Hi Sarah,

That happens more often than you'd think and did with Jack as well. He spiked a temp and was hosptialized for 5 days. They delayed a cycle of chemo for a week and cancelled 2 radiation treatments - weekend intervened - that were just added to the end of his therapy.

The important thing is that she is in the hospital where they can monitor her and find the right IV antibiotics to give. It will be okay, and they will resume her treatments. I was concerned that a delay would be detrimental and it wasn't. Back then, absolutely everything concerned me and I remember well how upsetting that hospitalization was. In most cases they are precautions - very necessary precautions - but done for issues that respond well to monitoring and IV treatments. It would be irresponsible if they didn't hospitalize her for this.

The chemo and radiation do a real number on the immune system and infections can develop despite the best of care and precautions. It's one of the many things we learn to roll with. Hang in there, and I hope that next week goes better for Penny. How is she doing overall and how are all of you holding up?

I'm happy to tell you that Jack is doing well, his last PET scan showed no distant metastasis, and the endoscopy Monday showed NO tumors, just persistent swelling that will take longer to heal. His PEG tube is out, he's swallowing well enough to eat sufficient calories, and back to work. The day when he felt better arrived for him and will for Penny as well.

Regards JoAnne

Regards JoAnne