Oncologist Appointment

Mom and I went yesterday morning for her full body bone density scan and CT scan of her pelvis. On the scans, we did not learn anything new. Her bones are filled with cancer from her head to her toes. This makes the bones extremely brittle.

She is scheduled for a CT scan of her chest and abs next Friday to determine if she has cancer in her lungs and liver. Preliminary test show that they do not suspect that there is cancer in these areas.

The oncologist appointment with Dr. Hanson also went okay; nothing new. Mom will not be doing chemo at this time. Her cancer is a hormone receptor-positive type breast cancer with mets. They started her on a pill to block female hormones (Arimidex). Side effect is that this pill will speed up the aging process; stiffness, mood swings, hot flashes, etc... After the appointment she when to "Infusion" to get a anti-cancer bone drip (Zometa). She will continue to get this infusion once a month. The cancer feeds off of the hormone "estrogen"; therefore, reducing them from her body should eliminate the spread of the cancer. She will continue on the pill and drip for 6 months or unless something changes.

Links to the medication she will be taking:

Infusion: http://www.us.zometa.com/info/cancer_bones/breast_cancer.jsp

Daily Pill: http://www.arimidex.com/

Thanks for all of the continued support and prayers!

Updates on all

Just to catch everyone up to speed…………………

I have been busy out of town working on a project that will continue to consume most of my life until the end of September. Trying to get well (from a cold) and balance family life. Lauren and Annalise are beginning to adjust to being in their own rooms again.

Todd is working in Lake Charles during the work week and helping us on the weekends; as well as taking care of his business. Sanielle and TK are doing well. Sanielle took full advantage of spending time with most of her cousins this weekend. TK is Todd made over.

Christi is busy juggling work, Mom, and her family. We are desperately trying to keep the girls life as normal as possible while maintaining the proper care and assistance to Mom. Caitlyn and McKenzie are busy with gymnastics and soccer, respectively. School is going well for them. Cameron and Annalise had a great weekend playing together. They are just getting to the age of real involvement with one anther (3 months apart). Kennedy is an angel – full of smiles for all.

Karen is also a great asset to us. She is coming into town for all of Mom’s major appointments and to help clean out Mom’s house. She is also busy running her business and chasing after the kids. Jake is on the school soccer team, Maddie is in dance and Sydni is the next gymnastic champion.

Carl has undertaken the tax business. He is busy getting the files and information transferred into his system. Ashley came to visit from Florida with his grand-daughter Hanna. She is absolutely beautiful and when I held her so happy.

Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul has been remarkable in helping with Mom. They have taken over visit times while we are at work, washed her clothes, and taken her things as she requested. Aunt Linda has also been sick, but Uncle Paul was able to keep up the visit and help by going to a doctor’s appointment with Mom when we could not go for various reasons. Thank you Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul – you have a lot on your plate and still find time for us. By the way: For those of you who don’t know they will be first time grandparents very soon (Angela is due on October 10).

Mom finished radiation yesterday and was really nauseated when she made it back to the rehab center. She is off today from all doctors appointments, but return to a busy day tomorrow. She will start with a full body bone scan and then we will meet with the oncologist. Hopefully between the two, we can go to my house for some R&R.

Special thanks to all the spouses Chris, Delilah, David, AJ, and Cheryl and the in-laws for the help with the insanity; oh, and the kids.

Prayers, generosity, kindness, etc… I would like to thank everyone for keeping my mom, Carolyn, in your thoughts and prayers; we could not have the strength to battle onwards with you. The thoughtfulness of everyone reminds me daily at what a great Mom that I have been blessed with; as well as amazing people she has touched. Thank You!

Last day of radiation

Today is the Last Day of Radiation!!!!! Go Mom!

Mom's Surprise Bed Mate

On Tuesday (9/11/07), after such a great day. Mom was exhausted from radiation and her daily activities that she partook in. It was getting late (8:45ish) and Mom was in bed for the night; when a lady comes and is fussing at her to get out of her bed and get out of her room. Mom said that she did not know whether to laugh or scream, but out of fear of being hurt; she began calling for the nurse. The nurses were there immediately to get the lady and put her back into her bed. Alzheimer's is a horrible illness. Mom called me laughing at her encounter and made the comment... "Kim, it could be worse; I could have Alzheimer, at least with cancer I know." Struck me hard; but yes, she is right... there is always someone who is in need of more prayers than us.

Latest on Mom

Sorry for not posting lately, but I have been busy working and out of town.

Mom's spirits are still high and that is carrying her far. Last Wednesday (9/5/07), she went to the ortho doctor and they did a bunch of x-rays and talked about doing surgery to put a rod in her right femur. This would give her the chance to walk again. Without the surgery, walking is not an option. She has been doing radiation daily and seems to be getting into the routine. Occasionally, the appointments last longer than anticipated and this cause great discomfort from sitting so long.

On Tuesday (9/11/07), Mom called me at 7:15 am to ask me to bring her some money to get her hair cut and styled. I was so ecstatic. (Picture of her duo, will be coming soon...) With her extra money, she decided to stop by the ice cream shop on the way to radiation. I was so excited for the joy that came to her over such simple things. It really makes me realize the little things that I take for granted each day. I was so excited I was calling everybody. Mom was feeling good; at least until radiation.

Some days, radiation is fine; other days are a little tougher. She is a trooper and remains in great spirits.

Oncologist Appointment Cancelled

Due to Mom taking radiation until Sept 18. Her oncologist appointment to discuss chemo has been postponed from today to Sept 19.

Mom is doing okay, she has a little upset stomach last night, but doing okay.

Mom's 1st weekend

Mom is doing okay on her first weekend at the rehab center. It has been an extremely busy week, but she is adjusting well. Thanks to everyone for the generous gifts and visits. It means so much to Mom and the rest of the family.

I am working on a big work project for the state of Louisiana; therefore will probably not have much time to update you until Saturday.

Keep those prayers going!!!