Stable

Yesterday we got the results from last week's CT scan. The doctor said that the cancer has not changed and that it is stable. We were really excited to hear that. The doctor is planning to have mom complete 2 more cycles of chemo to make it a full 6 cycles that she will have completed. After the 6th cycle, she'll get to take a break. She is schedule to get a CT scan every 3 weeks from now on. As long as the cancer is stable, she'll get to take some time off from the chemo. We are not sure yet how long the break will be, but we are excited that she'll be able to have a break. The other good news was that she didn't lose any weight and actually gained a few ounces. Also, her red blood cell count increased from 8.1 to 8.4 in one week.

We are so thankful for all your thoughts and prayers.

Update from Monday's Appointments

On Monday, Mom went in to have her blood tested. The doctors have been monitoring her red blood cell count very closely since she was diagnosed with anemia. If she gets to or below 8.0, then she'll have to have a blood transfusion. Thankfully, she is holding her own....as they said. For two weeks straight, she's been at 8.1. Way to go Mom's red blood cells!!! :)

Also on Monday, she went in to have another CT scan. Everything went well with the scan. We should be getting those results on Oct. 5 and I'll be sure to post an update.

Fourth Cycle Chemo and CT Scan Update

Last week, my aunt used some of her vacation time to hang out with mom. They had a great time going to the store, eating outside at Panera one afternoon, watching television, and laughing a ton. Mom really enjoyed that time with her sister.

Mom began her fourth chemo cycle last Monday. She's become very familiar with room 12 at the Cancer Center. I still can't say enough about how great the nurses are there. We've been very blessed.

Everything went well with her chemo treatment. We were a little anxious about this appointment, because we were going to get her results from the CT Scan taken the week prior. We waited and waited for the doctor. I went to grab some Oliver Garden, mom's new favorite. She loves the salad and bread sticks. I thought the doctor may come in after lunch; however, I was wrong. He came to speak to mom while I was gone. I felt horrible. Mom was a little sleepy and wasn't sure she understood everything clearly. Thankfully I was able to catch him in the hallway.
The results of her CT Scan seemed to be inconclusive at this time. He said it was a little difficult to determine whether or not the spots on her liver had increased or decreased. He also mentioned that there was something on the lining of her stomach. He was not ready to say whether or not he thinks the cancer has spread into her stomach. He decided to have her undergo another CT Scan. She's scheduled to have that done on the 28th and to get the results on the 30th. If the cancer has spread, then her chemo treatments will be changing. The doctor even mentioned getting her into some clinical trials.

We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you continue to pray for my mom and my family. The waiting and uncertainty is tough. We are thankful that through the waiting we have received so many cards, emails, phone call, and visits from family/friends. Thank you!

Third Chemo Cycle

Mom just completed her third chemo cycle today. I went with her last Monday and my aunt was with her today. We are both so thankful that we are able to get time off of work to spend time with her.

She's been doing really well. Her nausea, acid reflux, and gas appear to be under control with the medicine she's on. She has noticed lately that her sense of smell has increased. Certain smells are beginning to cause her to get a little nauseous and at times sick. Mom has never had a weak stomach with smells, so this is something she's adjusting to.

Her blood work did show that she has anemia. She will be getting shots every other chemo day to help with this. If her levels get too low, which they doubt will happen since she's getting the shot, they will do a blood transfusion.

We did find out today that the doctor has scheduled for her to have CT scan next Tuesday. This will let us know how she's responding to the treatments. We should get those results at her next chemo appointment.

Please continue to pray for healing, patience, and peace as we wait.

HAT PARTY

On Thursday, my mom was given a surprise "hat party" by the staff at Sunny Heights. Normally on Thursdays she meets with a few co-workers for a weekly book study. This week was different.

She had no idea that the plans came into motion after she asked a friend to make her a hat for when her hair falls out. She has begun to slowly loose a few strands here and there. Mom commented that showering has become an even longer process now that she is gently massaging her scalp to delay any strands from being pulled out of its home.

The staff at Sunny Heights was quick to plan and organize this party in less than a week. My aunt and I were both invited and asked to keep it a secret. We both did a great job keeping our lips sealed. She didn't even catch that we'd both asked numerous times about whether or not she'd be going to her weekly book study. :)

Thursday finally arrived. Hats were purchased and wrapped. Cake and punch were set-up. All that remained was the surprise. My aunt and I arrived a few moments after my mom. We were quickly ushered into the library to wait. An announcement was made for the staff to gather in the library for a quick meeting. This didn't even clue her in that something may be up. After everyone had gathered, in she walked. Her face lit up with surprise and amazement that they were throwing her a party. In her shock, she didn't even see that my aunt and I had joined the celebration as well. She was amazed that we hadn't let it slip...score one for us!

As cake and punch were served, mom began to open all of her hats and scarves. Each hat was a perfect fit for her and she looked great in each one. She's never been one to wear hats, but now it seems that choosing which one to wear will be a challenge.

Thank you so much Sunny Heights for putting this hat party together. It was awesome!! My mom is so blessed to work with such a caring family. Thank you for the love, support, prayers, and now a collection of hats.

Second Cycle Complete

Mom finished her second cycle of chemo on Monday. Mom really appreciates all of the nurses and doctors that are taking care of her. They are wonderful at making her feel comfortable and at ease. Mom feels like she's getting to know many of them now and really enjoys talking with them. This is not a surprise to many I'm sure. Mom loves to talk to new people, so these treatments have been a great opportunity for her to do so.

At her treatment, mom did mention that she'd been feeling short of breathe and had been feeling dizzy at times, so the doctors decided to run a blood test to check her for anemia(which is a decrease in the normal number of red blood cells). I guess there is some medication that they'll give her if the tests do come back showing that she does have anemia. We should know more at her next treatment.

Her next cycle begins on August 24. The doctors also mentioned that she may have another CT scan sometime after this third cycle to determine whether or not the treatment is working.

Again, we want to thank all of you for your prayers and ask that you keep them up. :)

Mom also wants to express her appreciation for the cards, phone calls, and visits. They have been a great encouragement to her. She loves all of you.

Second Round....

Mom began her second round or cycle, as the doctors call it, this Monday. Her treatment went really well. Her white blood count was a little low, but within range. Her platelet count though was really high. I think last week her platelet count was in the 50s and on Monday it was in the 600s. The doctors were pleased with that.

I spoke with her today and she's feeling great. She said that this is the best she's felt after a chemo treatment. :)

My parents were able to go camping for a few days this weekend with some friends at a local campground. The weather was beautiful and they enjoyed sitting outside around the campfire.