Maryann Kelner

Maryann’s Story

In April Maryann was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of gynecologic origin. The majority was found in the omentum (the fatty layer of tissue that surrounds many organs) and a thin layer in front of the liver. There are small sites on the small intestine and lung. Stage 4. The plan was to begin 3 cycles of chemo which would take 9 to 12 weeks and see if the cancer could be slowed down. She began the first treatment May 10. 5 days after that she landed in the hospital with kidney failure. It is possible this had to do with the fact she has been taking the drug Metformin…it had built up in her system causing lactic acidosis (?) The kidney doctor referred to it as Metformin poisoning and told us no one over the age of 75 should be taking Metformin (a commonly used drug for Type 2 Diabetes). The reason is not that Metformin harms the kidney, but as we age and the kidneys don’t function as well the Metformin builds up and the body cannot process it out. This situation led to a few weeks of dialysis…in the hospital and continued after release to rehab at Camilia Rose. Thankfully her kidneys are now functioning on their own.

In late June as her time in rehab was coming to an end she was told she could not be released to independent living and while we scrambled to locate an assisted living availability it was decided that Amber and Bob (her daughter and son-in-law) would care for her needs in their home.

This week the oncologist has recommended there be no more curative chemo. We are working with a palliative care specialist to create a plan for pain management and comfort. The doctor indicated Maryann would be able to have in home hospice care at Amber and Bob’s. This evaluation will take place on July 10. Hospice can order up various methods to ease pain that could include radiation or chemo. This is for comfort and not cure.

Through July 8 Maryann will be at Camilia Rose in Coon Rapids if you care to visit. July 9 is her moving day. July 10 is her evaluation. We will update this site regularly to share news and visiting information and such.

Until the next update… her mind is clear and her spirits are good. All thoughts and prayers are welcomed.