Dear family and friends,

Yesterday, Wednesday, May 22^nd, Ginny saw her primary care physician (PCP).  She had read through all the notes from the specialists that Ginny has been seeing. 

Ginny talked about her lightheadedness.  The PCP, Dr. Wrenn, said that we can feel lightheaded as we age, but anemia can also lead to lightheadedness.  She encouraged Ginny to stay hydrated, especially as the weather gets hot.  She also suggested that Ginny get up from a seated position slowly, and to hold onto something to ensure she’s stable.

Ginny also asked about her hearing being affected when she stands up from a seated position.  Dr. Wrenn said that seasonal allergies can lead to inflammation and this can affect hearing.

Another concern Ginny mentioned was being short of breath.  Dr. Wrenn said that this could be due to low hemoglobin levels.  She said that it wouldn’t hurt Ginny to take Albuterol inhaler when she feels short of breath.

Ginny also mentioned having an upset, uneasy feeling in her stomach.  Dr. Wrenn asked if this was acid reflux.  It might also be due to the cumulative effects of chemotherapy.

On Wednesday, Ginny’s blood pressure was good, and Dr. Wrenn confirmed that she is up-to-date on all her vaccines.

Dr. Wrenn suggested that Ginny might gain benefit and support from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).

In summary, Dr. Wrenn said that anemia, fluctuations in blood pressure, and chemotherapy all affect lightheadedness and shortness of breath, and that an unsettled stomach might also be a side effect of treatment.  She recommended we speak with Dr. McMasters about the best treatment plan.

I forgot to mention that, on Monday, when the nurse did the Orthostatic blood pressure test on Ginny, I had a flashback to the other time she had this test and the EMTs came to the hematology/oncology clinic and took Ginny by stretcher to the Emergency Department and the cold hit her quickly because they told her not to wear a coat on the quick trip outside and then she had to be evaluated for stroke and was admitted for ten days to the hospital.  I was grateful that none of this occurred this time.

Today, Thursday, May 23, Ginny and I went to the hematology/oncology clinic to assess her blood counts.  Ginny has been feeling very bad for the past three days – and the worst was today.  Her mood is understandably also low.  The nurse told us that Ginny’s lab results were pretty stable.  Her hemoglobin level was the same as on Monday, but that based on Ginny’s symptoms alone of lightheadedness and shortness of breath, they would give her a transfusion today of red blood cells.

They are very thorough, and because of her shortness of breath, they also did an EKG test, which was normal.

We were told that Ginny’s counts would probably dip down lower next week and so we’ll return to the hematology/oncology clinic on Tuesday (May 28) for blood work.

We’ll return again to the clinic on Wednesday (May 29) to meet with Ginny’s hematologist/oncologist Dr. McMasters and that Ginny might have another blood transfusion on Wednesday, as well.  Also, on Wednesday, because of Ginny’s symptoms of shortness of breath and lightheadedness, they’ll do an echocardiogram, (cardiac ultrasound) to evaluate – to look at the pumping action – of her heart.

Color was returning to Ginny’s cheeks and her eyes looked brighter after the blood transfusion today.  It was almost immediate.  On the drive home, Ginny said, “May the kind person who donated their blood for me receive a blessing.”

Ginny’s still feeling quite tired, and other than the doctors’ visits this week, focused on resting.  Last night I sold Guatemalan fair trade handicrafts at an event and tonight, our 24-year-old daughter Netta and her wonderful roommates Sam and Aya helped unpack my car.  I took a photo of Ginny and Netta after the unpacking was completed.  The photo is attached here.

The next time I write will probably be after our Wednesday (May 29) visit with Dr. McMasters, unless there is something remarkable that I need to report after the Tuesday (May 28) blood lab results.

Love,

Fern