First off, let me apologize for the radio silence. But rest assured, that in this case, no news is good news. Mom is feeling much better and is relatively pain free these days. She went to the doctor on Tuesday to find that her blood tests confirm she is getting better every day. Her protein levels have dropped down to 2, based on blood collected 3 weeks ago. They drew more blood this week which I’m positive will show her proteins dropping even lower. Just so you know, they started at 8. We want them to be 0.
When I last updated, mom was having a difficult time simply walking across the room. Last week, she actually went to the grocery store. Of course, she wore a surgical mask to avoid germ exposure. Daddy joked that several people handed her their wallets. I guess it’s better to mistake her a for a thief than an extreme Michael Jackson fan. Luckily, she didn’t wear a sequined glove.
There have been quite a few changes. Five months ago, Mom stood just a hair taller than me at about 5’8”. Today, she looks up at me from about 5’3”. We are hoping she will be able to get back some of her height, but I’ll take health over height any day. Oh, and she can also finally raise her arms above her head like the angel picture on this blog. That was one of her goals from the start.
December is test month. The doctors will be giving her a thorough work over testing everything they can think of to ensure she is “fit” enough for a stem cell transplant. (Of course, I would prefer that she be fit enough not to need said transplant)
So some might be asking, “what is a stem cell transplant and why does she need one?” Let me see if I can shed some light on the subject. Granted, my medical “degree” only comes from Google and much of that is beyond me. I could get my 14 year old to explain it all to me, but instead I just listened intently when we visited the transplant doctor. He put everything into terms we could understand, and while he didn’t make it sound like a picnic, he did put our hearts and minds at ease.
The stem cell transplant will consist of two stages. Stage One is the “Harvest”. Mom will be her own donor, as this is a much safer option with a greater success rate. But, wait… how can she be her own donor. We have firmly established that her bone marrow has issues! Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here now would we… Good question! Basically, they will zap mom with a powerful chemotherapy drug, giving her quite a bit more than they would use in a typical chemotherapy treatment plan. This drug will seek out and destroy all rapidly multiplying cells. The myeloma cells are rapidly multiplying and so they will be destroyed… Unfortunately, so are hair cells, and the cells that line the digestive track. These cells will be sacrificed as well. So while she will be getting rid of all those myeloma cells, she will also probably be very sick. We expect she will spend about a month in the hospital during this stage.
At this point the will collect her stem cells which should now be free from any nasty cancer cells and store it in the freezer. Fortunately, these stem cells can be collected with a simple blood draw as opposed to going into the hip for her marrow. As a result of the chemo, these stem cells, normally found in the bones will be purged into the blood stream.
Mom will then get a chance to recover from this process. Probably about 2 months… and then they will zap her again.. With an even higher dose of chemo. The point here is to go ahead and kill what’s left of the marrow.. But that’s ok, because she has a clean supply waiting for her in the freezer.. Free of any myeloma cells. It’s the ultimate do over. She will get these sparkly clean stem cells and once back in her body, they will get to work, rapidly multiplying… but in a good way. Once again, she will be in the hospital for a while as a result of this round of chemo, but because they put stem cells back in she should bounce back more quickly.
It is a scary process, but it also has an amazing success rate.. I don’t want to see my mom sick, but I really want to see her well. She is understandably nervous about all this so your prayers for a smooth procedure, with no complications are needed. Prayers for peace would be great too!
I promise I will keep you updated as we get closer transplant time.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
What do Mom and Geraldine Ferraro have in common?
Well, funny you should ask! My cousin Jamie (Thanks, Jamie!) gave me the heads up on this news story that appeared on the Today show. The medication that Ferraro talks about in the video is the same medication Mom is taking now.
In fact, she just completed her second cycle and now has the week off. Next week she will start cycle #3. She is improving every day. Although she still has pain in her chest and ribs, her breathing, walking, moving, and eating are 1000% better.
When Mom was in the hospital, one of the doctors told my dad about a patient who was in the same condition as Mom, and after three cycles of Velcade, they were doing much better... pain free, gaining weight... We can certainly see that it is working well for mom too!
In fact, she just completed her second cycle and now has the week off. Next week she will start cycle #3. She is improving every day. Although she still has pain in her chest and ribs, her breathing, walking, moving, and eating are 1000% better.
When Mom was in the hospital, one of the doctors told my dad about a patient who was in the same condition as Mom, and after three cycles of Velcade, they were doing much better... pain free, gaining weight... We can certainly see that it is working well for mom too!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
It's like night and day
I have to brag on my mom! Yesterday marked one week since she had been discharged from the hospital. It also marked a follow up visit with the oncologist.
One week ago, mom was essentially helpless. Daddy had to help lift her to a standing position and then support her as she walked.
Not so anymore. Mom easily stood and walked to the car. Daddy held her hand, but it was more for moral support than physical support. She had little problem getting in the car, just needing a couple of pillows to make everything just so.
One week ago, mom couldn't get comfortable at night. She couldn't sleep in her bed, Mamo's bed or the chair.
Not so anymore. Mom has spent the last few nights, sleeping through the night in her bed.
One week ago, mom's breathing was still pretty shallow and it would hurt to take deep breaths. She would actually hyperventilate when she stood up just trying to take in air.
Not so anymore. When the doctor took out his stethescope and asked her to take a deep breath, she did!
And most importantly, one week ago mom's protein level (the bad stuff) was 5.7 and she was anemic.
Not so anymore. Her protein levels are now 4.4 and she didn't even need her anemia injection since her blood volume had risen.
I can't wait to see what things are like next week!
One week ago, mom was essentially helpless. Daddy had to help lift her to a standing position and then support her as she walked.
Not so anymore. Mom easily stood and walked to the car. Daddy held her hand, but it was more for moral support than physical support. She had little problem getting in the car, just needing a couple of pillows to make everything just so.
One week ago, mom couldn't get comfortable at night. She couldn't sleep in her bed, Mamo's bed or the chair.
Not so anymore. Mom has spent the last few nights, sleeping through the night in her bed.
One week ago, mom's breathing was still pretty shallow and it would hurt to take deep breaths. She would actually hyperventilate when she stood up just trying to take in air.
Not so anymore. When the doctor took out his stethescope and asked her to take a deep breath, she did!
And most importantly, one week ago mom's protein level (the bad stuff) was 5.7 and she was anemic.
Not so anymore. Her protein levels are now 4.4 and she didn't even need her anemia injection since her blood volume had risen.
I can't wait to see what things are like next week!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Home Sweet Home
Mom is home again.
Dad called yesterday afternoon and let me know they were on their way home. I packed up the boys and headed out to meet them at the house. When we pulled into the neighborhood, Dad's car was just up ahead driving very slowly. I figured that each bump and turn must have been hurting mom. It's a good thing Dad doesn't drive a pickup or a jeep.
Anyway, we got her in the house and in her chair. As soon as we figured out the right combination of pillows, she was fairly comfortable. In fact, as she sat rocking in her chair, smiling, and even laughing a little, it was very easy to see how much improvement has taken place since she last left the house... and a little harder to see that she had been so sick.
She probably didn't walk more than 10 steps the whole time she was in the hospital, but Dad is reporting that she has probably walked half a mile at home so far. (and most of that was during the night). Apparently, she had a hard time getting comfortable, and switched from her bed, to her chair, and even tried out Mamo's bed. (Mamo is my grandmother who is staying with Mom's sister, Brenda, during this time.)
Speaking of Mom's sisters, I realize I haven't written much about some the people who are so much a part of this story.
Of course we have our heroine, our damsel in distress, if you will. That would be Mom. Then of course, the leading man, the Knight in Shining Armour, as played by my Dad. More on him later...
But I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful Supporting Cast we've had. And when I say support, I do mean support.
As soon as my mom was diagnosed, her sister, Joyce, wasted no time in traveling from her home in Texas to take care of any need Mom and Dad might have. Joyce is a veteran in the fight against cancer... having fought for her husband just a couple of years ago. I believe they won that battle, since Charles is now in Heaven, completely whole and cancer free... and even sending Joyce little signs of how he is still watching out for her and taking care of her.
My dad has said many times over the past few days that he didn't know what they would have done without Joyce there.
When my mom went into the hospital, her other sister, Brenda and my grandmother, came all the way from California. Brenda dove right in, spending several nights up at the hospital, helping Dad help Mom. In fact, at one point, while I was helping Mom, she told me she would rather have Brenda help her. So I immediately got Brenda who was in the hallway. Of course, I understand why Mom said that. I think to her, I am still a little girl. She is still the Mom. It's her job to take care of me.. and I'm not thinking she's ready to surrender that role.
Of course, Mamo was a trooper as well. I'm sure being at the hospital all day each day was hard on her, but she is, after all, still the mom too, and that was her baby hurting in that bed.
Joyce, Brenda and Mamo all had to head back home a few days ago. They had jobs and family that missed them... and we all hated to see them go. I'm thrilled for my mom that she has improved to the point that they were comfortable enough to head back home.. but we will miss them and all their help. I know they are only a phone call away from heading back here should we need anything.
As for now, Mom and Dad have the MMMM Brigade (and their families), ready to wait on them hand and foot. (MMMM brigade = Mark, Mike, Melanie (me) and Megan. Throw in some of their Sunday School and High School class mates and you find the the Lord has many hands down here helping Him help Mom.
Dad called yesterday afternoon and let me know they were on their way home. I packed up the boys and headed out to meet them at the house. When we pulled into the neighborhood, Dad's car was just up ahead driving very slowly. I figured that each bump and turn must have been hurting mom. It's a good thing Dad doesn't drive a pickup or a jeep.
Anyway, we got her in the house and in her chair. As soon as we figured out the right combination of pillows, she was fairly comfortable. In fact, as she sat rocking in her chair, smiling, and even laughing a little, it was very easy to see how much improvement has taken place since she last left the house... and a little harder to see that she had been so sick.
She probably didn't walk more than 10 steps the whole time she was in the hospital, but Dad is reporting that she has probably walked half a mile at home so far. (and most of that was during the night). Apparently, she had a hard time getting comfortable, and switched from her bed, to her chair, and even tried out Mamo's bed. (Mamo is my grandmother who is staying with Mom's sister, Brenda, during this time.)
Speaking of Mom's sisters, I realize I haven't written much about some the people who are so much a part of this story.
Of course we have our heroine, our damsel in distress, if you will. That would be Mom. Then of course, the leading man, the Knight in Shining Armour, as played by my Dad. More on him later...
But I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful Supporting Cast we've had. And when I say support, I do mean support.
As soon as my mom was diagnosed, her sister, Joyce, wasted no time in traveling from her home in Texas to take care of any need Mom and Dad might have. Joyce is a veteran in the fight against cancer... having fought for her husband just a couple of years ago. I believe they won that battle, since Charles is now in Heaven, completely whole and cancer free... and even sending Joyce little signs of how he is still watching out for her and taking care of her.
My dad has said many times over the past few days that he didn't know what they would have done without Joyce there.
When my mom went into the hospital, her other sister, Brenda and my grandmother, came all the way from California. Brenda dove right in, spending several nights up at the hospital, helping Dad help Mom. In fact, at one point, while I was helping Mom, she told me she would rather have Brenda help her. So I immediately got Brenda who was in the hallway. Of course, I understand why Mom said that. I think to her, I am still a little girl. She is still the Mom. It's her job to take care of me.. and I'm not thinking she's ready to surrender that role.
Of course, Mamo was a trooper as well. I'm sure being at the hospital all day each day was hard on her, but she is, after all, still the mom too, and that was her baby hurting in that bed.
Joyce, Brenda and Mamo all had to head back home a few days ago. They had jobs and family that missed them... and we all hated to see them go. I'm thrilled for my mom that she has improved to the point that they were comfortable enough to head back home.. but we will miss them and all their help. I know they are only a phone call away from heading back here should we need anything.
As for now, Mom and Dad have the MMMM Brigade (and their families), ready to wait on them hand and foot. (MMMM brigade = Mark, Mike, Melanie (me) and Megan. Throw in some of their Sunday School and High School class mates and you find the the Lord has many hands down here helping Him help Mom.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
It's about time for an update
I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a few days. Let me see if I can't catch everyone up...
For a while Mom was really stuck in a catch-22. She really needed to do physical therapy to feel better, yet she didn't feel well enough to do the physical therapy. Bless her heart, I think in her mind physical therapy involved jumping jacks and sit ups.... maybe a push up or two. The mere thought of it was just too much and she ended up turning the therapists away every time they came in.
Then came the cheerleading. Everyone who visited her gave her a pep talk on the importance of physical therapy.. I'm sure it annoyed her to no end, but she listened and finally had her first session with the physical therapist yesterday. The therapist was very understanding of her fears because his father is in a similar situation. He had Mom walk across the room.. (about 5 or 6 steps, as her IV tubing would allow) and back to her bed. She did great. She even sat down on the bed by herself.
You can't imagine how proud everyone is of her... because she did this even though she is still in a great deal of pain. I might add that she did her therapy even though she had endured one of those tortuous x-ray sessions that same morning.
And as if that wasn't wonderful enough news, it appears Mom might be able to come home tomorrow. That is the plan. I'm hoping when she gets home and gets back into familiar surroundings, she will start to amble around her kitchen and even head to the back porch to watch the hummingbirds feed. Soon she will be back on top and in fighting mode!
For a while Mom was really stuck in a catch-22. She really needed to do physical therapy to feel better, yet she didn't feel well enough to do the physical therapy. Bless her heart, I think in her mind physical therapy involved jumping jacks and sit ups.... maybe a push up or two. The mere thought of it was just too much and she ended up turning the therapists away every time they came in.
Then came the cheerleading. Everyone who visited her gave her a pep talk on the importance of physical therapy.. I'm sure it annoyed her to no end, but she listened and finally had her first session with the physical therapist yesterday. The therapist was very understanding of her fears because his father is in a similar situation. He had Mom walk across the room.. (about 5 or 6 steps, as her IV tubing would allow) and back to her bed. She did great. She even sat down on the bed by herself.
You can't imagine how proud everyone is of her... because she did this even though she is still in a great deal of pain. I might add that she did her therapy even though she had endured one of those tortuous x-ray sessions that same morning.
And as if that wasn't wonderful enough news, it appears Mom might be able to come home tomorrow. That is the plan. I'm hoping when she gets home and gets back into familiar surroundings, she will start to amble around her kitchen and even head to the back porch to watch the hummingbirds feed. Soon she will be back on top and in fighting mode!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Yesterday
Yesterday was not such a great day for Mom. She got sick in the night and continued to battle side effects of her medication throughout the day yesterday. I don't think it's the chemotherapy making her sick, but rather all her medications together and their impact on her digestive system.
I spoke with Dad this morning and he says she is much better this morning. Although there is not much difference in her pain level, her tummy is much better.
She gets another dose of chemo today with a side order of steroids. We are looking forward to these 'roids decreasing her pain and increasing her appetite.
I spoke with Dad this morning and he says she is much better this morning. Although there is not much difference in her pain level, her tummy is much better.
She gets another dose of chemo today with a side order of steroids. We are looking forward to these 'roids decreasing her pain and increasing her appetite.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Results are In...
We got the results of Mom's tortuous CAT Scan and X-rays today. The good news is there are no broken bones, and there doesn't seem to be any more damage from the myeloma. There is, however, some arthritis like activity happening in in her neck and shoulders. They are planning on giving her some steroids when she gets her third dose of chemo on Friday. We are praying that it gives her some relief.
Also, we learned that the proteins in her blood that are caused by the myeloma are decreasing. This is great news. It tells us that with just two doses of chemo, the myeloma cells are being killed off. They just don't stand a chance against our weapons of warfare... Prayer and Medicine.
Tomorrow she will have a little physical therapy. I'm not sure how much she is looking forward to that but she is a trooper and I'm very proud of her.
Also, we learned that the proteins in her blood that are caused by the myeloma are decreasing. This is great news. It tells us that with just two doses of chemo, the myeloma cells are being killed off. They just don't stand a chance against our weapons of warfare... Prayer and Medicine.
Tomorrow she will have a little physical therapy. I'm not sure how much she is looking forward to that but she is a trooper and I'm very proud of her.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
We've never really been CAT people...
My whole family has always been more partial to dogs than cats, but today we realized how much we hate cats... CAT Scans, that is.
Mom's dr. decided he wanted another look at the bones in her chest and back so she got to go for x-rays and a CAT scan today.
My mom is one of the strongest women I know. She had her hip replaced and didn't take anything stronger than a Tylenol to deal with the pain. In fact, when she broke her hip, after slipping on the kitchen floor, she simply pulled herself into the living room, called my dad and asked if he might be able to come home early. Then she waited patiently until he got home to call 911. She a toughie!
But THIS pain... the cancer in the bone pain... is a pain I can't even begin to imagine. To raise her arm is excruciating. To raise her head is impossible. And yet, she had to go lay on a hard table today, twice. I don't think there was enough pain medicine in the hospital.
Please remember her in your prayers. Pray not only for the myeloma to go far far away, but also for her pain to be lessened and her bones to be strengthened.
Mom's dr. decided he wanted another look at the bones in her chest and back so she got to go for x-rays and a CAT scan today.
My mom is one of the strongest women I know. She had her hip replaced and didn't take anything stronger than a Tylenol to deal with the pain. In fact, when she broke her hip, after slipping on the kitchen floor, she simply pulled herself into the living room, called my dad and asked if he might be able to come home early. Then she waited patiently until he got home to call 911. She a toughie!
But THIS pain... the cancer in the bone pain... is a pain I can't even begin to imagine. To raise her arm is excruciating. To raise her head is impossible. And yet, she had to go lay on a hard table today, twice. I don't think there was enough pain medicine in the hospital.
Please remember her in your prayers. Pray not only for the myeloma to go far far away, but also for her pain to be lessened and her bones to be strengthened.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and
healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
Monday, July 30, 2007
In Good Hands
You know, it's funny.
When people find out you are pregnant they proceed to torture you with stories of the hardest labor and most difficult births ever experienced.
But when people find out you have cancer, they shower you with Victory Stories. My mom and dad have met many people who have gone through much the same stuff mom is going through now. They are the best encouragement. They have literally LIVED through it. One of the key players in these Victory Stories is the Oncologist. There are many singing the praises of a certain doctor, who also happens to be Mom's Oncologist as well.
When my dad told him he had heard quite a few success stories, this doctor pointed to Heaven and said humbly, "I'm just the instrument."
I can't tell you how much peace and confidence it gives me to know that Mom is in the hands of a physician who knows who the Great Physician really is.
When people find out you are pregnant they proceed to torture you with stories of the hardest labor and most difficult births ever experienced.
But when people find out you have cancer, they shower you with Victory Stories. My mom and dad have met many people who have gone through much the same stuff mom is going through now. They are the best encouragement. They have literally LIVED through it. One of the key players in these Victory Stories is the Oncologist. There are many singing the praises of a certain doctor, who also happens to be Mom's Oncologist as well.
When my dad told him he had heard quite a few success stories, this doctor pointed to Heaven and said humbly, "I'm just the instrument."
I can't tell you how much peace and confidence it gives me to know that Mom is in the hands of a physician who knows who the Great Physician really is.
Dose Deux
Mom had her second dose of Chemo today, and once again came through with flying colors. I was able to visit for a while this afternoon and even got a chance to see her smile. In truth, her pain meds were helping her with that smile.. but I'll take what I can get.
I can tell she is getting better, little by little. I'm not sure she feels it yet, but I can see it. I thank God for even the tiniest bit of improvement, whether it be more color in her cheeks, or a stronger voice, or even a little smile. The tiniest things will add up to a big miracle.
I can tell she is getting better, little by little. I'm not sure she feels it yet, but I can see it. I thank God for even the tiniest bit of improvement, whether it be more color in her cheeks, or a stronger voice, or even a little smile. The tiniest things will add up to a big miracle.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
MM
MM. It stands for Multiple Myeloma. It also stands for My Mother... who has recently been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.
Mom first noticed it this winter. We had joined Curves to try to win back our girlish figures, but after just four or five visits, her chest began to hurt. She thought perhaps she had pulled a muscle so we took a break from our workouts.
She didn't get better. Her chest pain worsened, and at one point she ended up in the ER, fearing a heart problem. Fortunately, her heart was healthy and all her symptoms pointed to costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage and bones in the chest wall.
Her pain continued to worsen, and her doctor ran a blood test which came back suggestive of Multiple Myeloma. A CAT Scan seemed to confirm the suggestion of the blood test, and a bone marrow biopsy cinched the deal. My mom has Multiple Myeloma.
She immediately started her initial treatment... Thalidomide (yes, THAT thalidomide) along with dexamethasone. We were all very hopeful, and yet she appeared to be getting worse. A little over a week later, Mom was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and tests revealed her myeloma was more aggressive than originally thought. Getting the pneumonia under control was crucial.. but so was finding an effective treatment for the Myeloma. It was decided she would begin a new chemotherapy called Velcade. Her first dose was just a couple of days ago.
Two days later, we are so blessed that her pneumonia is cleared up and she is tolerating the new chemo very well.
My brother, Mike, and I were talking today, and we both have such a strong confidence that Mom will win this battle. Prayers are lifting all over the world for my mom and I know they are being heard.
It only takes a mustard seed of Faith... and I know that Mountain is being Moved. Can you hear the rumbling?
Mom first noticed it this winter. We had joined Curves to try to win back our girlish figures, but after just four or five visits, her chest began to hurt. She thought perhaps she had pulled a muscle so we took a break from our workouts.
She didn't get better. Her chest pain worsened, and at one point she ended up in the ER, fearing a heart problem. Fortunately, her heart was healthy and all her symptoms pointed to costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage and bones in the chest wall.
Her pain continued to worsen, and her doctor ran a blood test which came back suggestive of Multiple Myeloma. A CAT Scan seemed to confirm the suggestion of the blood test, and a bone marrow biopsy cinched the deal. My mom has Multiple Myeloma.
She immediately started her initial treatment... Thalidomide (yes, THAT thalidomide) along with dexamethasone. We were all very hopeful, and yet she appeared to be getting worse. A little over a week later, Mom was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and tests revealed her myeloma was more aggressive than originally thought. Getting the pneumonia under control was crucial.. but so was finding an effective treatment for the Myeloma. It was decided she would begin a new chemotherapy called Velcade. Her first dose was just a couple of days ago.
Two days later, we are so blessed that her pneumonia is cleared up and she is tolerating the new chemo very well.
My brother, Mike, and I were talking today, and we both have such a strong confidence that Mom will win this battle. Prayers are lifting all over the world for my mom and I know they are being heard.
It only takes a mustard seed of Faith... and I know that Mountain is being Moved. Can you hear the rumbling?
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