Post #18: Much Better Today

Hi all,

I am happy to report that Anita is feeling much better today, both emotionally and physically (at least painwise). Last night, after she woke up from her nap, her mood had improved considerably. She ate almost a whole banana and drank a glass of milk. This was later followed by some white rice with a little soy sauce for flavoring (she won't do soy sauce again), a couple of potato chips and a sip of beer! We watched some more old movies and had fun chatting and making comments.

This morning she woke up determined to think more positively and to try to move around more - gradually of course - but to improve her stamina. We discovered last night that if she moves in easy stages (i.e. sit up in bed, rest a bit, stand up and walk a little distance, then sit and rest a bit more, etc.) then she can keep the racing heartbeat and shortness of breath manageable.

She started out this morning with a glass of orange juice, diluted coffee, followed by white rice and a tangerine. A little later she drank a glass of milk and ate four crackers and some cheddar cheese slices. She also took one folic acid and one B-12 pill. After a sponge bath and a little freshening up she is feeling much better and is alert, talking and as ever making plans! She's determined that John get a puppy!

A new theory has arisen respecting her racing heartbeat and shortness of breath. When the oncologist tested her oxygen levels he determined that she was fully oxygenated. But what he didn't determine nor order a test for is her CO2 and other gas levels. She might have a gas ratio imbalance. Elevated CO2 in the bloodstream can also cause similar symptoms to oxygen deprivation. Anyhow, it is worth exploring I think.

I will post another update this evening.

Melissa