Mom just finished her 28th radiation treatment. Two more to go next week and she is done. We have a follow up appointment with the radiation doctor after she finishes her final treatment next week. Her skin is still holding up really well; the doctor and radiation techs are really happy with the response. She will have a CT scan in 2-3 weeks to see how the cancer responded.
We meet with her regular oncologist (Dr. Margolis) on Jan 9th. At that point we'll get a better plan for the coming weeks.
We are all headed to Baroda to visit my brother and family for the weekend. It will be nice to celebrate a belated Christmas together.
Wishing all of you a healthy new year.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Radiation Week 5
We are counting down the radiation treatments. Mom completed 24 of the 30 treatsments so far. The radiation therapy is going well. The doctor continues to be pleased with the response from treatment.
Mom had a few rough days this week. She stopped taking the oral chemo drug last week. We see the regular oncologist next week to see how long of a break she will before she begins the oral chemo again. I think it is good that she is able to have some better days around the holiday.
The big news this week is that she got a hair cut. This is her first hair cut since February. There was enough hair to shape on the sides and back. For those of you that are not able to see her, her hair is now curly. The only time I remember her hair being like that was after her getting a perm. So, a few chemo treatments and her hair came in curly. No more perms for her.
This is the first time that my parents will be joining us for the Christmas holiday in many years. They are normally in Florida by this time. I am glad that we will be able to share this holiday together.
Mom had a few rough days this week. She stopped taking the oral chemo drug last week. We see the regular oncologist next week to see how long of a break she will before she begins the oral chemo again. I think it is good that she is able to have some better days around the holiday.
The big news this week is that she got a hair cut. This is her first hair cut since February. There was enough hair to shape on the sides and back. For those of you that are not able to see her, her hair is now curly. The only time I remember her hair being like that was after her getting a perm. So, a few chemo treatments and her hair came in curly. No more perms for her.
This is the first time that my parents will be joining us for the Christmas holiday in many years. They are normally in Florida by this time. I am glad that we will be able to share this holiday together.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Radiation Week 4
Well, mom just completed her 19th radiation treatment today. Only 11 more to go. We are on the downhill side of this course of treatment. When we met with the doctor this week, he was really happy with how she has been responding. Although her breast is getting pretty red, the doctor said it is looking great. It looks pretty red to me, but I obviously don't see as many breasts as he does :) Mom had a few rough days this week, but we take one at a time.
Today is a very sad day in this country. How can anyone take the innocent life of a child? My girls will be getting an extra hug when I pick them up from their elementary school today.
I wanted to tell a quick story about how proud I am of Bridget (now in 5th grade). She has been doing a research project at school. Her subject has been breast cancer. She selected the topic herself, so I know how much mom's illness has affect her. Bridget and Julia also raised $116.41 that we donated to the Beaumont Foundation for breast cancer. She needed to interview an "expert," so we took her to one of mom's doctors appointments with Dr. Margolis. She asked him some questions for her report. She also wanted to do a section on "Someone real." So, she of course interviewed my mom. One of her questions included "How does it feel to have cancer?" Mom's response was "I am thankful to still be here to watch my grandchildren grow up." We are thankful that she is here to be a part of our lives and keeps inspiring others.
We should all feel blessed with the loved ones in our lives.
Today is a very sad day in this country. How can anyone take the innocent life of a child? My girls will be getting an extra hug when I pick them up from their elementary school today.
I wanted to tell a quick story about how proud I am of Bridget (now in 5th grade). She has been doing a research project at school. Her subject has been breast cancer. She selected the topic herself, so I know how much mom's illness has affect her. Bridget and Julia also raised $116.41 that we donated to the Beaumont Foundation for breast cancer. She needed to interview an "expert," so we took her to one of mom's doctors appointments with Dr. Margolis. She asked him some questions for her report. She also wanted to do a section on "Someone real." So, she of course interviewed my mom. One of her questions included "How does it feel to have cancer?" Mom's response was "I am thankful to still be here to watch my grandchildren grow up." We are thankful that she is here to be a part of our lives and keeps inspiring others.
We should all feel blessed with the loved ones in our lives.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Radiation Week 3
Mom completed 14 of her 30 scheduled radiation treatments. We are starting to see the effects of daily treatments, both good and bad. On the good side, the swelling of her breast has continued to shrink. That typically indicates that the cancer cells and surrounding areas are shrinking. There is a noticable deduction in the swelling. On the bad side, her breast is starting to get that "sunburn" look from the intense radiation - as expected at this stage. One area is especially sore, but she is taking good care of it so far.
Moms energy level has continued to increase since she has been off of the Abraxane. She just completed her fourth week of the oral chemo drug (Xeloda). The side effects are much better than with the Abraxane. Her hands and feet continue to improve. The pain and numbness continues to fade.
She was feeling well enough this week to endure a trip to IKEA with me. We haven't shopped together in a long time. It was nice to spend some brousing time with her again. She managed the shopping trip quite well. We walked for more than an hour. It was a slow stroll around the store, but her feet didn't bother her and she wasn't too tired when we were done. It was good to get her out of the house again for something enjoyable.
Moms energy level has continued to increase since she has been off of the Abraxane. She just completed her fourth week of the oral chemo drug (Xeloda). The side effects are much better than with the Abraxane. Her hands and feet continue to improve. The pain and numbness continues to fade.
She was feeling well enough this week to endure a trip to IKEA with me. We haven't shopped together in a long time. It was nice to spend some brousing time with her again. She managed the shopping trip quite well. We walked for more than an hour. It was a slow stroll around the store, but her feet didn't bother her and she wasn't too tired when we were done. It was good to get her out of the house again for something enjoyable.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)