July 7, 2011

Ruth/Mom/Grammy has now had 12 radiation treatments with 23 to go.  She is tolerating the radiation well, and Dr. Barker is amazed at how well she is doing. The worst part for her is the small ache the radiation table sometimes causes in her back. Her weight is staying fairly consistent, and she continues to eat normally and does not use her feeding tube for nutrition. She cleans it with water every 3 days, and it is ready if she needs it. Dr. Nugent decided to continue her chemotherapy regimen since she is doing so well, and of course the tumor will shrink more quickly if she can tolerate and continue the chemo at the same time she has radiation. She goes once a week for infusion and the worst part is sitting in the waiting room for long stretches waiting to be called back for labwork or to see the PA or doctor. The chemotherapy has caused a sore in Mom's mouth that annoys her but doesn't keep her from eating. Mom said the reason she is doing so well is because of all your prayers, and I agree. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued prayers.