As you know by now, Joann is at Albany Medical Center with a large, inoperable, cancerous tumor in her right lung. She is also 27 weeks pregnant. This has greatly complicated her treatment. Her doctors, Stephen H. Grund, MD, PhD, Oncology, and Marla S. Eglowstein, MD, Perinatology, have researched and consulted with colleagues around the country to design a treatment program that will start Joann's recovery and be safe for the baby.

Joann had her first chemotherapy yesterday. She was very apprehensive when she saw two huge syringes with the medication, but relaxed somewhat when Joyce, her RN, told her it would be injected into the intravenous bag and she realized she wouldn't have to roll over. Jim called just a few minutes after the drip started and was glad he was able to wish her good luck.

Anti-nausea medication is given at the same time. It worked for Joann, and she wasn't nauseous. Overnight, Joann's blood oxygen level dropped to 90%, and she was put on oxygen to help bring it back up. Joann had visits from her sisters Judy and Janet, her sister-in-law Rosmarie, and of course, Jim, all of which she expected. She had surprise visits from her sister Ginny, her dear friends Pam and George Casimir, and Andy Estus, a ISWIS client from Albany. By the way, Pam was Matron of Honor at Joann and Jim's wedding on September 10, 1994.

mail:
Room D455
Albany Medical Center
43 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208

visiting:
She is in building D, room 455. A hospital map and directions are available at the Albany Medical web site: www.amc.edu

visiting:
He will most likely either be at the office or at Joann's bedside.

phone:
The number at the office is 914-338-0600. Wendy is doing her best there to deliver messages and address concerns.