Today Dad and I took Mom in to get the tumor by her eye removed. Dr. Vaughn is a delightful surgeon, and acted like he does this every day (oh, he probably does). The lovely, cheerful, and compassionate Nurse Charissa Medley (from our choir) assisted with the procedure. The doctor deadened around the tumor, cut it out, sewed inside and outside stitches. Charissa cleaned Mom's face and hair since the tumor cracked and bled during the night. The bleeding wasn't excessive in spite of her daily aspirin dose and the coumadin. Mom will take pain meds, ice the wound today and tomorrow, and then I (OR DO WE HAVE A VOLUNTEER??????????) will wash the wound daily, apply ointment, and cover it back up. Mom knew that I wasn't watching the procedure because she heard me turning the pages of a magazine. (Great article about Julie/Julia! Movie was good, too). Dad kept his eye on the procedure and looked at the removed tumor. NOT ME! That's why I teach. Mom was heading off to bed early tonight, but has otherwise been feeling pretty good. Tomorrow she starts round two of the current chemo treatment, which consists of four days of pills - so not too bad.
Mom and Dad spent a couple days at Lake Quinault this week, with Rose and Jim joining them during the day. They enjoyed the lodge, the food, the beautiful lake and rain forest, and an Indian storyteller and weaver. We're ALL enjoying the cooler weather! It's pretty pathetic when Uncle Phil says Sacramento was cooler than Washington.
Enjoy your week.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
AUGUST 1 UPDATE
Thank goodness for air-conditioning! Has helped mom continue to feel pretty well in spite of the heat. Now, the real sight to see is dad in shorts: a very rare occasion!
Mom saw Dr. Blau yesterday. Everything is looking pretty good. She's sending mom to her dermatologist to see if he can drain the tumor by mom's eye. Blood work is good; no new tumors recently, so maybe the newest chemo is having a positive effect. Mom will receive her normal infusion of Zometa to strengthen bones, and she will get a shot of neulasta. That was Becky's favorite shot when she had chemo; makes your bones ache for a couple days. That's supposed to be a sign that the shot is working.
The pharmacist has mom's blood viscosity back within in normal range (between 2 and 3 - it was 10 two weeks ago!). An interesting visit yesterday. I asked if he would tell us about two photos on his shelf. They are pictures of his ordination to priesthood in the Russian Orthodox church! Mom pointed out a couple icons he has in his office, and said she has always wanted an icon. Before we left, Jeffery gave mom an icon! It has, of course, Mary and the infant Jesus, the burning bush, and many other symbols. The moment was very touching.
Keep cool! Please know that Mom and Dad enjoy your visits, your food, the cards, and phone calls. Blessings to you all.
The next round of chemo pills begins August 11 for four days. As usual, visitors need to be well, and please use the hand sanitizer before visiting, as the chemo pretty much eliminates any protective cells in her immune system. When you stop by, be sure to see the quilt granddaughter Angela made for mom; it's incredibly beautiful.
Mom and Dad are staying at Quinault Lodge this Wednesday and Thursday night. Should be a peaceful and beautiful visit there. Plus, their food is scrumptious.
Mom saw Dr. Blau yesterday. Everything is looking pretty good. She's sending mom to her dermatologist to see if he can drain the tumor by mom's eye. Blood work is good; no new tumors recently, so maybe the newest chemo is having a positive effect. Mom will receive her normal infusion of Zometa to strengthen bones, and she will get a shot of neulasta. That was Becky's favorite shot when she had chemo; makes your bones ache for a couple days. That's supposed to be a sign that the shot is working.
The pharmacist has mom's blood viscosity back within in normal range (between 2 and 3 - it was 10 two weeks ago!). An interesting visit yesterday. I asked if he would tell us about two photos on his shelf. They are pictures of his ordination to priesthood in the Russian Orthodox church! Mom pointed out a couple icons he has in his office, and said she has always wanted an icon. Before we left, Jeffery gave mom an icon! It has, of course, Mary and the infant Jesus, the burning bush, and many other symbols. The moment was very touching.
Keep cool! Please know that Mom and Dad enjoy your visits, your food, the cards, and phone calls. Blessings to you all.
The next round of chemo pills begins August 11 for four days. As usual, visitors need to be well, and please use the hand sanitizer before visiting, as the chemo pretty much eliminates any protective cells in her immune system. When you stop by, be sure to see the quilt granddaughter Angela made for mom; it's incredibly beautiful.
Mom and Dad are staying at Quinault Lodge this Wednesday and Thursday night. Should be a peaceful and beautiful visit there. Plus, their food is scrumptious.
Monday, July 20, 2009
JULY 20 UPDATE
Mom just got home late this afternoon. Although she is tired (what else can you be when you've been in a hospital?), she is feeling very well. She has to have her blood monitored every other day while she is on the antibiotic for the uti. She'll also see Dr. Blau this Friday for a little check-in, and a urologist next week. Thanks for your support!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
JULY 18, 2009 UPDATE
Mom is resting comfortably at Good Sam, catching up on sleep, and feeling very well. She gave us quite a scare. She had taken chemo (melphelan, a type of thalidomide) & prednisone last Sat. through Tuesday, with few side effects. Then she started feeling extremely tired, had stomach pains,and her blood was WAY too thin. By Friday morning, she was so sick we took her to the emergency room where she was given Vitamin K, frozen plasma, & antibiotics. Her blood was seriously thin until today; not sure if this was caused by the chemo/prednisone routine, or the uti. This morning she sat up for breakfast and feels like a new woman. Her sleepiness is due to being poked and prodded all night and much of today. She has been x-rayed for possible pneumonia, but no results yet. She received blood transfusions early this morning, and again tonight, I think. Granddaughter Angela Becker had just finished the quilt of family photos that she has been working on. It is absolutely gorgeous, and made the hospitalization more cheerful - good timing, Angela. Mom will be in the hospital a few more days. I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
JULY 8 UPDATE FROM METHOW VALLEY
This report comes to you LIVE from the grand town of Twisp, Washington; population 1,000 plus 6 lively young sisters! Our visit here is the twelfth time the six of us have girls (Annie, Theresa, Rose, Becky, Julie, Barb) have spent four days together each summer. We have to pick a DIFFERENT town each time because we create such lasting memories for the residents, especially the proprietors of the B & Bs we visit.
Mom's spirits are pretty good. The myeloma is attacking her skin, so she looks like a kid with chicken pox. She will be trying a round of chemo, pills four days in a row, then the rest of the month off. Unfortunately, she has to take prednisone along with that, and it has some uncomfortable effects on her. She is strong enough to walk pretty far with her walker, and has been attending Sunday mass pretty regularly. Becky and I decided to take Mom to the Tacoma Farmers' Market. The day was clear and hot, the fruits were luscious, the variety and colors of flowers were gorgeous, and the variety of ethnic foods was delightful. To get Mom to the market, Becky and I packed her into the wheelchair, turned the corner of the block, and realized that we were at the TOP of a hill in downtown Tacoma. If you've been in Tacoma, you will know that the hills are STEEP. We were just happy to find a parking spot, and didn't consider the hill. Too bad Candid Camera wasn't filming. Becky was wearing flip flops with heels; I was wearing sandals with no traction, and we were heading DOWN HILL!!!. We both had to hold on to the wheelchair to keep it from rolling down too quickly. Whenever the chair gained too much momentum, we turned it into the building to stop it. We would then start up again until the chair had too much momentum. People laughed at us; Mom was holding on for dear life; no one offered to help. We made it, having learned a valuable lesson. Needless to say, I drove the car DOWN the hill to pick her up after we had toured the market.
Please know that Mom LOVES your visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, and prayers. Please know that the family appreciates and values your support.
Mom's spirits are pretty good. The myeloma is attacking her skin, so she looks like a kid with chicken pox. She will be trying a round of chemo, pills four days in a row, then the rest of the month off. Unfortunately, she has to take prednisone along with that, and it has some uncomfortable effects on her. She is strong enough to walk pretty far with her walker, and has been attending Sunday mass pretty regularly. Becky and I decided to take Mom to the Tacoma Farmers' Market. The day was clear and hot, the fruits were luscious, the variety and colors of flowers were gorgeous, and the variety of ethnic foods was delightful. To get Mom to the market, Becky and I packed her into the wheelchair, turned the corner of the block, and realized that we were at the TOP of a hill in downtown Tacoma. If you've been in Tacoma, you will know that the hills are STEEP. We were just happy to find a parking spot, and didn't consider the hill. Too bad Candid Camera wasn't filming. Becky was wearing flip flops with heels; I was wearing sandals with no traction, and we were heading DOWN HILL!!!. We both had to hold on to the wheelchair to keep it from rolling down too quickly. Whenever the chair gained too much momentum, we turned it into the building to stop it. We would then start up again until the chair had too much momentum. People laughed at us; Mom was holding on for dear life; no one offered to help. We made it, having learned a valuable lesson. Needless to say, I drove the car DOWN the hill to pick her up after we had toured the market.
Please know that Mom LOVES your visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, and prayers. Please know that the family appreciates and values your support.
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.
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.
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.
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