Tuesday, my mom, sister, dad, my two kids, two nephews and myself all squeezed into my blue minivan to make the long anticipated journey to the surgeons office. Since the diagnoses of moms cancer, we all knew that surgery was a must. Both her oncologist and surgeon agreed that the only way to get rid of stomach cancer is to cut it out. But because of my moms physical condition, due to chemo and the side effects of the cancer, that surgery was put on hold. Following the months after surgery mom has continued to loose weight (a total of 55lbs so far!) and has tried to be more mobile. We are all fairly certain that the tumor has stopped bleeding because her iron levels have sky rocketed. The only pain and fatigue that she feels now is most certainly related to her RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). She has been taken off EVERY med for that disease in preparation for her cancer surgery (the RA meds can cause a patient not to heal well). However, yesterday, Dr. Billingsly was very happy with the overall health and condition of my mom both physically and mentally. He said that she was "A Champ!" and that he was ready to pick a date for the surgery. So, sometime around the 3rd week in March, my mom will be undergoing a gastric bypass surgery. We are all hopeful that once they get in there the tumor will have shrunk or even disappeared! (Doc has said this has happened before). In either case, we have been well informed that this is not an easy surgery and she will probably require weeks of recovery time.
Please remember mom in your daily prayers and keep those good thoughts coming her way!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Update
First, THANK YOU to everyone who has sent my mom well wishes by calling, sending cards, e-mailing, or even just following this blog. All of the prayers are greatly appreciated and uplifting. Around Christmas, mom received a special gift from an old co-worker named Maggie Racadio. She sent her a digitally printed scrapbook, full of old photos from the years of working at the health department and dedicated it to my mom, which I thought was really sweet. Thanks Maggie!!
I am also sorry it has taken so long for me to update on my moms health. Truthfully, the last couple of months have not seen much improvement. In fact, my moms poor immune system is so shot that she keeps getting sick with various ailments. The worst of which, is the pneumonia that hospitalized her for 4 days. The side effects of the cancer, have also taken their toll. My mom has no appetite. In fact, she has, so far, lost 30 lbs due to not being able to eat much. Mainly, because she just isn't hungry. Unfortunately, she was taken off one of her meds for her RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) to try and combat the growth of the tumor. Which means, she suffers from more pain from her RA, which at times is so excruciating she can't move. Most of my moms days, are spent in her room, sleeping or resting. She is rarely up to doing much else.
WHAT WE ARE FACEING NOW
When my mom was sick with pneumonia, she got a CAT scan on her lungs. The scan showed a new lesion. At the time, it was the most probable that is was from the pneumonia, but now the Oncologist is not sure. So, a biopsy will be done soon to indicate if that lesion is cancerous or not. If the cancer has spread, she will NOT be a candidate for surgery on her stomach tumor. Although, at this point, her physical condition is not strong enough to endure the surgery anyway. So we wait. . .
Please continue to pray for healing for mom and for wisdom for the doctors caring for her. Thank You!
I am also sorry it has taken so long for me to update on my moms health. Truthfully, the last couple of months have not seen much improvement. In fact, my moms poor immune system is so shot that she keeps getting sick with various ailments. The worst of which, is the pneumonia that hospitalized her for 4 days. The side effects of the cancer, have also taken their toll. My mom has no appetite. In fact, she has, so far, lost 30 lbs due to not being able to eat much. Mainly, because she just isn't hungry. Unfortunately, she was taken off one of her meds for her RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) to try and combat the growth of the tumor. Which means, she suffers from more pain from her RA, which at times is so excruciating she can't move. Most of my moms days, are spent in her room, sleeping or resting. She is rarely up to doing much else.
WHAT WE ARE FACEING NOW
When my mom was sick with pneumonia, she got a CAT scan on her lungs. The scan showed a new lesion. At the time, it was the most probable that is was from the pneumonia, but now the Oncologist is not sure. So, a biopsy will be done soon to indicate if that lesion is cancerous or not. If the cancer has spread, she will NOT be a candidate for surgery on her stomach tumor. Although, at this point, her physical condition is not strong enough to endure the surgery anyway. So we wait. . .
Please continue to pray for healing for mom and for wisdom for the doctors caring for her. Thank You!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Taking Control
I think that most people believe that if they don't have control of anything else, alteast they have control over their minds and bodies. But what happens when your body gets invaded by something you can't see or in some cases, even feel? I have been pondering this question lately. And I think that the only answer is; you just have to take as much control back as you can! And that is my moms plan. As much as this disease will beat her up and mess with her mind, she is making the conscious choice be a survivor. Don't get me wrong, there are rough days. Even painful days. But tonight, November 10th, was one of those take control nights that I saw bring some energy and laughter into my moms world. Even if it was only for a couple hours. Because tonight, she CHOSE to embrace the baldness that comes with the poison that is called Chemo Therapy. Tonight, we did something we never thought we would ever do. . .we shaved my moms head! It was seriously, one of the craziest, coolest things I have been part of in in awhile. Not only did I get to participate, but all the grandkids got a crack and using the electric clippers on grandmas head. There were shocked expressions, silly jokes, lots of laughter and even a few tears shed by the time we were done. And two other brave souls got in on the act and decided to join my mom in her baldness, my dad and my cute little 4 yr old nephew. I know that watching my dad subject himself to the clippers, made my moms day! Well, because my mom is such a good sport, she allowed me to take tons of pics of this big event. I want to invite you to check them out on the picture by clicking on the picture under the heading "Head Shaving-Who needs hair anyway?". Show your support and give her a thumbs up on her new-due or lack there of, I should say. :)
Other News
To recap on my moms cancer care, no decision has been made about the drug she is allergic too yet. She was given a medication, that is very similar to the one she is allergic to, in pill form. Unfortunately, she had the same issues as with the other. But she has two other drugs on board and for now, the plan is to continue getting those drugs every 21 days for 3 rounds, have the surgery and then do three more rounds of the chemo. We are unsure if her not being able to have the 3rd drug will set back her surgery or worse. So, we will just have to wait and see. Keep those prayers going. We appreciate them very much.
Other News
To recap on my moms cancer care, no decision has been made about the drug she is allergic too yet. She was given a medication, that is very similar to the one she is allergic to, in pill form. Unfortunately, she had the same issues as with the other. But she has two other drugs on board and for now, the plan is to continue getting those drugs every 21 days for 3 rounds, have the surgery and then do three more rounds of the chemo. We are unsure if her not being able to have the 3rd drug will set back her surgery or worse. So, we will just have to wait and see. Keep those prayers going. We appreciate them very much.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
"If it is going to happen, it will happen to me!" Pam Millsap during Chemo Treatment 10/19/11
Well, after all the pokes, prodes and procedures, my mom was finally hooked up to her chemo meds today. But only after a very adventurous day yesterday. You see, yesterday was the day she got her port inserted. Just so we all know, a port is a direct line into an artery that is located in her chest, about 2 inches from the base of her neck. This makes it much easier to get the chemo drugs (less pokes) and also less time consuming. Any who, my mom, Sally (my moms BFF for the last 35 yrs) and yes, my father, got up at the gosh awful time of 3:30am to get to a Portland hospital called OHSU. But before the three amigos could even get there, it seems they had an hour detour (an unwanted detour) through the scary and dark streets of the city of one way streets! The driver, AKA my dad, was freaking out with every wrong turn. Luckily, one of the wrong turns, turned out to be right and they finally made it to the hospital. Oh, but the fun didn't stop there, then they spent the next 20 minutes trying to find a place to park. In one parking structure and then out again, until they found the perfect parking space. It was such a relief to all of them when they finally entered the surgical wing. But OOPS! They were two hours early!! Yep, it was quite a morning. Sadly, the day didn't get much better. The port procedure was hard on my mom. She was not sedated completely and kept waking up. My mom likens it to a horror movie, when someone is getting stabbed, passes out, then wakes up and is still getting stabbed, passes out and then wakes up again and is still getting stabbed. But she made it through and was at the Oncologists today ready to start treatment.
It was a long day of treatment today. At 9:15, blood was drawn, then a lengthy talk with the doctor to field any and all questions we may have. Then around 10:15, meds were administered. This being her first round of chemo, it took about three hours to get all three medications started. All seemed to be going smoothly, UNTIL, 15 minutes after the last drug. My mom did something, that maybe 1 out of 10,000 patients do, she had an allergic reaction! Yep, my mom is allergic to chemo. This reaction, that included; tingling in the hands/feet, nose, throat, mouth and a swollen tongue and throat, caused her to be admitted into the ER.
What will we do now?
We don't know. Doctor doesn't really know yet either. She is shocked at my moms reaction and has to converse with the surgeon to figure out how to proceed. It could mean a different, but not as affective, drug. It could mean surgery sooner. It could mean radiation (which the surgeon said he did not want to do because of moms RA). We will be back in the docs office tomorrow or Friday to talk about her options.
Thanks to all of those who have been praying so far. Keep the prayers coming. God must have a plan. Please ask Him to show us His vision.
It was a long day of treatment today. At 9:15, blood was drawn, then a lengthy talk with the doctor to field any and all questions we may have. Then around 10:15, meds were administered. This being her first round of chemo, it took about three hours to get all three medications started. All seemed to be going smoothly, UNTIL, 15 minutes after the last drug. My mom did something, that maybe 1 out of 10,000 patients do, she had an allergic reaction! Yep, my mom is allergic to chemo. This reaction, that included; tingling in the hands/feet, nose, throat, mouth and a swollen tongue and throat, caused her to be admitted into the ER.
What will we do now?
We don't know. Doctor doesn't really know yet either. She is shocked at my moms reaction and has to converse with the surgeon to figure out how to proceed. It could mean a different, but not as affective, drug. It could mean surgery sooner. It could mean radiation (which the surgeon said he did not want to do because of moms RA). We will be back in the docs office tomorrow or Friday to talk about her options.
Thanks to all of those who have been praying so far. Keep the prayers coming. God must have a plan. Please ask Him to show us His vision.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Endoscopic Ultrasound
My sister and I arrived at the Endoscopic office, in the Salem Hospital, to find our father, David, huddled in a small room marked "Consultation Room." The look on his face was of pure relief (and somewhat humours to Wendy and I) when he saw us walk through the door. My dad, who was my moms chauffeur to her 6:45am check in time, did not think he would be the first one escorted into hear the results of the ultrasound. To hear him tell it, he about had an anxiety attach, sitting there, thinking he was going to be all alone when receiving what could be a vital piece of my moms cancer puzzle. But he was a trooper and didn't correct the nurse when she called him my moms "husband" and sat quietly, although in much turmoil, waiting, for what he calls felt like FOREVER for Wendy and I to show up. In our defense, we were told 9:30, but luckily we arrived a little bit early. Because only moments after we found my dad about to pass out, the doctor came in and shared the results with us.
Basically, this is what we learned.
The tumor has just started to intrude into her stomach wall. Because of this, she was staged at a what he called T-3 or Stage 3 (the stages being 1-4). The encouraging news is that the intrusion into the stomach wall is small at this point. He was glad to report that none of the other organs are infected (which we already knew), but did say one lymphnode looked abnormal BUT NOT cancerous. Although, he said mom has a lot of work ahead of her with surgery and chemo. I got the impression be believes it is beatable.
The next day my moms Oncologist, Dr. O'Brien, called her and set up an appointment to meet with the surgeon for next Wednesday. We see Dr. O'Brien tomorrow (Friday) to talk more about my moms ultrasound results and hopefully get a few more questions answered.
I have this funny feeling, that our life, at least for the next year or so, is going to be filled with questions.
Please keep my mom in your prayers. Especially asking that God guide her surgeon in making correct decisions about her surgery and care.
Basically, this is what we learned.
The tumor has just started to intrude into her stomach wall. Because of this, she was staged at a what he called T-3 or Stage 3 (the stages being 1-4). The encouraging news is that the intrusion into the stomach wall is small at this point. He was glad to report that none of the other organs are infected (which we already knew), but did say one lymphnode looked abnormal BUT NOT cancerous. Although, he said mom has a lot of work ahead of her with surgery and chemo. I got the impression be believes it is beatable.
The next day my moms Oncologist, Dr. O'Brien, called her and set up an appointment to meet with the surgeon for next Wednesday. We see Dr. O'Brien tomorrow (Friday) to talk more about my moms ultrasound results and hopefully get a few more questions answered.
I have this funny feeling, that our life, at least for the next year or so, is going to be filled with questions.
Please keep my mom in your prayers. Especially asking that God guide her surgeon in making correct decisions about her surgery and care.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
We Arrived. . .
Friday, my sister and I got to meet my moms Oncologist (my mom has known her for awhile, she does her iron transfusions). The Cancer Center is located in town, at the back of the hospital. The way back. Like you need a map and a compus to guide you. I am sure they do that for the privacy of those being treated for cancer, but it almost had a feeling of banishment. I thought I might see a sign that read, "You have hereby been banished to the farthest reaches of the hospital, where your bald head and pale complexion will not offend and/or scare the other patients! Please do not attempt to walk, drive or park in the main parking area of this facility. . .we mean it. . .don't do it. . . OR ELSE!" lol. Of course, I know, we were not being "banished,"all of the nurses, staff and doctors who work there are very nice and welcoming. After meeting Dr. O'Brien, we are confident that she will do everything in her ability to help my mom.
The Results. . .
If you have ever been in an exam room (who hasn't?) you notice they aren't all that roomy. So, the first obstacle we had was fitting me, my mom, and two babies in strollers in the already cramped space. Not to mention we needed to be nice and make a spot for the doctor too. After all of that was settled, the doc came in and told us some very relieving news. The spots on my mothers lungs are not cancerous! They are most likely scar tissue from a previous bought of pneumonia. Que the screams, hoops, and hollers of joy that radiated throughout the doctors office from me, my mom and my sister. However, it was a little bit worrisome that we have still not been given a definite answer about what stage or the severity of moms cancer. We do know these things, mom has Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, oh wait that is all we really know. So, on Tuesday, October 4th, she will be having a specialized test called an Endoscopy Ultrasound. This, my friends, should be the last test we will need to determine, the stage, severity, prognosis and exact treatment that she will need. So, keep on praying for good news. We want to hear that the tumor is small (or has miraculously disappeared, God can do that you know) and her lymphnodes are not affected.
Other News:
Mom has official been moved into Wendys house. She is enjoying her new room, that Wendy painted and decorated especially for her, and it certainly makes it more convenient for visits with the grandkids, because everyone is together. And it will also be easier on everyone during treatment and recovery.
Just a reminder that encourging comments on this blog are always welcome!
Friday, my sister and I got to meet my moms Oncologist (my mom has known her for awhile, she does her iron transfusions). The Cancer Center is located in town, at the back of the hospital. The way back. Like you need a map and a compus to guide you. I am sure they do that for the privacy of those being treated for cancer, but it almost had a feeling of banishment. I thought I might see a sign that read, "You have hereby been banished to the farthest reaches of the hospital, where your bald head and pale complexion will not offend and/or scare the other patients! Please do not attempt to walk, drive or park in the main parking area of this facility. . .we mean it. . .don't do it. . . OR ELSE!" lol. Of course, I know, we were not being "banished,"all of the nurses, staff and doctors who work there are very nice and welcoming. After meeting Dr. O'Brien, we are confident that she will do everything in her ability to help my mom.
The Results. . .
If you have ever been in an exam room (who hasn't?) you notice they aren't all that roomy. So, the first obstacle we had was fitting me, my mom, and two babies in strollers in the already cramped space. Not to mention we needed to be nice and make a spot for the doctor too. After all of that was settled, the doc came in and told us some very relieving news. The spots on my mothers lungs are not cancerous! They are most likely scar tissue from a previous bought of pneumonia. Que the screams, hoops, and hollers of joy that radiated throughout the doctors office from me, my mom and my sister. However, it was a little bit worrisome that we have still not been given a definite answer about what stage or the severity of moms cancer. We do know these things, mom has Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, oh wait that is all we really know. So, on Tuesday, October 4th, she will be having a specialized test called an Endoscopy Ultrasound. This, my friends, should be the last test we will need to determine, the stage, severity, prognosis and exact treatment that she will need. So, keep on praying for good news. We want to hear that the tumor is small (or has miraculously disappeared, God can do that you know) and her lymphnodes are not affected.
Other News:
Mom has official been moved into Wendys house. She is enjoying her new room, that Wendy painted and decorated especially for her, and it certainly makes it more convenient for visits with the grandkids, because everyone is together. And it will also be easier on everyone during treatment and recovery.
Just a reminder that encourging comments on this blog are always welcome!
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