Thank you again for the different ways you’ve reached out to Lori on CaringBridge, cards, and other messages in addition to your prayers and kind thoughts. These gestures of love, caring and compassion are a real needed boost, particularly on the many days for which pain and other symptoms are tough. Thank you all so, so much. If possible, I would ask that you please consider sharing this CaringBridge link with others to build on the energies you all are sending our way. Thank you for that consideration. 

It’s been a challenging couple weeks of up and down days with how Lori feels as well as numerous clinic visits and procedures. We received an initially optimistic report from our oncologist last week about Lori’s most recent PET scan results, only to have the radiologist report come back saying the cancer has progressed. We had hoped to be on the initial line of treatment for a longer period, but it’s time to move on to the next course of treatment. We are hopeful it will be both well tolerated and effective. 

Pain and symptoms continue to pose challenges. The cancer is diffuse throughout her bones. Lori’s pelvis and femurs are affected and put her at risk for fracture. We are meeting with an orthopedic surgeon Tuesday to discuss options to strengthen / stabilize these joints. We also have an appointment with radiation oncology to irradiate this area for pain relief similar to the procedures done last fall on her spine. The downside of that treatment is delay in starting the new cancer medication. 

Lori has an echocardiogram and a cardiac catheterization scheduled for Friday, March 1 to evaluate heart structure and function. We are also scheduled with Interventional Pain the following week to discuss proceeding with an intrathecal pain pump that we hope will help a lot with pain and medication side effects. All the appointments, tests, and procedures are a bit overwhelming and challenging, but we are focused on getting on top of the pain and cancer progression to be able to live each day to the fullest. This winter’s unseasonably warm weather has been a blessing in that it’s enabled us to get outside and walk quite a bit. Through ups and downs, Lori’s faith, resilience, and kindness are an inspiration to those around her. 

Thank you to all of you for your ongoing love and support. Your energies are so important in helping us each day. Thank you also for taking time to share this link if you can.  

Love, Tom, Lori, and family.