In the hospital

On Saturday it became clear that Betsy was continuing to struggle with the blood infection and was dehydrating. She was running a fever, not retaining fluids, and had serious full body chills. After speaking with the on-call oncologist, we decided to go to the ER at Lovelace downtown (around 5:30pm) to receive IV fluids and run blood tests. Betsy's energy was depleted as the evening wore on. Additional tests were run including a CAT scan, chest x-rays and abdominal ultrasound then she was admitted into the hospital around 1am on Sunday.

(From what I gather, blood infections sometimes occur in cancer patients receiving chemo because the body's white blood cells get knocked out by the chemo leaving little defense against infectious agents. The additional tests were run to determine the source of infection, to rule out pneumonia or internal absesses.)

Today Betsy was doing better. She received saline, potassium and antibiotics intravenously. Her appetite returned and she was able to eat some lunch. Radiation treatments are on hold now until Betsy's strength returns and the infection is gone. Betsy is grateful for all the support and messages wishing her a speedy recovery. Please feel free to leave her messages here and they will be relayed to her.

--Irene

Mary, Betsy's Sister, Just Called

I just got off the phone and here is the update. Betsy just had a saline drip and is now patiently getting a potassium drip. She has a blood infection. Her radiation treatments are currently on hold till next Wednesday.

We will try to keep you up to date with treatments, progress and such.

Celia

A very good morning

Betsy had a very good morning - She met with the radiologist who said she's had nine treatments thus far and is doing relatively well. Betsy's mouth has healed somewhat after last week's chafing and she was able to eat some dim sum (chinese dumplings and noodles) for lunch.

This afternoon she will be running some errands for the Challenge before calling it a day.
Her spirits are good and she sounds very strong! Thanks for all your positive thoughts and loving messages to Betsy.

--Irene

Tax Day Update

Betsy got her taxes done and signed!
She says that the magic mouthwash is helping the mouth sores.
Today she is starting a daily saline IV solutionfor a month to stay hydrated.
Her reactions to the chemo and radiation are intense, but she manages to keep up positive self talk and an awesome attitude.

Week two is progressing...

Updates

Betsy and I had a lovely afternoon together visiting and doing some things around her house. She has had some evil symptoms yesterday: hot flashes, aches and pains, nausea, throwing up and severe pains in her gut.

One week of radiation down! Tomorrow she gets the chemo pump out.

She is a trooper: so positive, so caring, so amazing!

Monday, I believe, she has a blood test to make sure that her red blood cells are fine.

More to come,

Celia DeVera Mandel Einhorn, the first and last

All of iEARN worldwide is pulling for Betsy!

Hi Betsy,  Around the iEARN global community teachers are thinking of you and sending you strength, good vibes and a glass of Macallan 18 (even if you're not allowed to have it).  You have given us energy and love for so many years and now it's our turn to send them back to you!

Lots of love,

Ed

First day of treatment done.

Betsy's first day of treatment went very smoothly. At 7:30 AM she had the stitches taken out from last week's insertion of a subcutaneous pump (similar to an insulin pump that regulates intravenous delivery of meds). Around 8:00 AM she went to oncology to start chemotherapy. Her nurse, Dorothy, ran blood work and then delivered anti-nausea medication, a steroid (also anti-nausea), and mitomyocin through the pump. Afterwards Betsy was outfitted with a tube leading to a plastic bottle containing chemotherapy drug "5FU" that will be on continuous slow drip throughout the week. Come Saturday, the drip will be removed. This afternoon at 3pm she had her first radiation treatment. She described it as a strong and short blast of radiation from the top then bottom of her pelvis.

Betsy is glad the first day is over and has her meds in case she feels nausea or anxiety. She is feeling good and positive. Her treatment schedule from here on is Monday - Friday radiation at 8:00 AM for weeks 1-5 then Chemo again during week 6 in addition to radiation.

What a hottie!

Love that photo of you. You look gorgeous!

Get Well Blog for Betsy

This is a get well blog for dear Betsy. We will give you all updates here and you can leave comments for her.

We think this will be easier for all of us as Betsy will not have to worry about answering individual emails and we can share her positive progress here.

Celia Bedelia