Hi all, Kaleen here!

I hope you're all doing well as we inch towards spring!  It has been a while since I've posted, so I'm here to give you some updates. 

Crystal continues with her chemo rounds.  Side effects from the first two rounds were very difficult for her, and did not provide any improvement.  Thankfully, her bloodwork (when she got her last chemo round on 2/26) showed slight signs of improvement.  This was enough proof for the doctors to continue with chemo treatment that week.  The oncologist analyzes bloodwork prior to each chemo round to determine if they will proceed with treatment, so pray for continued positive bloodwork results.  Her next round of bloodwork and chemo will be this coming Monday, 3/11.

Due to the size and growth of her tumors, Crystal has experienced immense pain the past two months.  At times it has been unbearable, and she has been unable to move from the couch/bed.  She is also having a difficult time eating, as it causes her to feel very full and uncomfortable.  In addition to the pain, her edema (swelling) has been quite an ordeal for her to manage.  Her current treatment plan consists of: 

Chemo Week

• Monday: Bloodwork, meet with oncologist, chemo treatment - chemo through port at home for 48 hours 
• Wed: De-access chemo from port and Albumin/lasix infusion (to help with edema)
• Fri: Albumin/lasix infusion

Off Chemo Week 

• Mon: Albumin/lasix infusion
• Tue: Albumin/lasix infusion
• Fri: Tue: Albumin/lasix infusion

Crystal and Jeff have had several visitors, including friends and family from NC, TX, CA, and ID.  She was lucky enough to have one travel nursing friend stay for two weeks and help her get her pain under control - a big shoutout to Heather Jae for all of her help!  In the past three weeks, Crystal had the ability to venture from the house for dinner in Edmonds and Woodinville.  This was wonderful for her spirts and a nice change of scenery, but the pain only subsides temporarily and she finds herself exhausted post outings.  

There are no specific asks for meals/visits at the moment, but I will update the meal train link if that changes.  Should you desire to visit, please send Jeff and/or Crystal a message directly, but be prepared for a delay in response.  

ASKS FROM ALL OF YOU:

PLEASE PHONE-IN YOUR CRYSTAL STORIES/WELL-WISHES/MEMORIES utilizing the Life on Record number below. 

Dial in number: 1-800-437-3009
Enter invitation number 90796, hear introductory greeting, state name first, and then leave your recording.  

Crystal has access to this line, and can listen any time she wants.  Go lift her spirits!

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I'll leave you with a few photos of Crystal from last weekend while visiting with friends from NC and TX!  Thanks for all of your support, kind thoughts, and prayers as Crystal and Jeff continue to navigate.

-Kaleen