Joyce Birkeland Update, July 13, 2009

Here is the latest. This picture was taken today, July 13, while Joyce was at Overlake Hospital receiving her weekly dose of chemo, doing labs, and conferencing with her oncologist, and Joyce is doing much better. She is eating more, taking vitamins, in better spirits, talking and laughing, and generally in a good mood. Her pain seems to be pretty well under control, as do her non breast cancer health issues. She is on two chemo drugs which seem to be having a positive impact on the breast cancer too, but weight loss and lung evacuations of liquid remain concerns. Last weekend we went for a drive to visit with a friend and also went out to lunch at a Mexican restaurant, but she overdid it and the spicy food was a bit too much. Coming up we will continue with chemo, daily evacuations of her lungs (that situation also is somewhat improved), some wheelchair trips in the neighborhood, and brief visits at the house with neighbors and friends. Every week she also has the eucharist brought to the house by a friend, which is a highlight of her week. The children have been fantastic and very helpful, and daugther Gretchen visited from Texas and got Joyce all dolled up for the photo which was a special treat for all of us, especially Joyce herself. Thanks again for all your kind thoughts, prayers, cards, letters, calls and visits. You are the greatest.