ValleyRD Mailing List: Lila Reiser update, Saturday, 9/17, 2011

[Bob Heiser (w7ikt]

Please keep Lila in your prayers,

God Bless
Bob Heiser

In my last report, I reported that Lila was released from the hospital last Tuesday, 9/13/2011. 
 
Wednesday, she had a blood test, and a doctor visit.  We were at the hospital from 8:30 until after lunch.  Good news was her blood counts were coming up.  The bad news was, of her white blood cells, 94% were the "Blast" cells, or cancer cells.  Lila was still  weak, unable to walk more than a few steps on her own, not drinking much liquid or able to eat much.  Later that afternoon, we drained almost a liter of fluid from her abdomen.
 
Thursday, we had a day off from going to the hospital.  We went to the County Assessors' Office and purchased a handicapped parking card.  Then we went to Lowes and Walmart.  Lila stayed in the car, just too tired and weak to get out of the car again.  Later, we drained a little over 3/4 liter of fluid our of her abdomen.
 
Thursday night/Friday morning, Lila fell twice going to the bathroom.  The first time was about 1:30.  She got out of bed and almost out of the bedroom when her legs gave out.  She fell into a corner of the bedroom, almost landing on the dog.  No harm from the first fall.  She got out of bed again about 5:30, heading to the bathroom.  Her legs gave out again, in the bathroom.  This time she fell against the bathroom sink cabinet, hitting her left rib cage.  Nothing broken, but a BIG bruise has developed.
 
Friday,  we spent about 11 hours at the hospital.  We had 8:00 appointment for a blood test, a review 2 hours later.  She needed some platelets and fluid.  We got out of the hospital at about 7:30 in the evening.  We did not need to drain any fluid from her abdomen on Friday.  Lila's white blood count was 20, but 95% are the "Blast" cells.  They prescribed some chemo in pill form that she will have to take for a while.  The doctors are considering 2 or 3 different chemo plans.  Not sure what they will try next time.  But would think she is going to have to get much stronger before they can do much.
 
Last night, we both slept better, I slept in the bed and Lila slept on the couch.  We purchased a urinal that she can use without having to get completely out of bed.  This worked well.
 
I would like to report that Lila is getting stronger, however this does not appear to be the case.  She is very weak and unstable when she walks.  I feel the need to be with her anytime she needs to get out of bed or out of a chair.  Getting in or out of the RV is a problem.
 
Today, Saturday----stayed at home, I did some laundry.   It has rained most of the afternoon.   Lila has spent some time on the computer and we took a nap this afternoon.  We drained a little over a liter of fluid from Lila's abdomen this afternoon. 
 
Lila is looking foreword to going to church tomorrow morning.  The wheel chair will be put to good use tomorrow.
 
This is not a good report.  But, this has been our week.
 
Bob Browning