Treatment #13

Today mom had her 13th treatment.  Because of some side effects of the chemo (a lingering rash from last week), she did not get a chemo dose today.  She only received the Herceptin (protein drug) today.
Her blood counts are still all in the normal range and the doctor gave her the green light to travel to Baroda this weekend.  This will be mom's first venture away from home since her diagnosis.  We are so happy that she is feeling up to some light traveling - even just for a short visit.
It is amazing how life crosses paths with others.  Today was the final treatment for the wife of someone I used to do business with when I was working.  We have seen him and his wife several times over the last few months.  She is also battling breast cancer.  We talked about what a huge accomplishment it was for her to complete her treatment - 11 months.  I can only keep hoping that mom will respond in the same way and we can have that same feeling of joy going into a final treatment.

Treatment #12

Cancer is a disease of good days and bad days. Mom had some really good days this week and a few more challenging days. Seeing mom with a lack of energy has been really hard. I had referred to her as the Energizer Bunny on more than one occasion. However, I can see how these treatments have had a toll on her physically. Her spirit is another part of her. She still considers herself lucky and takes on each day with as much energy as she can. The doctor visit was typical. We like Dr. Margolis a lot. He has a great sense of humor and a very caring bedside manner. Today we talked about living life not like a cancer patient. Mom is still well enough to enjoy life and he wants her to take every opportunity that comes her way. Life is short and his advice was to hug all the relatives that you like and not the ones you don't. Isn't that what life is about? Do what you enjoy for as long as you can.

Treatment #11

Mom had a MRI of her liver on Tuesday morning.  The procedure went well, assuming you discount the leaking IV that got her side completely soaked.  The tech opted to continue the test since they were already half way done instead of having to start over after fixing the IV.  So, mom was just a bit wet by the end of the test, but at least they got good images.
We received the results this morning from the doctor.  I have to say that it was only good news.  All of the masses have strunk considerably, and there were no new masses detected.  The doctor indicated that she has responded very well to treatment.  The chemo treatments will continue as long as she is responding well and can tollerate them.  He didn't give us a number of additional treatments, but we are expecting that our weekly visits will continue for at least several more months.
Mom's biggest complaint regarding side effects are with her feet.  As the weather is getting warmer, it seems that her feet are getting colder (and a bit painful).  In fact, she just started wearing her winked warm winter slippers from LL Bean.  Dad will probably be saving a bit of money on air conditioning this summer.  Mom will probably turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
We are counting our blessings today!!

Treatment #10

Well, after double digit treatments, I do believe that we can consider our weekly doctor visits to be a routine.  Mom is doing well and her spirit is just as vibrant as ever.  The current dose of chemo seems to be much better on her system.  She has more energy and some of the side effects are subsiding.
On Tuesday, she will have an MRI of her liver.  This will be our first indication of how effective the chemo treatments have been.  We are hoping for good news when we get the results at our Thursday appointment.
Mother's Day is in a few days.  I feel so blessed to be able to spend another Mother's Day with her and hopefully many more to come.

Genetic Testing Results

Good news... mom tested negative for the genetic mutation of the breast cancer gene.  I have to say, I will be sleeping a lot better tonight knowing that fact.
I took a copy of the family tree that the doctor produced.  I have the marked up version now.  However, we are supposed to get a cleaner version in the mail within a few weeks.  I'll be happy to distribute it to other family members.
Also, because of the high rate of prostate cancer among the male members of the family, she recommended starting PSA testing about a decade earlier than normal guidelines.  Early detection is the name of the game.

Treatment #9

Well, this happened to be a really good week for my mom.  In fact, I think it might have been the best week she has had since she started treatments.  The side effects are being managed well and she had more energy this week.  Her chemo dose today was the same reduced amount from the week before.  Hopefully this will be the new normal for her as she seemed to have tollerated it very well.  The doctor seemed really happy with the physical exam today.  You can barely notice the inflamation on her breast at this point.  The subject of surgery came up today.  The doctor indicated that if the cancer can be controlled/managed in the breast and liver with drugs, she might not undergo any surgery.  So, we will just wait and see.  We hope to have another MRI of her liver in about a month or so.
She was feeling well enough yesterday to do some baking.  This is the first time that she has baked since she started treatments.  We are fortunate enough to enjoy some of her delicious cheese cake.  The girls and I had some after school today - we couldn't wait until after dinner to have some. 
Thank you all for the birthday cards.  Our plan worked out perfectly.  Mom got a total of 41 cards for her birthday.  She knew that "something was up" when she got 13 cards one day in the mail.  Thanks to each of you who took the time to drop her a little note.  She really appreciated the sentiments.  All of you have been an amazing support system for her.  However, I have a warning for all of you.....  Apparently my dad opened (many but not all) the cards and read them before mom got to them.  So, if you have something confidential to send her, you might want to send it to me instead.  I promise not to peek.  :)
We had a nice family dinner on Sunday to celebrate mom's birthday.  Mom, dad and I also went to lunch together on Tuesday (her actually birthday).  We had a really nice time just enjoying each others company.  Hoping for many more happy and healthy years together.