November 20, 2010

We have had some good news in the last couple days. Mom was discharged from the hospital on Thursday evening. She's been feeling pretty good and has regained some use of her left leg. Her left arm has some sensation, but she's not able to use it. She has had a great appetite since she got home, which I think has made her feel better, as well.

The MRI that was done earlier this week has shown progression of the tumor. The surgical team has decided that due to the size of the tumor, surgery nor gamma knife are viable options. Basically, we're left with chemotherapy for the time being. There is also some swelling on her brain, which may be what has caused the most recent seizure. She's taking steroids for the swelling, and this has an effect on her appetite (increasing it). The initial paralysis in her leg has dissipated and she's able to shuffle to the bathroom and upstairs to bed with assistance. The x-ray that was performed to determine her ability to swallow came back clear and she was cleared to eat and drink. The therapist wanted to limit her diet to soft foods, so we've been trying to accommodate that. She's been able to take her medication by mouth since she was released from the hospital which is also helpful. They had been giving everything via her PICC line which is very time consuming, so we're glad she's able to swallow the pills.

Her spirits continue to be high and we're gearing up for Thanksgiving. Again, we have much to be thankful for. Mom really scared us this week, but she's proven again and again what a fighter she really is. We're fortunate to have another Thanksgiving together as a family. The doctors may have run out of options, but we know that our God is very capable. Continue to remember all of us in your prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!

November 15, 2010

Mom was able to take her chemo on Friday. Her platelets were only 81,000 but Dr. Torres was afraid to put off treatment any longer. She appeared to have a pretty good weekend, eating better than she has eaten in several recent weeks. We had a nice family dinner together at the table on Saturday evening, and even had breakfast together on Sunday morning.

Nausea and vomiting set in this morning and Mom felt as though she was going to have another seizure. At around noon today she had seizure activity, without the full blown tremors we've seen in previous seizures. Dad took her to Preston Memorial where they stabilized her with Ativan and transported her here to Ruby. We arrived here around 6:00 this evening and have been able to sit with her. She has not been very responsive, she's unable to move her left side, and she has a tube up her nose to control the vomiting. The took her for a CT around 8:30 and we're waiting to see her tonight.

Things are kind of up in the air right now and we're not sure what is going on. Her oncologist is out of town for the next two weeks and the doctors we've seen tonight have been in contact with him. I'm not sure what other information to relay at this time.

Please, please, please stop what you're doing to say a prayer for Mom. Things aren't looking really good right now and we need your prayers.

November 8, 2010

Dad took Mom to the Cancer Center for her new chemo today; however, her platelets were too low to receive the treatment. Her counts must be 100 or above and she was at 77. Thursday when we went to the ER, she was at 96, and Friday she had dropped to 81. The platelet counts generally cycle in the body and we're hoping that she's on the down cycle right now and will rebound soon. She's scheduled to go back on Friday and try again for the treatment. Mom has asked that I thank everyone for your cards and prayers. It has certainly meant a lot to her. Also, we'd like to thank Mike Argabrite for his frequent visits and prayers with Mom. We're praying that her platelet count rises and she's able to get started on her chemo again on Friday.

November 7, 2010

Here's the update of what's been going on with us. Mom had been getting along pretty well since we got her home from the hospital. She has needed to have someone here with her all the time to help her get the the bathroom and to assist with everything. She's been kinda shaky on her feet, so it has been necessary to help her get out of bed and move about. She spends most of the day in bed, and if we're lucky we get her up and out to the table to eat dinner in the evening. I cannot express enough gratitude to Phyllis and Trish who have been gracious enough to come and stay with Mom so Dad and I can still work.

This past Thursday, I came home from work at lunch and the occupational therapist and the physical therapist were here to work with Mom. They had concerns about the blood pressure reading they were getting. When they contacted the supervising nurse, she suggested that I have her seen at the ER. Dad and I decided that Preston Memorial would be sufficient for this instance and that the ambulance would be the best mode of transportation. So one of the therapists called 911 and we were off to the ER. After running tests, they were unable to determine the cause of the increased BP and released her to come back home. She was due to follow-up with Dr. Torres on Friday and re-start her chemo, so they gave us a stack of papers with test results and sent us on our way. On Friday, I took her to the Cancer Center for her appointments and Dr. Torres was concerned with the results of one of the tests and wanted to do some follow-up tests to rule out a blood clot. Due to the delay in deciding what to do with the test results, she was unable to get her chemo, which is supposed to be a new medication that hopefully will be more effective. She had to go to the ER for a CT scan, but they were unable to get an IV in; therefore, were unable to put in the contrast and couldn't do the CT. The next option was a test that would require her to stay overnight, and Mom told them she didn't want to stay, so Dad brought her home. It was a long day for her and she has been pretty worn out since she got home. Her chemo has been rescheduled for Monday morning.

At times it is difficult to keep updating this blog, seeing the decline in her condition in the last 4 months, and the news isn't as upbeat and promising as it once was. Please excuse the lack of frequency in posting. I know that many of you frequently check to see updates and I will continue to post. The toll this disease has taken on her body and mind is difficult to watch. From time to time we see a glimpse of the person she once was, as she'll throw out a funny comment or chime in on an inside joke. It's extremely hard to sit by, knowing that you are helpless to solving the problem.

Our entire family graciously thanks those of you who have brought meals, sent cards, visited, and prayed for us. Without your love and support, this difficult time would be unbearable. Please continue to remember us in your prayers. It is through Him that we receive our strength and healing.

On a side note, it is time once again to get your shoeboxes packed for Operation Christmas Child. We had a packing party at church on Saturday evening to assemble the boxes we've collected all year for. We were able to pack 105 boxes with supplies to spare. You can check out the OCC website at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/. I encourage you to participate. Just one shoebox can change the life of a child!