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.