Laura had been feeling relatively good since her spinal tap on Friday. She was walking with confidence and feeling very optimistic when I took her out for an appointment on Monday morning. All weekend we enjoyed the company of an old friend, Megan, from college and her daughter who visited from Manhattan. At breakfast on Monday I said to Megan that she had picked a good time to visit. Indeed, I wondered whether the visitors had lifted Laura’s spirits, improving her well being. Or maybe the Adriamycin was wearing off and better health was to follow. Laura hadn’t thrown up since Thursday. I was feeling hopeful.
I also wondered whether the spinal tap might have relieved her symptoms due to reduced fluid pressure on the brain. But that line of reasoning led down a path that I didn’t want to think about.
And then Laura had a bad attack at her appointment and threw up in the car. We spoke about our fleeting optimism and drove home feeling disappointed. Back at the house there was a message that her neurologist was trying to reach us. When we called back we learned that tumor cells had been found in her spinal fluid.
This is not good news. But I won’t say much about it now. We have spent an anxious day and a half waiting for a call from Laura’s oncologist, but for whatever reasons, we still haven’t heard from her. I may have more to say after we talk.
This afternoon we all drove Laura to an appointment in Deerfield and spent a few hours at the Butterfly Conservatory. It’s a wonderful place to go — especially in the dead of winter. 1000s of butterflies flittering all around you.
Spinal fluid
Tue, Jan 22nd, 2008 7:39pm by dkulp
Tags: Uncategorized
7 responses so far ↓
1 Esther Dalrymple (Sprookie) // Jan 22, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I appreciate Loose Strife. I am a Danny Grad with your Mom. I also am a two time cancer survivor. My heart, my love, and my prayers go out to your little family. We all hope for better things to come.
2 Elena // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Please just give my big sister a hug for me.
3 Katrin // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:24 am
Sending my love, prayers, and a huge virtual hug to you all.
4 Karuna // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:08 am
Life is so full of ups and downs, and we need each for fullness. I’m holding all of you as you hold on to this ride.
Like the butterflies, you are surrounded by thousands of prayers, thoughts and wishes. It looks like Laura has “captured” the two largest and most beautiful butterflies in the conservatory!!
With much love & Blessings,
Karuna
5 Justin // Jan 25, 2008 at 7:23 am
I, too, would like to send along a big hug to “L”-capitan.
6 Kate in Berkeley // Jan 25, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Dear Laura – Though it has been ages since we last saw you – in Berkeley – when our first born kiddos were just scooting around on the floor, I wanted to drop you a line to say how much I love getting your holiday cards and seeing how those gorgeous girls are growing and changing and how surprised I was at your illness. You are an amazingly brave, strong and vibrant woman. I hold you in my heart regularly and send you all my love and best wishes for your recovery. Beautiful photographs, I might add! Be well! XOK
7 Allison Beasley // Jan 28, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Hello Laura and David,
I’m another Danny Grad friend of your mother’s, David. I love her! And I’m sending love to the 4 of you. Thank you for loosestrife. Although we’ve not met, I care deeply about you and about good things happening to you. I am hoping and praying every day for peacefulness and healing.