This is Emily's mom, Jen. Just wanted to post an update on the last 24 hours.
Emily had a seizure last night around 8:30pm and was taken to Penn State Medical Center (Hershey) by ambulance. The ambulance ride was uneventful, but when we arrived at the hospital, Emily's speech was slurred and she had a mild droop on one side. They immediately did a CT to determine the cause and found significant swelling in her brain due to increased size and quantity of tumors. They admitted her to the hospital and we are awaiting further tests & consultations with her oncologist tomorrow. In the mean time, she is taking a high dose steroid and an anti-seizure med.
At this point, the doctors are addressing the immediate concerns of the edema (swelling) and trying to prevent another seizure. They are managing her pain well and she is resting as comfortably as possible. I believe that we will be putting the immunotherapy infusion that was schedule for Tuesday on the back burner until the brain is more stable.
The doctors have been frank with us. This is not a good development. Emily's disease is progressing unchecked (at this point) by the immunotherapy or the mutation inhibitors. She is in more pain and finding a comfortable resting position is a challenge given the numerous large tumors she is contending with now. Her appetite is low and food is not very palatable...even her favorite foods.
We are praying for:
DECREASED swelling of the areas around the tumors
INCREASED response to the immunotherapy that is currently in her system
Better appetite, rest, and stamina to engage in living.
Thanks for the care and concern. She KNOWS that she is loved and that is such a blessing during this time. Jen