Mom had a pretty good week. She has been keeping busy doing a few things outside as well as making some more pot holders. Two more pot holders were delivered to my house today when mom and dad stopped by for lunch.
Moms toes are still troublesome. Dr. M referred her to a podiatrist to see what they can do. The nails are starting to come loose and her feet were really itchy for several days last week. The numbness is still there. She will be scheduling an appointment with dad's podiatrist ("his favorite doctor").
Today marks a turning point in moms treatment. The CT scan came back with good news. No new cancer spots and the current mass on her liver is stable. Mom started a 3 week treatment today. So, after 34 weekly treatments, her next one won't be for 3 weeks. I think we are all happy for the break - especially mom. She got a 3 week dose of Herceptin. We are stopping the Abraxane for a while. Assuming that her condition is stable, she will continue to have only Herceptin every 3 weeks. There is still some redness on the skin of her breast where the tumor is. If it remains stable, no additional chemo at this point. If it gets worse, then she will probably be back on some sort of chemo drug.
Now that we are "done" with the chemo for a while, Dr. M referred us to a Radiation Oncologist. We have an appt with him on election day. We are hoping to be able to treat the redness on her breast with radiation.
All in all, this is very good news. We are hoping that this break from chemo will give her time for her feet and hands to feel better.
So, my next post will probably be in a couple of weeks after we meet with the radiation guy.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Treatment #33
Well, mom had a few tough days with week. Her feet continue to bother her and are painful and numb. So, the doctor held off on the Abraxane this week. She only received her maintenance drug (Herceptin).
However, her attitude is still good and she remains positive. She has been feeling much better the last few days. She was able to be outside for some of the nice weather days we had. She even trimmed a few plants for the coming winter.
The doctor ordered a CAT scan for this week. This will be the first full body scan since her diagnosis in February. We should have a better idea next week on how her body is fighting this terrible disease.
However, her attitude is still good and she remains positive. She has been feeling much better the last few days. She was able to be outside for some of the nice weather days we had. She even trimmed a few plants for the coming winter.
The doctor ordered a CAT scan for this week. This will be the first full body scan since her diagnosis in February. We should have a better idea next week on how her body is fighting this terrible disease.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Treatment #32
Well, mom had a full treatment again today. Dr. M was out of town, so we saw one of the other doctors in the practice. He mentioned that mom has a really good attitude.
Her blood levels are all doing really well still. We are counting our blessings.
I know that mom is feeling better. She has lots of energy. She made pot holders for all of the nurses in the treatment area. She gave them out today to everyone. I think there are either 7 or 8 different nurses, so mom brought in a stack to make sure that there were enough for everyone - even those that had today off.
It is always nice when she has a good week.
Her blood levels are all doing really well still. We are counting our blessings.
I know that mom is feeling better. She has lots of energy. She made pot holders for all of the nurses in the treatment area. She gave them out today to everyone. I think there are either 7 or 8 different nurses, so mom brought in a stack to make sure that there were enough for everyone - even those that had today off.
It is always nice when she has a good week.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Treatment #31
Today was just a partial treatment for mom. It wasn't one of her better days today. It is amazing to see how her posture, demeanor, look and even her voice changes when she is having a difficult day. Her bad day started before her chemo treatment. All of the nurses and the doctor could immediately tell that today was not a good day. This afternoon was a bit better for her. We are hoping that tomorrow will be a better day than today.
Last week, one of the assistants in the treatment room received a couple of pot holders that my mom crocheted. I went to see Renee today to have her call in some meds for mom and she told me how much she liked the pot holders and was so happy to get them. I had to laugh and tell her that I had half a drawer full of them. I could even put in orders for different sizes or colors. I know I have probably taken all of my pot holders for granted. Seeing the happiness that little gesture made for Renee was so nice.
Mom continues to show appreciation to all of the wonderful people who are taking care of her. It is amazing to be able to touch someone's life with something given from the heart.
Last week, one of the assistants in the treatment room received a couple of pot holders that my mom crocheted. I went to see Renee today to have her call in some meds for mom and she told me how much she liked the pot holders and was so happy to get them. I had to laugh and tell her that I had half a drawer full of them. I could even put in orders for different sizes or colors. I know I have probably taken all of my pot holders for granted. Seeing the happiness that little gesture made for Renee was so nice.
Mom continues to show appreciation to all of the wonderful people who are taking care of her. It is amazing to be able to touch someone's life with something given from the heart.
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