Enjoying the Present

Many of you have seen my mother during the past few weeks. She is truly enjoying visiting and hearing from you. For those of you who are far away and yet close is spirit, I thought I'd post this picture. My mom took it with her phone and sent it to us kids. She's wearing a green hat made by Mary Beth's mother-in-law's friend. She loves it because it keeps her head warm!

This week, she graduated to sometimes using a cane. Her physical therapist is pleased with her progress and tomorrow will be the last day for physical therapy. She is doing amazing.

Monday starts the next round of chemo so next week will be a little rougher. As we were told, days 3-5 seem to be the hardest on my mom. Chemo weeks, she gets a little discouraged because she doesn't feel as well but overall her spirits are good and she keeps working towards her goal. As always, she says to tell you, "Thanks!"

Looking Up!

This is my very first post. I wanted to tell you all that I went to the doctor today and he said that things were looking good. The fluid around my left lung has cleared and the fluid around the right lung has decreased. Looks like the chemotherapy is doing its job. I am looking forward to going to a graduation party this weekend for some of my nieces. With oxygen in tow, I'm looking forward to getting out for some fun. Thanks for the love, support, and prayers, it means so very much to me. I have all my beautiful cards and childrens' artwork hanging up where I can see them. Hope all of you have a wonderful Memorial Day and bless you all.

Bald is Beautiful

Today my mom went in for the second chemo treatment. She was a little nervous because she doesn't even remember the first treatment and because the last time she went in for a test she ended up in the hospital for two weeks. She did wonderfully! She has a new oxygen system that is light enough for her to carry and she moves so much better. She chose a chair where she could look out at the snow capped mountains, watch the clouds move through the sky, and she relaxed into the hours of treatment.

The people in the chemo room were some of the most positive people I've met in a long time. The other patients and families reached out to my mom, the new member of their group, and showed her tricks to walking with the IV pole, warned her to always dress in layers, taught her how to work the chair, and generally just stopped by to visit. They were an amazing group and very inspirational. I've always known it but cancer does strike at random, from the young mother who was getting her introductory tour carrying her bag covered with pictures of her kids, to the biker in his leathers with a heart warming smile. My mom sat among this group and looked beautiful in her black shirt, white pants with black pin stripes, her purple hat and her very own smile. She was dressed to impress. She is an amazing woman!

Feeling Lightheaded ;-)

OK, so you'll need your sense of humor to read this posting. My mom suggested this title while laughing and smiling so keep that picture in your head.

We went to the new primary care doctor today. I think my mom was excited to get out of the house. She got dressed up and looked beautiful like she always does when she is going out for the day. For those of you who know her, you'll appreciate the fact that she is sitting down to call people and I'm telling her that we need to leave for the appointment. Really, we should have left at least 10 minutes before we started the conversation/discussion. Along the way, we discuss that perhaps she'll need to plan a little more time in her day. She can't move as quickly as she did in the past and she has a lot more equipment to consider. She says, "I'm sure your dad will gladly help me work on that." It is a constant joke that my dad liked to arrive early and my mom...well we're glad whenever she happens to arrive.

When we get to the medical offices, the handicap parking is full and the close in parking is worse. I finally park in the patient pick up/drop off zone directly in front of the No Parking Allowed sign. Her current oxygen is too heavy for her to carry and so she and I are tied together and I can't make her walk too far. We get her checked into the building and to the correct floor and then I run back down to move the car. Needless to say, we were late - imagine that. But they were gracious and her new doctor is absolutely wonderful! He spent almost an hour with my mom going over everything and I mean everything. She told him about what I did for a living, asked him where he grew up, and of course her medical history and the game plan for the next week. He arranged for my mom to get a lighter oxygen unit that she can carry herself (Yes!) and he was pleased by how healthy and strong she is. He put her on a new medicine that might make her dizzy or lightheaded and said to watch this. Her sodium looks great. My mom of course loved him.

On the way home, we stopped for a hamburger because that sounded good to her. I was just going to go through the drive-thru but since it was raining and the driver's window on my car has been temperamental lately, I decided to go in to order and leave my mom in the car. I come back out to find that the hazards are going the alarm is beeping and my mom laughing in the front seat. She swears that a car went speeding past and set off the alarm but she looked guilty to me. Once we get home, she says that she is feeling a little lightheaded. I'm concerned but she is just sitting on the couch smiling at me. She was being funny because her hair has begun to really fall out making her head a little lighter. She says she is getting lighter by the minute. She had picked out her outfit and dressed up nicely but her clothes look like she has been hanging out with a shedding dog. She makes me laugh. She's lightheaded and light hearted. She is the most positive person I know.

She is excited because tomorrow is Derrik's baccalaureate and we've borrowed a wheelchair so hopefully she can attend. She says to tell you all, "Hi." She loves your comments, cards, and phone calls. She also said that a few visitors would be welcome. She has a lot of appointments scheduled so please call first.

Getting Stronger Every Day

We are so fortunate to have so many friends and families to support us on our journey. Mom continues to get stronger everyday. My brothers, sisters and I are taking turns staying with her during the day and at night to be sure she doesn't need anything. Of course, she's sure that she's fine and that while she enjoys our company, she wants us to go home to sleep in our own bed as she has a whole new appreciation for her own bed.

The Visiting Nurses are coming by each day to check her vital signs and we're expecting a visit from the physical therapist tomorrow morning. She'll receive her second chemotherapy treatment on May 19th.

Tomorrow we'll celebrate Mother's Day with her, appreciating all the more the many gifts she has shared with all of her kids throughout our lives. We are all truy blessed.

Thanks for your many cards, well wishes, food, and most of all your thoughts and prayers. We don't know what we do without them.

Home At Last

My mother is home at last! She says, "Just got home and I'm as happy as a lark! The doctor says that I need to stay healthy. I'm feeling much stronger. Join me in a prayer of thanksgiving."

Bern: What this means is that she can't have flowers and any visitors need to wear a mask and gloves. Feel free to call her and chat. She'll let you know if she is up to any visitors. More later.

Still Waiting

Well the good news is that my mom gains strength every day and gets a little better. The bad news is that the doctor has said that she isn't coming home today and she can't have visitors or flowers. Her blood work shows that her sodium and magnesium are up but that her white blood cells have dropped. This is perfectly normal with the chemo treatments but just was bad timing for my mom. Also, they have been giving her sodium via IV and they want to take her off the IV for a while to see how she does. It is a good plan. Plus it gives us a little more time to prepare her home for her return. I guess you are never too old for chores as my mom continues to provide us with her lists.

If you've been waiting to visit would like to contact her by phone, I'm sure that she would love to hear from you. Please remember that she might tire easily, even while talking on the phone. We all look forward to the day she can return home.

Finally!

My mom is a little discouraged that she hasn't been released yet but it looks like tomorrow is the day. The rest of this is her dictating to me.

"I thought I was going home and my sodium is up but my magnesium down. So tomorrow for sure. The discharge planner indicated that I will need a walker, bathtub transfer table, bedside commode, and possibly a hospital bed. It's a lot to contemplate. I'll have to send my kids equipment shopping. I'll have nurses, physical therapy, and social workers visiting me at home. Quite the crew. I love reading your comments and wanted you to know how much I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Love you! Next one will say I''m at home." Dorothy

Waiting

It has been a good weekend. My mom has had several visitors and she continues to improve. She is anxious to go home but her body doesn't seem to be cooperating. Her blood work continues to show a low sodium count so the moment that goes up, she can go home. The doctor ordered another x-ray last night because she was concerned that the fluid on my mom's lung might be building up again. However, the x-ray showed that the fluid level was fine.

Right now it looks like there will be several adjustments in her life at home. She will need to slow down and take things a little easier to conserve her energy. She will also probably require a walker with a seat so she can stop and rest whenever she gets tired and of course there is the oxygen to cart around too. While these changes are difficult for my mom to contemplate, she continues to say how very blessed she is. Her spirit and her positive disposition are an example for us all. She has her May altar on her table in her room and makes friends with all the nurses, CNAs, and technicians. My mom can tell you about their kids, their lives, and their plans. Even the lady who cleans the room most days will stop a moment and visit and the staff in x-ray say her room is their favorite. I can't believe how nice everyone at this hospital is. My mom says that God was watching out for her when He sent her to the Rock Creek facility for that first CT scan. Truthfully, I think she is right. Not only has the hospital staff been wonderful but it is a very clean facility. It has been easier for all of us kids to visit since the hospital is only 10 minutes away from all our homes and David works 4 minutes away. Truly we are blessed!

Happy News!

My mother is definitely better today. I can't describe the difference one week makes. This is good news for you as well since she now feels up to a few visitors a day. If you come to visit, you might like to call one of us kids first to make sure there are no procedures planned for that day or time. Also, please be aware that she still needs lots of rest so short visits are best.

The best news is that the doctor hopes to release her sometime soon and she gets to return to her house. So for those of you who would like to wait to visit her at home where she is more comfortable that will be an option too. Either way, it is a happy day for all of us and you that she is better.

Happy Friday and love to you all!

Progress

First I have to say, that it is hard to believe that today is May 1, since it is snowing outside the window. Yesterday was a good day. My mom slept a lot of the day but she was sleeping much more soundly because she was more comfortable. It was good she was sleeping most of the day since she couldn't eat or drink anything until they put in a Hickman catheter so it is easier to administer the chemo. That 4 p.m. procedure went really well and actually has already been a blessing since they can administer the IV and draw blood through the Hickman as well - less poking and prodding. My mom doesn't like all the extra tubing that is now hanging outside her chest but is also excited that it will be easier to administer the chemo next time. Her sodium levels were low again but otherwise her blood work looks good and the doctors are pleased by her progress. She was able to take a few steps on her own and was doing her exercises. Her spirits are good. We have let a few family members who were in town for the funeral come visit since they were only here for a few days. While my mother enjoyed their brief visits, she felt bad because she would fall asleep during them. I asked my mom if she was ready for any more visitors and she said that she would like to wait a couple days until she is stronger. It is absolutely wonderful to see her progress. She has enjoyed the cards you've sent and the comments you've posted and wanted me to tell you thanks and to let you know how truly blessed she feels.

Going Forward

Yesterday, they pulled another 1.2 liters of fluid from my mom's left lung during the thorencentesis, which should make it easier for her to breathe. That's a total of 2.2 liters from that lung and 1.4 from the right lung. She came back to her room and her color was even better. Today, she is in a little more pain and doesn't feel as well as yesterday but her breathing is a lot better.

At the doctor's request, we waited until after the procedure to tell her about her sister's death. Two of my aunt's children came to the hospital and very beautifully and gracefully told my mother the sad news. It was difficult.

My family and I would like to thank you for your support. When we are praying for an answer or for strength, our needs are met. It is amazing!

Getting Stronger

Good news - Last night when I walked in my mother's room she was sitting up and watching a movie. She actually had some color in her cheeks and was conversing with us. It didn't last long but it was enough to bring smiles to all of us and reminded us how very strong our mother is. She is much stronger today and has been out of bed. Truthfully, she is still very frail, has trouble breathing, and is in some pain. So while we see much improvement from Saturday, she still needs to focus on rest and healing. Hopefully, in the next few days she will be able to start seeing a few visitors but for now, she needs to rest more than anything.

Her x-ray yesterday showed that there still is some fluid on left lung but that her right lung looks much better. She is scheduled for another thorencentesis sometime today but that is just to make her breathing easier. The doctor was pleased because no additional fluid had been produced since the last x-ray.

Thank you all for your support! We'll let you know when she is ready to start having visitors, we know you are all anxious to talk to her and see her.

God is the strength of my heart. Psalm 73:26

Today

Today, has been a good day for my mom. She was doing some exercises to help regain her strength and was asking when she could go home. They scheduled an x-ray of her chest later today to see how much fluid is still around her lungs. They are also starting her on Lasix to help with the fluid as well. She wants to know when she can start going through the hallways using the walker they gave her and was bossing all of us around nicely. She is obviously still very tired and we've asked her to concentrate her energy on fighting the cancer and healing.

Along this same thought, we've decided not to tell her about my Aunt Helen's death for another 24 hours. We want her to be just a little stronger and then the five of us will gather to tell her and let her grieve. At least that's what I think we've decided. With five children all focused on doing what is best for our mother, I'm sure we'll arrive at the best solution. Our thoughts are with our uncle and cousins and all our family during this difficult time. We'll be praying for all of you!

Chemo

My mom started her chemo treatments today. She is taking a chemotherapy commonly called Carbo/Taxel. It is administered via IV and takes about 4-5 hours. It is geared towards several cancers including lung and ovarian. The formal names of the two chemo treatments are Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. Her next treatment will be in 22 days. So the chemo treatment will happen about every three weeks for a total of about 6 treatments - depending on how the cancer is responding. She tolerated the chemo fairly well. Her nurse said that her body was very accepting of the chemo which is a good sign.

She had kind of a rough day. The various medicines they gave her plus the chemo made her nauseous and a little loopy. On top of that the dosage of Benedryl was too high but she was watching/listening to the Sound of Music when we left. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

Getting Started

Being the computer person I am, I thought this might be the best way for my family to update you on our mother. That way, you can share your thoughts with her whenever you want and she can read them as she feels ready - virtual visiting. Also, we found that we were calling some people twice and forgetting other people who love and care for her too.

Currently, she really isn't up for visitors or phone calls. She is trying to rest and regain her strength for the days ahead.

Today, the oncologist visited with us and said that my mom has Adenocarcinoma and that it is growing on the outside pleura of the lung. My understanding is that the doctors believe that this is a secondary site for the cancer. He said that the cancer cells they found indicate that the primary source of the cancer should be ovarian in origin; however, they don't see any ovarian cancer. At this point, they really aren't going to continue to look for the source of the cancer but immediately start her on chemotherapy. The goal of the chemotherapy is to help my mother live longer and feel better by shrinking the cancer. Chances of the chemo shrinking the cancer are between 40 - 70%. Hopefully she will start her first treatment tomorrow. With the chemotherapy, she should be able to resume her normal life again for a while. We should know how the chemo is working in the next 6-8 weeks.

Please keep my mother and my family in your thoughts and prayers. Love to you all!