Well since my last post mom has steadily been improving. We had an amazing visit with Erica, Michael and Max over the Halloween weekend. On Sunday afternoon we shared our Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Mom was able to rest when the babies took naps to maintain her stamina. Needless to say trick or treating with grandbabies had to be more fun that when she did it with just us :)
Mom and I talk every day on the phone atleast once. I can tell day by day if things are going better for her and I believe, most days anyway, that they are. She has still had some issues with her stomach but again that is to be expected with as much radiation as they have undergone. We try to get together a day or two out of the week if she is feeling up to it. Haidyn called her today. She is getting over a cold. Haidyn asked, "GiGi, do you have a frog in your throat?" GiGi and Grandy of course both laughed. Grandy said he had just gotten up and Haidyn wanted to know if he felt better. haha. Whenever she wakes up she tells us she feels so so better. Gotta love the things a 2 year old comes up with.
I don't know that any of us have big plans for Thanksgiving this year. One thing I do know though is how thankful we all are for God's grace in leading us through the last two years. He has been so good by continuing to hear and answer all the prayers, show love and support to us through you and to provide the most amazing medical team we ever could have hoped for. We hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. You will never know how much we appreciate you and your prayers.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
October 7, 2011
I met Ken about 4 on Tuesday because that is when they were suppose to be done. Ashtyn and I took then dinner thinking that would help ease the rest of the evening. Things didn't quiet go as planned from there though.
Treatment did go well although it went about twice as long projected - something to do with the last "two cones" - the robot was having trouble seeing them (hmmmm, that sets one up who is witty to have a good come back). Mom was the 6th patient in Memphis to experience this fab new equipment. They came in 3 times to check on her (and the equipment) w/assurance she would get the complete treatment. However, the last hour they were assisting with the positioning on their console instead of it doing its thing. Mom reported all of the team so supportive and kind, they even told her they didn't know how she stayed so still SO LONG. Mom assured them Valium works miracles on her b/c she's such a cheap drunk!
Mom made it to Stage Road (from Baptist) before she realized she was in trouble. After getting sick on the way home she thought she could lie down and shortly improve however that did NOT happen. Ken took her to Baptist ER (whole another story!), got IV anti-nauseant med, steroids, and her fav: DILAUDID! Dr. said she was extremely dehydrated. After being released at 3:30 am, they slept 'til 9, and mom realized she hadn't quite made the turn. They went to West Clinic so she could get juiced up w/same meds, was able to drink a little there, stopped at Panera Bread and got her favorite take home wheat Bagel and spread - so she's eating again, yay!
Wednesday she called the tech assisting with the procedure and gave her the full run-down, asking her to please not put a "black mark" on her file because of my nausea event on the Cyber Knife. She has experienced a little of Tarceva's bowel side effect (not on a reg basis, but with anxiety, it hits!!) That problem last weekend, along with a bad decision to cut back on fluids on the day of my procedure to prevent a "bladder call" during my treatment perfectly setting her up for the dehydration. She claims it was her own fault - and we are thrilled with the procedure being scheduled so soon. We are anxiously looking forward to great results.
TRIVIA you might find interesting: Last week the Physicist gave mom the tour of treatment room and equipment. He told her they like to name things. Since mom's was one of the 1st appointments she might want to help with that. At her appointment Tuesday she asked if "it" had a name. He said the only one suggested was "Betty" and they weren't much into that. She suggested "Orion" (mythology for The Hunter). At the end of my appointment the Dr reported to her they had discussed it while working at the console and loved the name. They have a whole team meeting later this week, and he will let us know if a decision is made, LOL!
Last night I think mom was supercharged with energy somehow. The girls and I met she and Ken at CBHS for the tailgate and "show and tell" of the granddaughters. Everyone had a great time. Haidyn even ate GiGi's jambalaya which shocked me and thrilled GiGi.
Thank you all for the prayers. God answers and the availability and execution of the procedure was a success. We will keep you updated when we get results.
Treatment did go well although it went about twice as long projected - something to do with the last "two cones" - the robot was having trouble seeing them (hmmmm, that sets one up who is witty to have a good come back). Mom was the 6th patient in Memphis to experience this fab new equipment. They came in 3 times to check on her (and the equipment) w/assurance she would get the complete treatment. However, the last hour they were assisting with the positioning on their console instead of it doing its thing. Mom reported all of the team so supportive and kind, they even told her they didn't know how she stayed so still SO LONG. Mom assured them Valium works miracles on her b/c she's such a cheap drunk!
Mom made it to Stage Road (from Baptist) before she realized she was in trouble. After getting sick on the way home she thought she could lie down and shortly improve however that did NOT happen. Ken took her to Baptist ER (whole another story!), got IV anti-nauseant med, steroids, and her fav: DILAUDID! Dr. said she was extremely dehydrated. After being released at 3:30 am, they slept 'til 9, and mom realized she hadn't quite made the turn. They went to West Clinic so she could get juiced up w/same meds, was able to drink a little there, stopped at Panera Bread and got her favorite take home wheat Bagel and spread - so she's eating again, yay!
Wednesday she called the tech assisting with the procedure and gave her the full run-down, asking her to please not put a "black mark" on her file because of my nausea event on the Cyber Knife. She has experienced a little of Tarceva's bowel side effect (not on a reg basis, but with anxiety, it hits!!) That problem last weekend, along with a bad decision to cut back on fluids on the day of my procedure to prevent a "bladder call" during my treatment perfectly setting her up for the dehydration. She claims it was her own fault - and we are thrilled with the procedure being scheduled so soon. We are anxiously looking forward to great results.
TRIVIA you might find interesting: Last week the Physicist gave mom the tour of treatment room and equipment. He told her they like to name things. Since mom's was one of the 1st appointments she might want to help with that. At her appointment Tuesday she asked if "it" had a name. He said the only one suggested was "Betty" and they weren't much into that. She suggested "Orion" (mythology for The Hunter). At the end of my appointment the Dr reported to her they had discussed it while working at the console and loved the name. They have a whole team meeting later this week, and he will let us know if a decision is made, LOL!
Last night I think mom was supercharged with energy somehow. The girls and I met she and Ken at CBHS for the tailgate and "show and tell" of the granddaughters. Everyone had a great time. Haidyn even ate GiGi's jambalaya which shocked me and thrilled GiGi.
Thank you all for the prayers. God answers and the availability and execution of the procedure was a success. We will keep you updated when we get results.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
What at crazy year this has been. Please accept my apology for not being able to keep up with this as I should have. Our family grew May 10th when Ashtyn Ryan made her appearance. Ten days later Todd and I bought our new home. Ken over did it helping Todd move in. For those of you who don't know, he had a heart attack helping us move out of our old home and into the apartment in January. Erica and Max visited us all in July, along with most of Ken's family. Grandmommie, mom's mom, was here in August just before I went back to work. I was back at work for about 8 weeks and just got laid off last week. I truly believe this is God's plan.
Now on to mom...
Mom’s last chemo infusion was in January. The scan in April showed “stable”. We hoped the maintenance drug she was on would continue to prevent growth. The scan in June showed growth in the tumor in her right lung. She was referred to Dr. Michael Farmer at Methodist for radiation on the lung, and lymph nodes between the two lungs. This required 30 visits downtown for treatment (15 min. treatment/5 days a week). Mom tolerated this exceptionally well. We’re on a watch and wait for the success of that – the radiation will continue to kill cells up to 3 to 4 mo. after the last dose. Good to know since her PET scan did show some areas to light up but that is to be completely expected; she just finished the radiation.
We all praise God for the amazing blessings we’ve experienced in this battle. Mom’s last appt. with Dr. Johnetta Blakely as our medical oncologist in June was emotional. While we wish the best for her and family in the Nashville area, we are sad to lose her and begin a new relationship after being in her care for twenty months. Dr. B told her she spent a long time making recommendations to her patients, and Mom’s was really tough. She wanted to feel sure that the “Captain of our ship” would “think out of the box”, and everything that could be done to fight cancer would be offered to us. Dr. Lee Schwartzberg was Dr. Blakely’s mentor (and, as she said “one of the biggest reasons she decided to become a Medical Oncologist”. Because Mom was just beginning the radiation part she has not had a lot of time to bond with him, but we highly respect him and his reputation. It certainly doesn't hurt our confidence when others ask who her doctor is and they light up saying "He's the best" or "He's so bright" either. God has really seen to every detail of our journey.
Mom said near the end of the radiation treatment period (about the first of August), she felt pain in her back. Dr. Schwartzberg ordered a PET scan to determine exactly what was lighting up before recommending any further treatment. The GOOD news was: no new sites! However, the lesion on the spine (at T10), and a lesion on the right hip area showed cancer growing. Four appointments (4 different doctors!) this past week - we have a new plan to fight, and we are all SO EXCITED about it. If anyone is interested in some amazing technology Google “Cyber Knife”. This particular equipment for stereotactic radiation has just been received at Baptist Hospital (first live patient was treated this week!). Mom has had the simulation appointment and her body is marked up ready to go when she gets the call one day next week to get the treatment on her spine. Depending on the treatment plan, the procedure will be done in 1 to 5 visits. The planning is done with a team of five specialists: including physician, medical radiation physicist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and dosimetrist. Looking at blessings: wow, the equipment just arrived in Memphis and it’s the very best for Mom’s needs – THANK YOU, GOD!
As I am posting this now she is preparing for the "cyber knife" treatment. They were going to tell her when she gets there how many treatments there will be. Erica and family (hooray!) are planning on being here at the end of the month to trick-or-treat with us. The only drawback to this treatment is they want mom to be very light in her lifting so Mr. Max will have to be set in GiGi's lap but that shouldn't be a problem. Ms. Haidyn is too fast to sit down long and Ashtyn, she just gets passed around like a sack of potatoes anyway:).
When I tell you God has been good- I mean better than every expectation. He has provided us a peace and understanding better through the team of doctors, nurses, surviors and friends we could ever deserve. I pray that our family can and will impact lives the way that you all have impacted ours with your compassion, prayers and faithfulness. He is good and we are all very excited to see what this new radiation treatment will do in terms of fighting cancer.
Thank you will never be enough for all the prayers.
Now on to mom...
Mom’s last chemo infusion was in January. The scan in April showed “stable”. We hoped the maintenance drug she was on would continue to prevent growth. The scan in June showed growth in the tumor in her right lung. She was referred to Dr. Michael Farmer at Methodist for radiation on the lung, and lymph nodes between the two lungs. This required 30 visits downtown for treatment (15 min. treatment/5 days a week). Mom tolerated this exceptionally well. We’re on a watch and wait for the success of that – the radiation will continue to kill cells up to 3 to 4 mo. after the last dose. Good to know since her PET scan did show some areas to light up but that is to be completely expected; she just finished the radiation.
We all praise God for the amazing blessings we’ve experienced in this battle. Mom’s last appt. with Dr. Johnetta Blakely as our medical oncologist in June was emotional. While we wish the best for her and family in the Nashville area, we are sad to lose her and begin a new relationship after being in her care for twenty months. Dr. B told her she spent a long time making recommendations to her patients, and Mom’s was really tough. She wanted to feel sure that the “Captain of our ship” would “think out of the box”, and everything that could be done to fight cancer would be offered to us. Dr. Lee Schwartzberg was Dr. Blakely’s mentor (and, as she said “one of the biggest reasons she decided to become a Medical Oncologist”. Because Mom was just beginning the radiation part she has not had a lot of time to bond with him, but we highly respect him and his reputation. It certainly doesn't hurt our confidence when others ask who her doctor is and they light up saying "He's the best" or "He's so bright" either. God has really seen to every detail of our journey.
Mom said near the end of the radiation treatment period (about the first of August), she felt pain in her back. Dr. Schwartzberg ordered a PET scan to determine exactly what was lighting up before recommending any further treatment. The GOOD news was: no new sites! However, the lesion on the spine (at T10), and a lesion on the right hip area showed cancer growing. Four appointments (4 different doctors!) this past week - we have a new plan to fight, and we are all SO EXCITED about it. If anyone is interested in some amazing technology Google “Cyber Knife”. This particular equipment for stereotactic radiation has just been received at Baptist Hospital (first live patient was treated this week!). Mom has had the simulation appointment and her body is marked up ready to go when she gets the call one day next week to get the treatment on her spine. Depending on the treatment plan, the procedure will be done in 1 to 5 visits. The planning is done with a team of five specialists: including physician, medical radiation physicist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and dosimetrist. Looking at blessings: wow, the equipment just arrived in Memphis and it’s the very best for Mom’s needs – THANK YOU, GOD!
As I am posting this now she is preparing for the "cyber knife" treatment. They were going to tell her when she gets there how many treatments there will be. Erica and family (hooray!) are planning on being here at the end of the month to trick-or-treat with us. The only drawback to this treatment is they want mom to be very light in her lifting so Mr. Max will have to be set in GiGi's lap but that shouldn't be a problem. Ms. Haidyn is too fast to sit down long and Ashtyn, she just gets passed around like a sack of potatoes anyway:).
When I tell you God has been good- I mean better than every expectation. He has provided us a peace and understanding better through the team of doctors, nurses, surviors and friends we could ever deserve. I pray that our family can and will impact lives the way that you all have impacted ours with your compassion, prayers and faithfulness. He is good and we are all very excited to see what this new radiation treatment will do in terms of fighting cancer.
Thank you will never be enough for all the prayers.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
January 2nd, 2011
Well the new year is here and we are all ready with anticipation to find out what mom's new treatment regimen will be. Erica gave birth to Max on Dec 6th. Mom and Ken flew out to Phoenix on Dec 18th. Needless to say, Max has been one spoiled little boy since GiGi and Grandaddy showed up in Arizona. I don't know who enjoyed loving on that little guy more. It was an awesome family Christmas!
Todd, Haidyn and I flew out on the 23rd and had the best family vacation and holiday. We all went to Sedona for the day, even Max, and shared our first family memories in a vacation spot with Max along. Mom and Ken left from there and went to the Hoover Dam, Vegas and even California. They had such a good time traveling and spending family time with all of us. It was certainly a unique blessing that no money could have bought for us. There are hundreds of pictures and even videos but I will spare you from all of them and post just some highlights :)
Some of you may know that since mom's treatments this time around we have had some unexpected challenges. Dr. B assured mom that things will be better in 2011. She will go this Friday and find out what the new treatment plan will be. Dr. B would not even give her a hint before the vacation as to what she has planned for this week to spare mom, and the entire family, from Googling her methods and/or worrying about the future. She's pretty smart.
We have prayed continuously for the new treatment to enable mom a more comfortable normal. Because of the challenges she hasn't been able to make it to work as much as she would have liked in the past two months which has terribly stressed her. For all of you who know mom well, you know what a hard worker she is. Not only does she need the work to feel "normal" she aches that she isn't able to be as productive as she wants to be. I have a prayer request not only that God will cure her body of this cancer but also that mom will experience a peace about her life, limitations and those around her to be supportive and encouraging in a way that only christians know how to be. I pray that the evil one will stay away from those with the ability to discourage and she will be on the path to optimal sucess with this new treatment plan in 2011.
As I look back at 2010 I loose count of all our blessings. 2010 didn't come without struggles, disappointments and even heart ache but its so hard for our family to think on those things when we know how truly blessed we are to have all our prayer warriors behind us in the fight, amazing doctors and nurses tending to mom and friends that love and encourage us daily. Our family has grown again in 2010 and will be growing some more in 2011! God is good.
Thank you all so much for remembering us in prayer. We know without each of you and your specific prayers our lives would be so different. I hope you all had as wonderful of a holiday season as our family was blessed to enjoy. Happy New Year to all!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
