Another Update

Today we went to see Dr. Margolis.  We got the results of moms CT scan.  The news really couldn't be much better.  The spots on her liver are really close to being gone.  This is better than the doctor expected.  There is a tiny residual spot that is hanging on, but it is very tiny.  As you recall, this spot was over 6 cm just over a year ago.  He didn't use the word remission, but she is probably as close to that as she can be.  The doctor was so happy, and so were all of us :)
There is a targeted treatment that is available for the little spot on the liver, but we will see how things progress over the next few months before he recommends that treatment.
Mom also had an echogram last week.  They discovered a bit of a flutter in her heart.  Apparently, this is a pretty common side effect from the chemo.  We have an appointment to see a cardiologist next week.  Nothing to worry about, but we will be monitoring her and she will probably just add one more drug to the daily routine.  She is close to having a drug store in her house, so what is one more pill?
We were also referred back to see the surgeon.  Because the liver results were so positive and mom had such a good reaction to the radiation treatment, we are seriously talking about doing surgery (mastectomy).  We have a consultation next week with the surgeon.  Surgery was only recommended if she opted not to have reconstruction.  At this point, she cares more about her health than her figure.
So, all in all, we had some really great news today.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. 

Back in Michigan

Ok, as you can probably tell, my blog posts are getting farther apart.  All in all, I think this is good news.  Ultimately, it means that I haven't had much to update.
Mom and dad were in Florida for 8 weeks.  They returned to Michigan about 2 weeks ago.  Their time in Florida was great.  They got to see all of their southern friends and enjoyed the warm weather.  Thank you to all of you in Rainbow Village that took such good care of mom.  All of the love and support you provided was felt all the way up here in Michigan.
The doctors office in Florida was really good.  We were happy with the staff and the facilities.  Mom had 3 treatments in Florida and the transition went really smooth.
Mom had her first Michigan treatment yesterday.  She is still getting Herceptin (a protein drug) every 3 weeks through the IV.  In addition, she takes other oral medication.  The protocol for the chemo portion is 2 weeks on and 1 week off.  All in all, mom has been doing really well in managing all of the side effects.  Most days she feels pretty good.  Yes, she has the occasional off day, but they are not really the norm. 
Mom continues to crochet pot holders.  She made over a hundred while she was in Florida.  So, if you need some, let me know and I can probably get you a set.  Also, if you supply your own yarn, for sure I can get her to make some for you.  The hand work seems to help the circulation in her fingers, so she continues making something.
She is scheduled for a CT scan next week.  She will have them about every 3 months or so to make sure that we continue to monitor the status of the tumors.  After the test next week the doctor will make the determination on her next course of treatment.
I'll post again after we get the CT results.
Thanks for reading and Happy Spring (if it ever gets here).