Thursday, June 18, 2009

JUNE 18 UPDATE

Life has been going along pretty well for Mom for a couple months now, with a bump here and there. In the past few weeks she has been breaking out in lumps or bumps or whatever you want to call them, on her head, neck, shoulders, front, and back. A biopsy confirmed that they are the myeloma returning rather rapidly. Initally Mom was in no pain, but now they itch and are painful. Her abdomen is hurting again. Could be the malignant tumor growing again, or her stomach from all the meds!

The first round of chemo made mom seriously ill, and took her six weeks to recuperate. Then she tried a pill form for 21 days, during which she became more and more fatigued, and slept on and off all day.

The doctor has a third type of chemo she can try, not as strong as either of the first two. Mom's dilemma is to choose whether or not to try it. It would be one pill a day for four days, BUT she would also have to take prednisone - which sends her blood sugar on a roller coaster ride.

SO... we ask you to pray for discernment for her. She's tired of being sick, of being tested, of zillions of doctors appointments. At the same time, this pill would be for only four days, and might ease up her symptoms. A tough decision. We thank you soooo very much for your continued support.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

JUNE 6, 2009 UPDATE

I didn't realize it had been so long since I gave you an update. Mom has had a really good run here. She's gone to the ocean, out to dinner, sat in the sun, went out to breakfast with her bible study group, and has even made it to church twice. Since going off the second type of chemo, she is stronger and more alert, and MUCH happier. She even giggles occasionally! She's been reading, knitting, and even got out her latest quilt!

She had a little bout with shingles, but they are now just about cleared up. This week she has developed lesions on her upper back and chest and head. The infectious disease doctor has sent her for biopsies next Tuesday with a dermatologist. They are either the myeloma now moving to the skin, OR a symptom of tb. The doctor asked if she had ever been exposed to tb, and most of you know that Dad had tb when Donnie and I were wee ones.

We're enjoying the sun, the blossoming flowers, and gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier.
I promise to keep this blog up better.