Mom Update 6-11-10

Time for a Mom Update!  Doesn’t she look GREAT???  Beautiful!

I am so proud of how Mom is doing!  She is such a trooper and is really doing great (I think!).  She does have days that are better than others.  But, she is able to get out and about on her own.  We have also had several shopping days.  She just carries her oxygen and along we go!  She is also back to doing a lot around the house…probably too much really!

So here are some “facts”…

She is taking a new shot, Aranesp, every two weeks to help with her anemia.  There is also hope this will help with her breathing and energy level.

She is still taking the Octriotide/Sandostatin “chemo” shot every three weeks that helps control some of her side effects/symptoms caused from the carcinoid cancer.  This shot is VERY painful.

She is taking a B12 shot every 2-3 weeks.    Again, to hopefully help with her energy level.

So, almost every week she is getting some sort of shot if not all three!

Mom went to see her oncologist yesterday and also got a CAT scan of her abdomen and chest.  The CAT scan showed a little growth in the tumors in her liver.  She had not had a CAT scan in while with all the other going on this past winter.  So, she will go back in 4 months for another scan to see if there was any change. 

She is still taking the Bumex, a strong fluid removal pill daily unless she knows she will be gone away from the house a while.  If she has to skip a day or so of this pill, the fluid quickly starts to build  back up and she begins to have some trouble with her breathing.

The low air quality has also had some effect on moms breathing.  Again, she has better days than others with her breathing.  But, she has had a few days where she went without her oxygen for several hours.  Yea Mom! 

I feel so blessed that we are next door to Mom and Dad where Hayden and I can go see them almost every day!  Mom has even watched Hayden a few times at our house while I ran an errand. 

Mom and Dad are even planning a trip to Las Vegas soon to visit my aunt and granddaddy.  I know it will be tiring, but I hope they have a great trip!  I think it will be good to get away for a bit!

I love you Mom!  I am so proud of your strength, attitude, and will power!  You are doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!