Mom finished the fourteenth radiation treatment today. She is now done with that aspect of the treatment. It is not clear at this point what effect the radiation has had, but we expect that as her chemo treatments begin, there will be some scans done to determine how things are going.
Next on the list is "chemo school". We do that tomorrow afternoon at the oncologist's office. Essentially, his nurse will take us through the procedure that Mom will undergo and give us an opportunity to ask questions.
Mom will also now be tapering off the Decadron steroid that she has been taking. It should take about 28 days to get off of it completely. That is as long as she does not have any trouble with swelling in the brain that needs to be controlled. If so, then it is back on the steroid to control that.
We still don't know for certain what chemo drugs Mom will be getting. I hope we find that out tomorrow, but at the very least, we'll find out on Monday when they put them in there.
Physical therapy continues, as does weekly visits from the home health nurse. The home health nurse monitors vital signs, and medications that Mom is taking. The home health has worked surprisingly well to this point, and hopefully that will continue as Mom needs it.
She continues to maintain that she wants to be a cancer survivor. I told her that she certainly was one, and in fact, probably has been one for quite some time. We just didn't know it. There is probably not as much solace in that as you would like to think, though.
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Hi Norma,
ReplyDeleteWell, my dear, you have climbed the first mountain. Now on to the next. I have no doubt that you will present many questions to the "teacher at chemo school". She (or he) had better know their stuff as I know you will put them to the test! I can well remember being questioned by you on something I was presenting! :-)
I will continue to watch for Mike's posting and hope that he is able to relay to you our strong prayers and good thoughts we are sending your way.
Love ya,
Nancy(L)
Hi! Norma!!!!! I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to send you my thoughts and prayers. I have really appreciated your son's updates on this blog. Keep strong and know that I think of you every day. (Especially on Supervisory Council days because Mr. Ownby doesn't have anyone there anymore to raz!!!)
ReplyDelete<3 Linda T.
I love you, Aunt Norma. Mom and Grandma have been keeping me up to date on everything that's happening. I read Mike's blog every day too. Keep fighting!
ReplyDeleteSheri