July 29,2011

Ruth/Mom/Grammy saw both of her oncologists this week. Her radiation oncologist, Dr. Barker, continues to be impressed/amazed with her lack of complaining about the side effects she is enduring. Her neck and throat are raw, yet when asked how she is doing, she says "okay." She uses no painkillers as she says the pain and discomfort are bearable. Dr. Barker has a doctor from UT Southwestern in Dallas working with him this month, and he too is impressed with mom.

Mom also saw her chemotherapy oncologist, Dr. Nugent, this week. You remember him? The one who didn't think she could endure the treatments at her age?  His comments to Mom this week were "you're amazing" and "you're incredible." He also said "I (meaning himself, Dr. Nugent) worry too much" but I know now that although he is much different than Dr. Barker in his "bedsid manner", he too has mom's best interests at heart. I think he learned a valuable lesson, though, to not just look at the person's chronological age on paper as that is not a true indicator as to how someone will tolerate treatment.

Now for the slightly negative aspects of her treatment. Mom continues to lose weight, but she and I are working on a plan to keep it at its current level or, God willing, to gain back a few pounds. Her biggest trouble swallowing is the excess mucus brought about by the radiation treatments which makes it difficult for her to swallow some foods and liquids. Yes, we have started using her feeding tube, but she also continues to eat soft foods and drink milk shakes to make sure her throat remembers how to swallow after the treatments are over.

The other negative is the burn on the side of her neck from the radiation. It is getting very ugly, raw, and painful. She puts her radiation cream on it, but even the act of touching the cream to the burn is painful. With that said, she doesn't complain about it. She just endures it.

So, with the posting of this blog, Mom has 7 more radiation treatments and 1 more chemotherapy treatment left!  Woo hoo! 

KEEP PRAYING!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!