Mom had her first chemo treatment today. She said it took longer than expected, but was feeling just fine right after. They gave her some anti-nausea meds through the IV first, and then she got the chemo. She's prepared for feeling a little extra tired and possibly nauseous as well. We will just have to see how her body reacts. Friday was her last day of school though. She got her classroom all cleaned up and turned in her key so she won't have worry about that until July.
We had a wonderful weekend in Hurricane. Val surprised her girls with a trip to Seattle to see their old friends since they hadn't been back since they moved almost two years ago. I got to go down all by myself Friday and stayed until Monday. We ate breakfast on the back porch every morning, watched a lot of movies, took mom to get some glitter toes, took a nice walk, and got some projects done around the house. It was just what the doctor ordered...for me, and I think my mom enjoyed it as well. Jenn joined us Sunday and we took a trip to the cemetery with Joel Sunday afternoon. We cleaned up dad's headstone and talked about some nice memories. We had a nice BBQ Monday for Memorial Day.
The schedule for the rest of the week includes radiation on her back every day and then Sunday mom drives up to Salt Lake to get ready for her halo fitting Monday at Huntsman and then the brain radiation Tuesday. Mom got a packet of info on that procedure this past weekend and we are now mentally preparing for it. It is a bigger procedure than we had originally anticipated. They are actually going to attach the halo to mom's head with pins and then attach the halo to the table. She will be put out completely and get some local anesthetic for the pin placement as well. Those will be bandaged up after the halo is removed and we learned that mom may experience such extreme swelling that her eyes may be swollen shut for 7-10 days. Please pray that won't be the case with her!!!
All is well though. Mom is staying on top of her pain which helps a lot. She is getting enough rest and eating very well.
We can't thank you all enough for the prayers, cards, flowers, etc. We are truly blessed. Thank you! Thank you!
Becky
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
It's been a tough day.
Mom has been experiencing a lot of pain from radiation. Apparently the bones can swell and it is causing her a lot of discomfort.
We have dates for her first three rounds of chemo:
May 26th, June 16th, and July 7th.
She will receive the drugs through an I.V.
That treatment will take place at the Snow Canyon Clinic.
Her one high dose of brain radiation is scheduled at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She will go in June 1st for her fitting and then have the treatment on June 2nd.
Keep her in your prayers please!
We have dates for her first three rounds of chemo:
May 26th, June 16th, and July 7th.
She will receive the drugs through an I.V.
That treatment will take place at the Snow Canyon Clinic.
Her one high dose of brain radiation is scheduled at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She will go in June 1st for her fitting and then have the treatment on June 2nd.
Keep her in your prayers please!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
First Radiation Treatment
Mom walked out of her first round of radiation and said, "Is it just me or do I feel better already?" She is getting hit in four spots and will do this for 15 days. The doctor said that she may feel tired through this, but really not experience any other side effects.
We go see Dr. Manalo tomorrow to discuss when to start the chemo. They can overlap so she may be getting that started soon. We also received a call from Dr. Jensen to tell us that his office would be calling soon to set up the appointment for the high dose brain zap.
Thanks again to all of you for your continued love and support. We are so blessed.
We go see Dr. Manalo tomorrow to discuss when to start the chemo. They can overlap so she may be getting that started soon. We also received a call from Dr. Jensen to tell us that his office would be calling soon to set up the appointment for the high dose brain zap.
Thanks again to all of you for your continued love and support. We are so blessed.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mom got tattoos!
I know what you are thinking. "But she has been such a straight-arrow."
They are just four little dots that the radiologist will line up with the zapper when she starts radiation on her back and sides tomorrow!
We met with Dr. Richards today in St. George.
He informed us that there are actually three little spots in the brain 1.6 cm, 1.2 cm, and 1.1 cm. He agreed that the stereotactic radio treatment is an excellent idea.
Mom's favorite part of the appointment was when he was checking the reflexes of her legs and she had a pretty big kick when he hit her knee. He then said, "Let me guess. You were a cheerleader!"
We can't wait to see her doing toe-touches again.
They are just four little dots that the radiologist will line up with the zapper when she starts radiation on her back and sides tomorrow!
We met with Dr. Richards today in St. George.
He informed us that there are actually three little spots in the brain 1.6 cm, 1.2 cm, and 1.1 cm. He agreed that the stereotactic radio treatment is an excellent idea.
Mom's favorite part of the appointment was when he was checking the reflexes of her legs and she had a pretty big kick when he hit her knee. He then said, "Let me guess. You were a cheerleader!"
We can't wait to see her doing toe-touches again.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Today rocked!
We are back from Huntsman again. We drove up and back today to meet with Dr. Jensen who is an incredible brain doctor! He sat us down and in a matter of a few minutes had our spirits high and our future looking brighter!
Here is the gist: Mom's two small tumors in her brain can be zapped with stereotactic radiation. 90% of tumors are killed off with this amazing procedure. Or she can do a low dose of radiation over the entire brain. Without being able to see the pictures of mom's brain MRI (because of some technical difficulties), but after looking at the report from Dr. Akerley the doctor recommended the stereotactic procedure. They aren't fast growing tumors and time is not of the essence. We are waiting to hear back about when this procedure will be, but it will not be until school is out.
The next steps: She meets with the radiologist down here tomorrow to talk about radiation on her back which is really giving her the most pain. She also has an appointment with her oncologist on Thursday to talk about starting chemo. We love having a plan.
Yesterday, Mother's Day, we enjoyed having all of the siblings together. We got mom an ipod so she can download some music and books. If you have any great recommendations we would love to hear them.
We are truly grateful for all of the support we have had from all around us. We know that your uplifting smiles and positive comments are medicine for the soul. Please continue to send them our way!
Here is the gist: Mom's two small tumors in her brain can be zapped with stereotactic radiation. 90% of tumors are killed off with this amazing procedure. Or she can do a low dose of radiation over the entire brain. Without being able to see the pictures of mom's brain MRI (because of some technical difficulties), but after looking at the report from Dr. Akerley the doctor recommended the stereotactic procedure. They aren't fast growing tumors and time is not of the essence. We are waiting to hear back about when this procedure will be, but it will not be until school is out.
The next steps: She meets with the radiologist down here tomorrow to talk about radiation on her back which is really giving her the most pain. She also has an appointment with her oncologist on Thursday to talk about starting chemo. We love having a plan.
Yesterday, Mother's Day, we enjoyed having all of the siblings together. We got mom an ipod so she can download some music and books. If you have any great recommendations we would love to hear them.
We are truly grateful for all of the support we have had from all around us. We know that your uplifting smiles and positive comments are medicine for the soul. Please continue to send them our way!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
back from Huntsman...
We are done with our appointment at Huntsman. We really liked Dr. Haslem and Dr. Akerley. They both confirmed what we had already heard from the previous two oncologists, but they had the unfortunate responsibility of letting us know that the cancer had already spread to the brain in two spots. There are 2 dime-sized tumors; one is the the frontal lobe and the other is on the occipital parietal lobe, both on the right side of the brain. Basically, picture the right side of the hairline and a little above the right ear. Fortunately, they are not on spots that affect brain function or mobility right now. That is a blessing. But because it is in the brain, mom is not eligible for the clinical trial that looked so promising.
Mom, Brian, Val, and Joel are driving back down to Hurricane now. Jenn and I will go down for the weekend.
So, what now? Radiation on her brain is the first step. She's back up to Huntsman in Salt Lake Tuesday to work out details with the radiologist there. There are a few possibilities. They may even radiate her lower back at the same time to help reduce the pain and discomfort she has. Mom wants to finish out the last 2 weeks of school though first. After radiation she can start chemo and possibly after a few rounds of chemo she can start tarsiva and avastin, the two drugs she would be getting first if in the clinical study.
This isn't over yet. At least now there is a plan and we are moving forward with a fight. Miracles happen every day and we plan on mom being one of them that people talk about for inspiration. Thank you for all of your prayers. We know they are heard and we sincerely appreciate them.
Until Tuesday...
Becky
Mom, Brian, Val, and Joel are driving back down to Hurricane now. Jenn and I will go down for the weekend.
So, what now? Radiation on her brain is the first step. She's back up to Huntsman in Salt Lake Tuesday to work out details with the radiologist there. There are a few possibilities. They may even radiate her lower back at the same time to help reduce the pain and discomfort she has. Mom wants to finish out the last 2 weeks of school though first. After radiation she can start chemo and possibly after a few rounds of chemo she can start tarsiva and avastin, the two drugs she would be getting first if in the clinical study.
This isn't over yet. At least now there is a plan and we are moving forward with a fight. Miracles happen every day and we plan on mom being one of them that people talk about for inspiration. Thank you for all of your prayers. We know they are heard and we sincerely appreciate them.
Until Tuesday...
Becky
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
We're up north!
We made the drive up to Lehi this evening so that we are ready for the 11:00 appointment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in the morning. We are gearing up for the news about the cancer going to the brain. We are all praying for the best, but preparing for the worst. Mom is ready to fight. She's taken her B12 shot, started on folic acid, and has cut out sugar from her diet. (That last one has not been easy on me!)
On a fun note, this week at school is teacher appreciation week. We had a pizza party with her 1st grade class today. I asked the kids to tell her what they appreciated most about her before they got their pizza. I heard lots of "I appreciate you teaching me everything I know." Of course one student stood out..."I appreciate that you are my grandma!" Sarah is the luckiest kid in the universe to have her grandma has her teacher! Brooklyn went to bed after getting her three stories read by grandma tonight. What a treat!
I know that everyone is anxious to hear the details of tomorrow's appointment so I will try and get to the computer as soon as I can. Until then...keep praying.
Love to all.
On a fun note, this week at school is teacher appreciation week. We had a pizza party with her 1st grade class today. I asked the kids to tell her what they appreciated most about her before they got their pizza. I heard lots of "I appreciate you teaching me everything I know." Of course one student stood out..."I appreciate that you are my grandma!" Sarah is the luckiest kid in the universe to have her grandma has her teacher! Brooklyn went to bed after getting her three stories read by grandma tonight. What a treat!
I know that everyone is anxious to hear the details of tomorrow's appointment so I will try and get to the computer as soon as I can. Until then...keep praying.
Love to all.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Deep thought from St Jack to Mom
(Disclaimer: Do not read on Sunday!)
"I prefer to call it 'kickitsassinoma". It's more appropriate considering your approach to life in general, and more importantly, it rolls off the tongue better wouldn't you say?"
Thank you Uncle Jack!
"I prefer to call it 'kickitsassinoma". It's more appropriate considering your approach to life in general, and more importantly, it rolls off the tongue better wouldn't you say?"
Thank you Uncle Jack!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Fast Sunday
Today was fast Sunday. We broke the fast at G.G.'s house. It is wonderful to have the gospel perspective when dealing with a trial. We can just feel all of the prayers being offered on behalf of mom and the family. We are definitely so blessed to have such loving family and friends.
We do have to put the situation into the Lord's hands. We make our desires known and do all that we can, but ultimately it is not up to us. I am grateful for this scripture shared during our meeting today:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." St John 14:27
Mom is a trooper. After church she made a casserole for a friend who had just had foot surgery. She is an amazing example of unselfish service. When I grow up I want to be just like her.
We do have to put the situation into the Lord's hands. We make our desires known and do all that we can, but ultimately it is not up to us. I am grateful for this scripture shared during our meeting today:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." St John 14:27
Mom is a trooper. After church she made a casserole for a friend who had just had foot surgery. She is an amazing example of unselfish service. When I grow up I want to be just like her.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Can it really be?
Adenocarcinoma. a.k.a. Lung Cancer
It's a mystery as to how a young(ish), healthy, non-smoking woman could go in for a check of a sore back and come out of it three (or has it been four?) weeks later with a tumor in her lungs that is approximately 10 centimeters long that has metastisized to her hips and back bones.
The news is fresh. We think we have a plan, but the upcoming week will be time to process what we now know and get second and third opinions about the future. She will have a brain MRI on Tuesday to check to see if the cancer has spread there and she returns north on Thursday to meet with an oncologist at Huntsman.
We know that many of you will have questions and we hope that you will use this blog as a way to keep up on the day to day happenings. Mom is so appreciative of everyone's love and support.
It's a mystery as to how a young(ish), healthy, non-smoking woman could go in for a check of a sore back and come out of it three (or has it been four?) weeks later with a tumor in her lungs that is approximately 10 centimeters long that has metastisized to her hips and back bones.
The news is fresh. We think we have a plan, but the upcoming week will be time to process what we now know and get second and third opinions about the future. She will have a brain MRI on Tuesday to check to see if the cancer has spread there and she returns north on Thursday to meet with an oncologist at Huntsman.
We know that many of you will have questions and we hope that you will use this blog as a way to keep up on the day to day happenings. Mom is so appreciative of everyone's love and support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)