Joyce Update July 20, 2009

Joyce returned home this evening after spending 2 1/2 days in the Critical Care Unit at Overlake Hospital. The breast cancer has spread and is causing periodic atrial fibrillation (irregular heart problems) plus there is some possible compression of her wind pipe and esophagus due to the cancer, plus she has a new cancerous breast nodule, plus they are removing 500 cc of fluid from her lung sacks every day, which consists partially of decomposed body tissue, plus she has some blood clot issues. If that isn't enough, she has pneumonia. She is back at home, but very, very ill and basically taking pain medications and not much else at this time. Our Priest Steve Best gave us all the eucharist at the hospital today, and Hospice workers arrive tomorrow morning.

We are grateful for all the medical workers who have worked so hard to bring life back to her, but I fear that is not to be. And to all of you wonderful friends, who have followed her difficult struggle, and who have shared with prayers, cards, letters, e mails, flowers and books - you are the greatest. Stay tuned for a further update in the near future.