May 23, 2011

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

Ruth/Mom/Grammy had another visit with Susan, the Physician's Assistant, today. Mom gained back the 2 pounds she had lost. Her BP, blood counts, liver, and kidneys continue to be at good levels.

Mom is going to increase the dosage of her pill form of chemo from 1 pill in the a.m. and 2 pills in the p.m. to 2 pills in the a.m. and 2 pills in the p.m. Pray that the increased dosage will not increase her vertigo. The dosage of the IV chemotherapy will stay the same.

Dr. Barker (Mom's radiologist) emailed Susan, and he would like her to schedule Mom for a new diagnostic CT scan of Mom's neck to compare the original pictures of Mom's tumor with new pictures. A couple of days after the scan, Mom will meet with Dr. Barker to discuss the results and plan out the next stage of mom's treatment. These appointments will be the first full week in June. Mom's new "Phase B" treatment plan will probably include daily radiation along with weekly chemo, but we will find out more after the CT scan and the visit with Dr. Barker.

I'd like to take time to thank my brother, Kip, for all he has done during the last few months to make sure Mom has made it to all her appointments. He and I are a great team. While I took Mom to most of the appointments that led up to her cancer diagnosis, Kip has taken over the last few months. For those of you who don't know, I (Carolyn) am a 4th grade teacher, and it was becoming hard for me to continue getting substitutes, and I had run out of "sick" days. Now that school is out for me for the summer, I will start taking Mom to most of her appointments, knowing that Kip is there if I need him. I know my other brother, Dana, wishes he lived closer at times like these, and I know all I have to do is call and ask, and he will be here to help. He is doing a great job praying for Mom, and his calls always lift her spirits.

AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS!