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Andre's email had the subject line: Lynn's anatomy – a cough and a splutter.

So we may be forgiven for thinking things were going to be much of the same. Figuratively speaking, we were in the home straight heading for the finish line in the distance with at least half a tank of fuel, and pretty decent tires. What could go wrong? (By the way, you should have realised by now that this is Andre and not Lynn writing.)

Turns out Lynn had a bit of a cough - very slight, more a shortness of breath - that started over the weekend. We ascribed this to the insidious effects of the ever-present cortisone and thought little of it.

Feels like the home stretch
Chemo started on Sunday night and by Monday Lynn’s shortness of breath was worse. We called the doc and he summoned us to have blood tests done. So, off we went to our home-away-from-home, Constantiaberg, for a quick donation of blood and a long wait for the results.

Finally the doc comes in with the results and announces "nothing serious" (he described a few very serious-sounding things that he thought it might have been). Diagnosis: most likely an infection in the lungs caused by the low immune system as a result of the chemo. Antibiotics, and we are off home again.

Tuesday comes and she is worse
By Wednesday we were starting to worry. We had a check-up with the brain doc that morning in town and when we got there Dr White seemed to completely forget that we were there to check on the brain surgery he had done a while back. In essence, he sent us packing back to our second home and told us to check in for a longish stay.

Well Lynn was at 65 percent. A flurry of activity ensued and in no time Lynn was sporting an oxygen mask.

This is where things started getting a bit scary. Imagine you can breathe all you like, but cannot get enough oxygen into your lungs – I can only guess that it must feel like you are slowly drowning. To say that we were both a little concerned would be, well, a serious understatement.

Turns out the home straight is not a straight after all, but a chicane. The fuel gauge was lying and the tires were a bit smooth.

Well, these things are send to test us and we will get through this one too. But I do need to ask for lots of prayer for Lynn at this time.

It is now Sunday and there has been no significant change in her status. The doctors think it could be (as usual) one of three things. Either it’s a plain old infection that is not being cleared up quickly due to the effects of the chemo, or it’s a result of the chest tumours spreading, or (the current leading theory) it’s a bad reaction to the chest radiation.

Certain parts of the lungs were radiated during the chest radiation and there is a known condition where they have a bad reaction that presents like pneumonia. Again the healing of the lungs is being hampered by the chemo – sort of like shooting the firemen as they arrive to put out your burning house.

So again, if you could please pray for a speedy recovery for her. She is battling with this one and would appreciate the support. She can’t do visitors since she can’t really talk much (what with the oxygen mask and the shortness of breath), but prayer and support would be just fine.

I have left out some of the details so that she can include them in the next “official” update – she is so much better than me at this writing thing anyway.

Thank you all
Andre

(Andre Ferreira, 9 March, 2008)

Click here for Lynn's next message.

Read more:

My cancer diary – part 1
My cancer diary – part 2
My cancer diary – part 3
My cancer diary – part 4
My cancer diary – part 5
My cancer diary – part 6
My cancer diary – part 7

Cancer Centre

 

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	Lynn and Family 3/20/2008 10:17:03 AM Our prayers are with you all - for healing, that all your doctors may have wisdom and that you will be sustained through every moment of this. - Anna   Lynn & Andre 3/20/2008 11:17:41 AM My GOD hold your hand and give you strength! My thoughts are with you - Sonja   LYNN AND ANDRE 3/20/2008 12:10:04 PM I pray that God give you the strength to survive this. I just went through almost asimilar case with my gran and because of age no matter how much oxygen they tried giving her the cancer was just far away and she past away within 2 weeks of diagnosis. God bless and heal her. - Rebecca   Lynn Andre and family 3/20/2008 12:15:09 PM My prayers are with you all. May God carry you all in the palm of his hand. God bless, and trust in Him. Strongs to all of you!!! - Jen   Lynn & Andre 3/20/2008 12:32:08 PM May the peace which passes all understanding settle amongst you, and may the strength that holds the universe in place surround you at this time. Much love and prayers to you. Andre may God give you special grace at this time, God Bless - Allison   Andre & Lynn 3/20/2008 12:38:49 PM May you find the inner peace that will provide you with the strength and courage you need to see you through this difficult time. It is important to remain positive and calm. God be with you! - Audrey   Hi 3/20/2008 12:56:22 PM Dear Lynn and Andre Just to say I am thinking of you. I know what you feel as if you are on a roller coaster but hang there, lots of people are rooting for you guys. Lynne, one breathe at time. God bless you this Easter. - Thea   I salute your courage! 3/20/2008 1:07:59 PM One of my favourite Psalms - 103 : 8-13 - may I recommend you read this to Lynn and may God give you strength and a wonderful faith. You are both in my prayers. - Mel   Strength 3/20/2008 1:24:34 PM Lynn, Im also a cancer patient (colon cancer) I wont try and say I know what you are going through. In my situation I have place all my worries, pains and aches on a plate and handed them to the Lord.....he'll take care of the rest. You are in my prayers... - Annette Bwowe   Lynn & Andre 3/20/2008 1:35:19 PM I am thing about you and praying for you. May God touch you and heal and I know God done his work already. - Jeanette Schippers   Lord, please be with this family 3/20/2008 2:03:30 PM Grant them peace, hope, love, patience and endurance. Hold them close, and let each one know that you understand fully the meaning of suffering and loneliness. And that because of You, the worst of times passes and on Easter Sunday the best of times comes with the rising sun. - Beverley   Keep Smiling 3/20/2008 2:33:03 PM Read all your posts in one sitting - you are one plucky lady. if anything it will be your cheerful and positive attitude which will beat this 'thing'. keep smiling and good luck. - Annieinarabia   Lynn, Andre and family 3/20/2008 9:50:36 PM My thoughts and prayers are with you all; wishing you light and love. - Trudi   Lynn, Andre and family 3/22/2008 11:46:10 AM May the Good Lord help you and your family during this tough period. Be positive and remember He is never far from His Children. You may think He is not there but He is. May the Angels wrap their wings around you and keep you all safe and heal Lynn sooner than later. God Bless - charmaine   Lynn, Andre and family 3/27/2008 12:36:29 PM So good to find you back on this page, thought it was gone forever and was saddened tremendously. My prayers and wish for you is that you come through this with flying colours and I thank the Lord that Andre is there with you through this all. God Bless you both and keep smiling. - charm   Lynn 3/27/2008 1:37:31 PM My thoughts are with you and a piece of very sound advice I was given by my oncologist kept me going - Put your life in my hands and together we will get you through this. 12 years later I am a very healthy survivor. My own personal advice learn all you can about the side and after effects of the chemo as that was the worst for me and with help from the most wonderful relexologist I recovered well. - Cancer Survivor
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