonight. She was such a sweet and special person."<br />
<br />
And she really was. Rest in peace, Kiddo.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-64227164775937926342012-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:002012-07-20T20:43:08.738-07:00Wow...a retraction...on a personal blog!Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
Well, I guess I somehow misinterpreted some of the numbers from the past week--which became clear to me when Kathleen said, subtly, "That's all wrong, just so you know." So please allow me to clarify and update, based on the numbers we received today:<br />
<ul>
<li>Kathleen's hemoglobin currently sits at 8.6, down from 8.7 on the 18th and 9.0 on the 16th. The difference between and 8.7 and 8.6 doesn't seem that significant, especially when we've grown accustomed to much larger drops. Herein lies the confusion: somehow, I completely missed the 9.0 measure on the 16th, from which the drop seems more meaningful. We'd certainly like the numbers to be heading in the different direction, but at least they're not dropping like stones, and perhaps they'll soon respond to chemo, as have the platelets. So, for any confusion I may have created...oops, sorry.</li>
<li>Kathleen's platelets are at 24 right now, a slight bump from 23 on the 18th and 13 on the 16th. I'm no expert, but I like to think if one measure jumps in the right direction, perhaps other numbers will piggyback on them.</li>
</ul>
That's the latest. We've been feeding Kathleen a couple times of late, so I can attest to the fact her appetite is healthy. I feel encouraged. More as we have it...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-90571350650086892482012-07-18T22:04:00.001-07:002012-07-18T22:04:55.601-07:00Some pretty awesome newsHi everyone:<br />
<br />
If I've learned anything about cancer from witnessing it in action, it's that you celebrate even the most modest of victories. To our delight (and, to be honest, our surprise), it seems Kathleen's hemoglobin and platelets both seem to be responding to the latest iteration of chemotherapy. Although at 8.7 for hemoglobin and 23 for antibodies she won't be the next poster child for perfect health, she does seem to be heading in the right direction. I, for one, think it's awesome.<br />
<br />
Kathleen was waiting at our house when we got back from Canada; we'd missed her.<br />
<br />
More soon...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-82510277830913294882012-07-11T05:23:00.004-07:002012-07-11T05:23:56.961-07:00Oh, there's a platelet. No, THERE. Wait, come back!!!Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Patty and I took Kathleen to her oncologist's office to have her blood counts checked. Although her hemoglobin remained more-or-less stable at 8.2 (not at all great, but at least not plummeting), her platelets were down again, this time to 1,000 (normal is 140,000 and up). Her oncologist arranged for her to receive three units of platelets--one yesterday, two today. <br />
<br />
After we waited 2-1/2 hours for the bags of platelets to arrive, nurses in the infusion clinic tried to pull a fast one: rather than stay three hours after their shifts were to end, they tried to <em>admit</em> Kathleen to the hospital on a 23-hour hospitalization to receive the platelets. Kathleen refused...and we applaud her for this. She's had plenty of days in hospital, and could well have plenty more, so who could blame her for saying no to an overnight based solely on others' convenience?<br />
<br />
Early this morning, Kathleen and Patty headed out to the infusion clinic for the three rounds of platelets. Kathleen's oncologist is hoping our girl's bone marrow responds to the chemo and starts to produce platelets again. In the past, we've seen things appear bleak before taking a sudden turn toward optimism; let's hope this time will follow suit. As Kathleen's oncologist confirmed yesterday, this is all a bit of a beat-the-clock issue, because every moment with her platelets so low carries a real risk of internal bleeding. What's more, they need to get the platelets up so that in a couple of weeks they can give her more chemo, which will of course drive her platelets and hemoglobin down again. Crazy stuff, but Kiddo keeps rolling with all this...<br />
<br />
Last night, Don, Sean, Sean's fiance Sam and Valerie (with a friend) came over to spend time with Kathleen. We've "stolen" her for a few nights because she needs constant supervision and support, something a teacher off for the summer (and her work-at-home hubby) can provide. Let's keep our fingers crossed Kathleen will soon be safe and able to bunk down in her own bed.<br />
<br />
I'll catch you up again as soon as the gals provide an update.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-78823818686655599532012-07-09T17:40:00.001-07:002012-07-09T17:40:44.399-07:00Bad news then better newsHi everyone:<br />
<br />
From yesterday afternoon until mid-day today, our crew had been stuck in a bit of a slump, in large part because one of the oncologists on Kathleen's team (not her regular) suggested the only option going forward was to keep Kathleen in the hospital 24/7 with no prospects of ever leaving. Needless to say, this news sat poorly with all present, including the patient herself.<br />
<br />
Kathleen's platelet count this morning sat at 3, which is both terrible and dangerous. Today, she received two rounds of platelets, which we suspect will not make much of a difference, even though we'll keep our fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
The good news? In spite of the bad numbers, Kathleen's regular oncologist gave his blessing today for Kathleen to leave the hospital after her transfusions. Patty's waiting with her right now, and we're hopeful she'll be able to leave tonight around 8:30pm.<br />
<br />
Going forward, Kathleen's doctor has ordered that she refrain from all physical labor, including cooking, cleaning, laundry and such, because an accident--or exertion, for that matter--could lead to dangerous bleeding, internal and/or external. As much as possible, she cannot be left alone, because a slip on the bathroom floor could be a nightmare. Tonight, Kathleen's going to stay at our house because Don needs to work in the morning.<br />
<br />
Not all the news is good news today, but an escape from hospital is almost always a good thing. Hopefully the newest chemo will kick in soon and turn the numbers around, because Kathleen is in no way eager to spend more time in a hospital bed.<br />
<br />
Thanks to all for your best wishes, thoughts and prayers.<br />
<br />
More when we have it...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-77022114502762875962012-07-08T10:07:00.002-07:002012-07-08T10:10:58.191-07:00Stuck...Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
Kathleen is still cooling her heels here at the hospital. In spite of what seems to be a never-ending flow of blood and platelets--and with more to come--Kathleen's blood counts continue to either (a) refuse to budge, or (b) budge in ways we don't want them to. This morning, her platelets are at 5 (still a real worry), and her hemoglobin is at 7.8 (up only 0.3 from yesterday).<br />
<br />
The urine cultures taken the other day came back negative for any infection; although the blood results aren't back, we're pretty confident they too will come back clear. This isn't as good news as, "Where'd the cancer go?", but it's something, right?<br />
<br />
When Patty and I arrived this morning, I chided Kathleen for not cooperating in making her numbers rebound, especially since I've established "rules" with her about bad blood counts in the past. I think she's planning to do better today, when she's scheduled to receive two more units of irradiated red blood cells and one unit of platelets. Kathleen is uneasy about the blood, because she's now had three unpleasant febrile reactions to transfusions, the latest while Don was visiting last night.<br />
<br />
Kathleen seems to be in great spirits today, all things considered. She seems energetic and cheerful. She's expecting a ton of visitors today--siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. We'll try to grab a few more photos. Kathleen's very hopeful that she might escape after her infusions today, although Patty and I are doubtful (and a little nervous, given that her numbers are so low). We'll all keep our fingers crossed that Kathleen responds to these latest rounds and earns her parole--if not today, then no later than tomorrow.<br />
<br />
More info when we have it... <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-38265813398291069062012-07-08T09:44:00.001-07:002012-07-08T09:44:32.776-07:00Some pics...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrUo3wBvFs61muPPx9K8ZVmYyL6ZjvePn8w9biUoKCXZukDizqvNjJMh0HG91FJdymSM15g71xjyPoBPGXqqWGkEhUbjUaRp965PMwVCeO5wYFrfzVaYBwKerkDFojr-Vl0DUxD9bz1w/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrUo3wBvFs61muPPx9K8ZVmYyL6ZjvePn8w9biUoKCXZukDizqvNjJMh0HG91FJdymSM15g71xjyPoBPGXqqWGkEhUbjUaRp965PMwVCeO5wYFrfzVaYBwKerkDFojr-Vl0DUxD9bz1w/s320/DSC_0821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kathleen & Patty after a walk of the halls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUszoX3uMnJhsvC1qIn6xPe-KjM003X6_n6C_fk80TGGsYwXB99085acdH-pVd_WZY01s5YUmk0IYJW5zIU_sdc89LH3EgCsZtSdukJEV1e_ffZ3Je3QOxUzcui2ZDX8lhdqBjALMZVY/s1600/DSC_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUszoX3uMnJhsvC1qIn6xPe-KjM003X6_n6C_fk80TGGsYwXB99085acdH-pVd_WZY01s5YUmk0IYJW5zIU_sdc89LH3EgCsZtSdukJEV1e_ffZ3Je3QOxUzcui2ZDX8lhdqBjALMZVY/s320/DSC_0822.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kathleen and Cindy, one of her all-time favorite nurses</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk8Tkdjja5F97dzSH3BIrHqzf7-nEurcxxwDc0nDBWr3C9wjaQMdTdcsW6yIULQonS2Q6-uP7gxm6XC6jpacbLY2OFpvY6D-nw97hPV5ARzBoE-AAk99yUwXdzS37t7_Eqk8qUAJPS98/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk8Tkdjja5F97dzSH3BIrHqzf7-nEurcxxwDc0nDBWr3C9wjaQMdTdcsW6yIULQonS2Q6-uP7gxm6XC6jpacbLY2OFpvY6D-nw97hPV5ARzBoE-AAk99yUwXdzS37t7_Eqk8qUAJPS98/s320/DSC_0824.JPG" width="214" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kathleen and the best-looking guy in the hospital</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2iByk-WdXSq81SnGt0Hs8NP9kWLCg4AD9ldBgRkcEQB9ABpb_DCk9jf3F-1w88KWqb8Qlw73UNYsCmPGVOq2tTAZu7M1crlwrLACX8D8Y2nyNcdrnD4SSyXWqM3jKjmIshbevJjIISY/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2iByk-WdXSq81SnGt0Hs8NP9kWLCg4AD9ldBgRkcEQB9ABpb_DCk9jf3F-1w88KWqb8Qlw73UNYsCmPGVOq2tTAZu7M1crlwrLACX8D8Y2nyNcdrnD4SSyXWqM3jKjmIshbevJjIISY/s320/DSC_0827.JPG" width="214" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking a bit serious...or wishing the camera would stop snapping at her</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPSktiSn5cDsqEou5NMk4-zzRa7YlMpBgW0UbkpB3mXABJv_dW9Ai2812fSAOIgGa9CgqhLbN7WTzUts1HBBO4l0WJQZnIWS2W8xTBF1S5-Db1wRHvSwl-NQLkPTzm7brIb2GNiAKJ_Y/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPSktiSn5cDsqEou5NMk4-zzRa7YlMpBgW0UbkpB3mXABJv_dW9Ai2812fSAOIgGa9CgqhLbN7WTzUts1HBBO4l0WJQZnIWS2W8xTBF1S5-Db1wRHvSwl-NQLkPTzm7brIb2GNiAKJ_Y/s320/DSC_0825.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking out, where she longs to be...</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-2920527452436044282012-07-07T12:04:00.000-07:002012-07-07T12:04:09.829-07:00Stuck in the hospitalHi everyone:<br />
<br />
Sorry this update's taken a while. Patty and Kathleen were stuck in a signal-free zone (the E.R.) for much of the day yesterday, so I was picking up only fragments of details--fragments I was afraid to share lest I misinterpret them. I'm now here at the hospital with Patty, Kathleen, Joe, Amiee and Owen--and finally sorting through the chronology. I'm not sure I'll get this 100% right, but here goes...<br />
<br />
After receiving three units of platelets on July 5th and two units of whole blood yesterday, Kathleen was given the go-ahead to leave the hospital's infusion clinic. Patty stopped at the oncologists' office on the way home to pick up meds for Kathleen, who waited in the car. When Patty returned, Kathleen was in tears from severe discomfort throughout her lower extremities and additional discomfort from a fever. She was feeling so poorly she asked Patty to get one of the nurses. The nurse followed Patty to the car, took one look at Kathleen and insisted she return to the hospital.<br />
<br />
At the E.R., samples of Kathleen's blood were taken for CBC testing and for bacterial cultures, in case her fever was related to an infection. Initially, her oncologist suggested that, after a round of I.V. antibiotics, Kathleen could head home (in fact, he seemed a bit miffed that the nurses from his team were being so alarmist). Ultimately, the E.R. doctor conferred with Kathleen's oncologist and they decided to admit her. And here she remains...<br />
<br />
So far, we've heard nothing back to suggest the fever yesterday (100.8 after heavy doses of both dilaudid and ibuprofen) was the result of an infection, although one oncologist expressed surprise Kathleen had such a strong reaction to infusions after having had so many. He suggested that many of the symptoms Kathleen's been enduring are a consequence of the triple-whammy of cancer, chemo, and sensitivity to blood antigens. More alarming was his suggestion that Kathleen has now become "transfusion dependent"--that is, her blood is no longer capable of bouncing back and she'll always require blood products to supplement her own. The biggest concern he expressed was that, even with bag after bag of platelets, her numbers are dipping so low she's at risk of "spontaneous bleeding inside the brain", words that immediately gave me goosebumps. Although he tried to paint a hopeful picture about leaving the hospital tomorrow, we have our doubts she'll be sent home until her numbers are less of a threat.<br />
<br />
Okay, on to the numbers Kathleen's trying to walk around with; please don't attempt these at home:<br />
<br />
Yesterday, after the three units of platelets and two of whole blood, Kathleen's numbers were mostly awful, and they're even worse today. Her hemoglobin yesterday was at 8.5 and today at 7.5; her platelets were at 7 yesterday and at 4 today. In fact, most every measure in her blood is down, including white and red cells.<br />
<br />
All things considered, Kathleen seems relatively energetic and in good spirits, in spite of soreness throughout her hips, back and legs. The hospital's pain management team will be visiting soon. I suggested to Kathleen's doctor that they set Kathleen up with a pump for administering her pain meds, because she's needing it with greater frequency--and, much to Patty's irritation yesterday, nurses were eight hours late giving her doses of much-needed relief. Hopefully, we'll have a good answer on this soon.<br />
<br />
As always, she's a tough gal and making the most of a terrible situation.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-46330706784212496322012-07-05T10:49:00.000-07:002012-07-05T10:49:08.506-07:00Long overdue update on KathleenHi everyone:<br />
<br />
My apologies for going so long without providing updates on Kathleen's condition. I had some problems with the login information for this blog, and was unable to sort out the bugs until recently. For much of the time, we've had little to share, other than that Kathleen's continued to receive chemo treatments that aren't doing the job. Each new treatment seems to do a yeoman's job of making Kathleen feel miserable but diddly-squat at improving her blood counts. Lately, her numbers have grown alarming.<br />
<br />
As I write this, Kathleen is at the hospital receiving both platelets and whole blood. Since May, her platelets have fluctuated between a low of 8 to a high of 29; 140-440 is normal. This morning, her platelets hit an all-time low of 3, so low she's at risk of serious blood loss from even the smallest scrape, nick or bump. She's being treated by doctors as though she's a china doll, and that's not entirely inaccurate.<br />
<br />
Kathleen's hemoglobin is at 8.4 (normal is 12-16); this is usually the number that concerns doctors (and us) more, because Kathleen is more symptomatic when her hemoglobin counts are down. Just to give an idea, her hemoglobin was at 6.8 a week or so ago, and tends to run in the 6-9 range as long as she's receiving frequent infusions of blood. Unfortunately, she seems to be needing these boosts more and more often.<br />
<br />
Kathleen also lost three pounds suddenly about a week ago, even though her appetite has been decent. Fortunately, her weight hadn't dipped further this morning.<br />
<br />
We're of course worried about all this--as is Kathleen--but we've seen her do some pretty amazing bounce-backs before...<br />
<br />
I'll do my best to keep things more current around here moving forward...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-66240112311915512722011-12-01T12:19:00.001-08:002011-12-01T12:20:56.760-08:00This gal's amazing!Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
We were so happy to hear this morning that Kathleen's latest blood test revealed her hemoglobin has remained stable and--get this--her platelets jumped up. We're hoping this means her new chemo drugs are already turning the tide. When Kathleen called Patty with the results, she was ecstatic. And why not?<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-53208088096582271312011-11-30T06:50:00.001-08:002011-11-30T06:51:40.683-08:00Better news, shorter entryHi everyone:<br />
<br />
Kathleen's levels of platelets and hemoglobin, although far from ideal, were strong enough to keep her from having to receive blood products yesterday. A small victory, but a happy one!<br />
<br />
More as we have it...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-79166368712925931122011-11-26T19:57:00.001-08:002011-11-26T20:08:43.108-08:00Back homeHi everyone:<br />
<br />
Kathleen had a less-than-stellar night of back pain and restlessness, in part because doctors gave her Lasix, which makes a patient and a bathroom close companions. Patty spent the night with Kathleen, came home this morning to collect me and, during our afternoon visit, snoozed more than the patient.<br />
<br />
This morning, Kathleen's blood tests revealed she was still running low on several counts, so she received two more bags of blood and one of platelets. At around 7pm, she was released and we dropped her at home, where she planned to relax on her sofa. She has an appointment on Tuesday to have her blood checked again.<br />
<br />
Kathleen's color looked much healthier late in the day today. Our hope is that her new chemo starts to work soon, so she can get some relief from the frequent trips to the hospital for blood products.<br />
<br />
More soon as we have it...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-36604970367129844712011-11-25T15:17:00.001-08:002011-11-25T15:23:01.292-08:00In the hospitalHi everyone:<br />
<br />
After a nice family Thanksgiving last night, Kathleen visited her oncologist's office this morning with Patty in tow. Blood tests revealed that both Kathleen's hemoglobin and platelets are again depressed; this, combined with the fact Kathleen has gained several pounds of "water weight" in the past week (most likely the ascites that plagued her during previous admissions), disturbed her doctor enough to have her admitted.<br />
<br />
I don't have many details at this point other than that she's expecting to receive both blood and platelets. Patty plans to spend the night with her at the hospital. Hopefully, by tomorrow, we'll have more answers, although this is a holiday weekend and, as such, the wheels tend to spin slowly.<br />
<br />
Everyone's hope is that, like last time, Kathleen responds to the chemo once she's been through a few rounds. Please keep her in your thoughts; this gal could stand to catch a break.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-86568849818254315742011-11-22T05:06:00.001-08:002011-11-22T05:56:14.857-08:00Yesterday's worriesHi everyone:<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, Kathleen took a call from her oncologist's office to confirm her appointment for this coming Wednesday. When the nurse asked how she was faring, Kathleen admitted she was feeling run down, dizzy and nauseous. Her oncologist asked that she come in for blood tests. When Patty and I arrived to take Kathleen to her appointment, she felt very weak; she took a sip of pop and said, "I hate how even that feels like a big deal." Whenever she stands and tries to move too quickly, she swoons.<br />
<br />
Kathleen's blood tests revealed that many of her blood markers are depressed, even though she received two units of blood and four units of platelets late last week. The blood products gave her a boost over the weekend (a typical, short-term response that is wonderful, because Kathleen has a chance to be mostly herself again, if only for a short time), but she was running on empty by Monday morning.<br />
<br />
As of yesterday afternoon, Kathleen's hemoglobin measured at 6.4 g/DL (normal is 12-16), and her platelets sat at 15 K/ul (normal is 140-440). In addition, five other measures were flagged for being outside normal ranges. Although such results are nothing new--most have been out of whack each of the last four times they've been measured--the hemoglobin level was especially concerning, because Kathleen received blood last Thursday and the number was still lower than the last three times it was measured. What's more, Kathleen has been experiencing headaches and racing of her heartbeat that both she and the doctors find worrisome--when she first arrived for her appointment, Kathleen's heart rate was 138 beats/minute. Our understanding is that this happens because she has too little blood for her body's needs, so her heart works harder to send it to her extremities.<br />
<br />
After her appointment, we brought Kathleen to the hospital to have her blood typed and crossmatched so she can receive two units of blood today. Don plans to spend the day with Kathleen at the hospital's infusion clinic while she receives the blood, which should take about four hours. If after the infusion her measures improve, she'll head back to her oncologist's office tomorrow for her next round of chemotherapy. Her doctor mentioned yesterday that he won't know if the new chemo is working until she's received several treatments (so far, she's had only one).<br />
<br />
In our opinion, Kathleen made a very good call yesterday. Had she downplayed her symptoms, her numbers would no doubt have been much lower by her appointment Wednesday, which very well could have resulted in a hospitalization through the holiday weekend. <br />
<br />
Understandably, Kathleen is frustrated at times by feeling so sick, and by never getting much of a break from doctors and interventions. Still, she's a tough cookie. A brief flash of anger ("I'm NOT going to the hospital!") is often followed by a smile and a shrug when she later acknowledges, "Guess I'm going to the hospital, huh?" We continue to be impressed (and, at times, amazed) at how well she rolls with what has to be a crappy stretch of days.<br />
<br />
We'll provide another update as soon as we have more to report.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Brian<br />
<br />
P.S. I've snapped a few photos of Kathleen over the past few days; I'll try to post these soon.Kathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-51469336910685088612011-11-18T14:32:00.001-08:002011-11-18T14:41:52.526-08:00Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
As I write this, Kathleen is again over at St. Joe's (with Patty), this time for two more units of platelets. When she went this morning to have blood draws to see how her hemoglobin and platelets responded to the transfusions of yesterday, both measures were low, the latter enough to require immediate attention. Her hemoglobin was on the bubble. The hope now is that her body will respond enough to the extra platelets to keep her out of a hospital stay. Not much more to report at this point; we'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-53054911606123909132011-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:002011-11-17T07:31:29.255-08:00Concerning developments<div>
<div>
<div>
Hi everyone:<br />
<br />
Kathleen is in St. Joseph's hospital today (as an outpatient) to receive two transfusions of platelets and two of whole blood; the goal is to boost her depressed hemoglobin and platelet counts.</div>
<div>
<br />
Kathleen's oncologist started her on a new drug--Eribulin--because the chemo treatments she was receiving are no longer staying ahead of her cancer. Her latest test results have shown that the cancer has further infiltrated her bone marrow. Kathleen was also told that the ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) that plagued her during her prior rounds of hospitalizations never fully went away.<br />
<br />
She's struggling most days with significant pain in her back. Last night, when Patty and I visited her at home, Kathleen was clearly uncomfortable much of the time, and yet she seemed pretty upbeat and positive. She's a feisty broad, to be sure. Patty is with her today, and has texted me a few times to tell me Kathleen's blood pressure is running low (70/35), and that she's sleeping a lot (thank you, Benadryl).<br />
<br />
Eribulin is an anti-cancer drug given exclusively to metastatic breast cancer patients who have received multiple rounds of chemo that are no longer effective. The drug, which received FDA approval in November of last year, has been shown to extend a patient's survival beyond life expectancy without the drug.<br />
<br />
I'll try to post another update after Kathleen finishes her treatments. <br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div>
Brian</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Kathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-76731864627990417752011-01-06T04:01:00.000-08:002011-01-06T04:07:03.034-08:00Christmas pics!<div><div><div>Hi everyone:</div><br /><div></div><div>Many thanks to our nephew Scott Shepard, who remembered to bring his camera to the O'Mara Christmas bash and who shared these photos of his aunt; thanks, Scott!</div><br /><div></div><div>Love,</div><div>Brian<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559042801801391282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV239Q-S0zFpUCcho3UAwHt60O_mPUvdkzwv5RCWc7INAbxd53XhoBDX3nC3MW1BjSCMauM6HgxmJ1l626ZdkaKnHa7bYlxlJiBCA6wW8glpj_3vHLTRhoonyGo8fH7uYoQv0BA450t8/s320/DSC_0625.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559042719353504786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOHUWdSKK3U5lK_qGxtDGIZtZ4pcJQgNs-c-Ojwq6LTzFl99p9gT8YZKCIKj59eWMxRSWZp76iA9-PVniSUvcbe3gm_9XGh-Nis_50Rp_gDwTz9-GEhYfj2g1gcPe57LDYAhUTxp5ONA/s320/DSC_0623.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559042587711921746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy-WPtV_1Q-C4fAgBcal2lKDohmylbWwFMtBnDMWpJ4X7Kx6GReBrOWBWDXvWHsObVQ9DNNd6fNauD1nmrZEA8OCw33En7FHmodrUjPJSPZsCqADzzLLKFgneOgSdHGUFXl0m3deZ_G0/s320/DSC_0581.JPG" /></div></div></div>Kathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-23776232360438075402011-01-04T03:50:00.001-08:002011-01-04T03:55:37.909-08:00A decent holidayHi everyone:<br /><br />Well, of course I was a bonehead and completely forgot to bring a camera for the O'Mara family gathering over the holidays, so I can't share any photos. So...if any of you have snapped recent pics of Kathleen, please email them to me (<a href="mailto:omara_croft@yahoo.com">omara_croft@yahoo.com</a>) and I'll post them here. I'm begging.<br /><br />As always, infrequent updates to this page mean there's not a lot to report. Kathleen still seems to be faring pretty well, all things considered. Patty and I visited with her last night, and she seemed energetic and her color was good. Keep checking back for updates!<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-76426554027237365532010-12-01T10:04:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:17:36.873-08:00Back and doing wellHi everyone:<br /><div><div><div><div><br />I haven't posted in a while; this is a good thing. </div></div></div></div><br />Kathleen and Don had a great vacation in Jamaica (for four nights, not three as I had posted previously...oops.) I've posted some pictures below.<br /><br />Kathleen is at her oncology appointment with Don this morning. Her hemoglobin was at 11.4, and her platelets were at 15,000. She is receiving a chemo treatment. All in all, she seems to be doing fairly well. Let's keep the good trend going.<br /><br />Love,<br />Brian<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EqNRZZ-5QWM_q6LNgWQneDUAcGXW7BqOtXtaSYMZ3p6QG78kPrJz2iJWEcj2oYKX8HGrqCuLh1tPUdv9_jebT_23BMolwQwgv6BPnq4f52nhSZ71yAUUnGGe7Zxyk6df51eEYVB6ZR8/s1600/DSCN0038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545778428966054050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EqNRZZ-5QWM_q6LNgWQneDUAcGXW7BqOtXtaSYMZ3p6QG78kPrJz2iJWEcj2oYKX8HGrqCuLh1tPUdv9_jebT_23BMolwQwgv6BPnq4f52nhSZ71yAUUnGGe7Zxyk6df51eEYVB6ZR8/s320/DSCN0038.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVn6GSaE35knGhTg9lbVq4P7VGjjd7WK7X4BBSaR7Zu8GnHWqs31k09JLjvnO72CQ8SOQ1C6jJLgpfPOLejsRyIqSdF40Fu7fMpgNwuO-wVCgs-Br245vABq71BEwkGW_XxVt4C9AV-w/s1600/DSCN0048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545778244777505346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVn6GSaE35knGhTg9lbVq4P7VGjjd7WK7X4BBSaR7Zu8GnHWqs31k09JLjvnO72CQ8SOQ1C6jJLgpfPOLejsRyIqSdF40Fu7fMpgNwuO-wVCgs-Br245vABq71BEwkGW_XxVt4C9AV-w/s320/DSCN0048.JPG" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UwP0RKrMQ-18ePmobg-I-laLtAcDtMAefgxju2XDi8eIvXnaMNbZ0ObFTWwGkGXqjn9A9HeAuCkmWaKRZQbAtaJHIr_wAgf9Oi5Q2D2SULU9SzYJGjgD9qjSeImSZx7JX3d2Zfjw_r4/s1600/DSCN0020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545777798223604114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UwP0RKrMQ-18ePmobg-I-laLtAcDtMAefgxju2XDi8eIvXnaMNbZ0ObFTWwGkGXqjn9A9HeAuCkmWaKRZQbAtaJHIr_wAgf9Oi5Q2D2SULU9SzYJGjgD9qjSeImSZx7JX3d2Zfjw_r4/s320/DSCN0020.JPG" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWTHD4zUgAx_QZ0DrI79CANoqu88bXUUn1BpMiVprWW4hzS0iktYMLa3Y_CBZuowoVqpRwJRMBl7SkqlClO2IToD4Jxn_2xEDEnB8MgfHu46Qs7GA_nKLvoAFO3CByWLkrHwW8Pip-Rc/s1600/DSCN0010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545777301210712738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWTHD4zUgAx_QZ0DrI79CANoqu88bXUUn1BpMiVprWW4hzS0iktYMLa3Y_CBZuowoVqpRwJRMBl7SkqlClO2IToD4Jxn_2xEDEnB8MgfHu46Qs7GA_nKLvoAFO3CByWLkrHwW8Pip-Rc/s320/DSCN0010.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div>Kathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-11464323145540503742010-11-17T13:44:00.001-08:002010-11-17T13:46:31.677-08:00Off to JamaicaHi everyone:<br /><br />I haven't posted much lately because there hasn't been much to report. Kathleen's numbers fluctuate, but have stayed mostly stable (which means Kathleen stays out of the hospital). She and Don left this morning for a three-night vacation in Jamaica. Hopefully, they'll come back with tons of pics.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-83103525644763109712010-10-28T07:36:00.000-07:002010-10-28T07:44:19.802-07:00The remarkable KathleenHi everyone:<br /><br />I went with Kathleen to her oncology appointment yesterday morning. After two weeks since her last hospitalization, I was expecting that Kathleen would need to be admitted to the hospital for blood transfusions. Instead, her numbers jumped again. Her hemoglobin was at 11.5, and her platelets skyrocketed to more than 85,000 (still well below normal, but off-the-charts for Kathleen). Needless to say, she was a happy camper.<br /><br />Kathleen received the first infusion in a second round of chemo. She came through it without event, although she's likely to feel a bit miserable through the weekend.<br /><br />Don and Kathleen are planning a 4-day trip to Jamaica in mid-November, with her doc's blessing. Keep your fingers crossed she's faring well at the time they leave.<br /><br />Kathleen's low blood pressure continues to be a concern. She was given fluids yesterday, and encouraged to eat more salty foods. In the scheme of things, this seems like small potatoes, which is exactly what we want to hear. The only blue moment in the day came when Kathleen asked her doctor how long he planned to keep her on chemo. His answer? "As long as it's working." I think Kathleen had hoped she'd catch a break. She shook her worries off quickly, as Kathleen is wont to do.<br /><br />Don't you love a day full of good news, especially since so many of my postings haven't been so inspiring?<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-54543690621757137942010-10-20T10:27:00.000-07:002010-10-20T10:30:05.418-07:00A no-hospitalization WednesdayHi everyone:<br /><br />For a rare change, Kathleen went to her oncology appointment today and--get this--didn't have to head to the hospital for blood. Kathleen's friend Cindy took her today and is batting 2-for-2 on visits that don't result in hospitalizations. Kathleen's hemoglobin was over 10, and her platelets were in the 38,000 range--not great, but enough to keep her out of the hospital. If she's in decent shape next Wednesday, she'll start another course of chemotherapy. That's the latest...<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-37026568102610460882010-10-15T13:41:00.001-07:002010-10-15T13:41:43.525-07:00She's outta there!Hi everyone:<br /><br />Kathleen was released from the hospital late this morning. Have a great weekend, all.<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-23879276887493062812010-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:002010-10-14T10:42:37.786-07:00Numbers downHi everyone:<br /><br />I went with Kathleen to her oncological appointment yesterday morning. Although Kathleen wasn't as weak or dizzy as she was going into previous appointments, and even though she'd put on a few pounds, her blood counts were low (6 for hemoglobin, 26,000 for platelets). What's more, her blood pressure, which typically runs on the low side, was low enough (70s over 40s) to be of concern. Her doctor admitted her on a 23-hour hospitalization so Kathleen could receive two units of blood.<br /><br />Last night, Patty spent the night with Kathleen. During the night, Kathleen's blood pressure dipped to disconcerting levels (68/37), so she was moved to the ICU. This morning, her blood counts came back with marginal improvement, but not enough to allow her to go home. She's receiving another two units of blood this afternoon. We're not sure if she'll get out today or not. She's feeling a bit discouraged and depressed that she's stuck in the hospital when she thought she'd be able to go home.<br /><br />I'll post another update as soon as I know more.<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740219294193029827.post-7903593423536300992010-10-06T19:40:00.001-07:002010-10-06T19:44:29.592-07:00As promised...a quick updateHi everyone:<br /><br />I'm running around gathering things for my weekend road trip, and just remembered that I had promised an update before I left. So, here it is:<br /><br />Kathleen went in for her third round of chemo this morning. Before she received the drugs, her blood counts were taken...and get this: her platelets were up to 58,000 and her hemoglobin was at 9. Although these are still below desired levels, this is the first time she's gone in and not had a substantial decline in her numbers. Let's hope this encouraging trend continues. Kathleen was a happy camper when she called with the results.<br /><br />Kathleen will likely have a less-than-stellar weekend, because of the chemo, but hopefully these new numbers give her some added energy to fight the good fight.<br /><br />Love,<br />BrianKathleen Callahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09501895792069396484noreply@blogger.com0