Thanksgiving here finds us all grateful to celebrate this holiday with mom. A year ago we certainly didn't think she would still be with us. I don't think we'll ever be able to adequately express our sincere and expansive thanks to all of you for your continuing support during Mom's illness. Just continue to know that we care for you, we thank you, and we hold you in our prayers.
Mom finished another round of chemo, and is still pretty tired. We hope the doctor will allow her to wait until after Christmas for the next, and we think, final round of this treatment. Mom wants to be perky for the holidays! Who can blame her.
Mom and Dad had lots of company over Thanksgiving weekend. We also had a baby shower for Kim (Denton) Opper, so there were LOTS of us gals to fill the living room with laughter. The boys went to "Warthogs" for lunch, then to Cabella's to get away from the female crowd. I'm glad I was with the girls. Somehow, Warthogs and Cabella's doesn't hold any interest for me!
Keep warm as winter cold begins to creep into our bones and houses. Keep your Christmas celebration simple, so you can focus on the spiritual meaning.
Blessings to you all.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
NOVEMBER 6 UPDATE
Mom's had some ups and downs with her energy level lately, but right now she is feeling pretty good. She invited me to dinner tonight, and cooked most of it until she was just too tired to stand. She made an old family favorite: salmon crepes. Yum.
She continues to take four days of pill-form chemo every 30 days. She gets very tired and nauseated for awhile, but it gradually passes. Then by the time she feels really good, it's time for another round. She continues to get new myeloma lesions on her skin, but very few, so the chemo is suppressing the spread of the disease.
Mom has been attending church regularly, watches Dad bowl once a week, and keeps up with several doctors appointments per week. I'd guess she averages 2 a week. Sometimes that means lunch out as well, so not so bad.
She has had both the flu and H1N1 vaccines at the oncologists' office where all patients receive the shots. Just FYI: IF you receive the nasal version, please do not see mom for two weeks until she has built up her immunity.
Keep yourselves well. We continue to thank you for all those little things that mean a lot.
She continues to take four days of pill-form chemo every 30 days. She gets very tired and nauseated for awhile, but it gradually passes. Then by the time she feels really good, it's time for another round. She continues to get new myeloma lesions on her skin, but very few, so the chemo is suppressing the spread of the disease.
Mom has been attending church regularly, watches Dad bowl once a week, and keeps up with several doctors appointments per week. I'd guess she averages 2 a week. Sometimes that means lunch out as well, so not so bad.
She has had both the flu and H1N1 vaccines at the oncologists' office where all patients receive the shots. Just FYI: IF you receive the nasal version, please do not see mom for two weeks until she has built up her immunity.
Keep yourselves well. We continue to thank you for all those little things that mean a lot.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11, 2009 UPDATE
Pump that woman full of new blood, and what do you get? A new woman with renewed energy. So much, in fact, that she and dad, along with good friends, Annette and Bob, are leaving Tuesday through Thursday for a stay at another McMenamin's Hotel in Oregon. The foursome is working on meeting their goal of staying at all of the hotels in this chain. You'll have to have them explain their enthusiasm - it's infectious.
We do want you all to know that Mom and Dad will be gone because when they were gone for a few days last weekend, people panicked when they couldn't get hold of Mom and Dad. So if they don't answer the phone or return phone calls this week, now you know that they are out having a good time.
Other than having to have another blood transfusion due to anemia, Mom is doing pretty well. She will start another round of chemo when she returns this Thursday. This current type is gradually slowing the spread of the cancer. Doctor Blau is pleased that the myeloma on Mom's skin is so much improved. The area near Mom's right eye, where the tumor was removed, looks great - just a small scar.
Theresa & Tony, their three kids and five grandkids were here this weekend; what a treat. We had a wonderful campfire this evening: hot dogs, clam patties, baked beans, broccoli salad, watermelon, cherry pie, and S'MORES! The evening was clear, windless, cold on our backsides, and hot on our fronts!
Holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
We do want you all to know that Mom and Dad will be gone because when they were gone for a few days last weekend, people panicked when they couldn't get hold of Mom and Dad. So if they don't answer the phone or return phone calls this week, now you know that they are out having a good time.
Other than having to have another blood transfusion due to anemia, Mom is doing pretty well. She will start another round of chemo when she returns this Thursday. This current type is gradually slowing the spread of the cancer. Doctor Blau is pleased that the myeloma on Mom's skin is so much improved. The area near Mom's right eye, where the tumor was removed, looks great - just a small scar.
Theresa & Tony, their three kids and five grandkids were here this weekend; what a treat. We had a wonderful campfire this evening: hot dogs, clam patties, baked beans, broccoli salad, watermelon, cherry pie, and S'MORES! The evening was clear, windless, cold on our backsides, and hot on our fronts!
Holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sept. 28 Update
Life is pretty good. Indian Summer has charmed us, the ethereal Mount Rainier has left left us in awe, and the good ole Puyallup Fair entertained both workers and fair goers. Dad collected tickets at Gate #6 of the grandstand, and Brian shuffled Cow Chip Cookie supplies all 'round the grounds. (I think they are both a wee bit tired.) Mom and Dad (and Brian and I, of course) had a great time at Aimee and John's wedding, an intimate and elegant evening with a few friends, lots of GREAT food, and a photobooth (BIG HIT!).
Lots of family and friends stopped by to celebrate Mom and Dad's 80th and 85th birthdays throughout the weeks, making for a long and joyful celebration. It was kindof "birthday month" for them.
We all continue to enjoy weather and beauty of the northwest, and are thankful that Mom is feeling so well. She is still tired after the last round of chemo, but feels well and cheerful. She loves and appreciates all the attention you give her. Thank you to all of you angels.
Lots of family and friends stopped by to celebrate Mom and Dad's 80th and 85th birthdays throughout the weeks, making for a long and joyful celebration. It was kindof "birthday month" for them.
We all continue to enjoy weather and beauty of the northwest, and are thankful that Mom is feeling so well. She is still tired after the last round of chemo, but feels well and cheerful. She loves and appreciates all the attention you give her. Thank you to all of you angels.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 2 UPDATE
I know you all understand that no news is good news. We've all been busy with summer activities. The removal of Mom's tumor was very successful. Her eye didn't swell, didn't turn blue, and just really looks wonderful. We're so grateful! Mom is feeling quite good and cheerful, and has successfully and painlessly finished round two of the third type of chemo. She's looking forward to attending Aimee and John's wedding next week, then her 80th birthday on Sept 19, and Dad's 85th b-day on Sept. 21. Dad has rejoined his bowling league and will be working at the Puyallup Fair again. He truly enjoys both activities.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
AUGUST 11 UPDATE
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.
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.
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.
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