Faith, Hope and the Fight

(Our thanks to the sweet creator of this illustration, Lori McDonough, who gave us permission to use this on Mom's blog and sent her prayers for Paula. Her art is found at http://freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com/fresh_picked_whimsy/current_affairs/page/2/)

Tuesday Jan 17th - Answers

Today we met with the cancer doctor for Mom.  I went with Dad and Mom to take notes and help.  The doctor showed us the results of the PET scan, the MRIs and the other tests.   They said that the cancer is breast cancer.  They found two large masses in the left breast.  These had spread to the bones and the liver.  There is just a small spot on the liver right now.   They told her that she is in Stage IV and that the disease could be controlled but not cured.  Tomorrow she will have a brain MRI and a full body MRI to see if there is anything in these areas.  She is also having the Hur2nu test which will help them determine the treatment.  They recommended radiation therapy and a hormone manipulation pill that will decrease the estrogen to stop the cancer cells from spreading.  Then in three months they will rescan and see if the tumors are shrinking.    After meeting with the cancer doctor we were able to meet with the radiation doctor, Dr. Smith.  He explained that he will give Mom radiation on the right hip and the sternum area because those are the ones that are causing the most pain at this time.  The radiation will be a low dose of radiation with the use of an electron beam.  She will have a 2-3 week course of radiation treatment, four days a week.  They were able to start today with the first planning session where they did another cat scan to locate the exact area to radiate and in the morning she will get the first radiation treatment.  Mom was in a lot of pain today after that session.  She is home resting and doing the best she can.   It is frustrating to Mom and to all of us that she told doctors a year ago that her back and her hip hurt but no one did anything for it but to give her pain meds and tell her it was old age.  The doctor said this has probably been going on for 9  months to a year.   We will take it day by day as we see how the cancer responds to the treatment.   He told Mom that she might have 2-3 years left or possibly 8-9 years.  He just doesn't know until they see how aggressive the cancer is and how it responds.   Mom is strong and being brave but sad to hear the news today.   Thanks for the prayers. They are needed. 

Pool Party

On Wednesday I was hanging out with Mom and going through pictures.  Mom had some tests on Tuesday that were very painful and was still pretty sore.   The doctor told her she could get back in her pool and so I brought my suit.  Brooke came out to say goodbye (she's going back to college in New Mexico) and so she jumped in the pool with us.  We had a fun pool party with Mom showing us the lights and the music and the strong current to swim against.  Mom said it felt good to be back in the pool.   Mom is moving around better over the last few days.   They said the other tests showed no signs of it coming from the breast but after the test on Tuesday they now want to do another mammogram and biopsy on the left side.  That will happen on the 18th.  Mom and Dad meet with the doctors to get any answers they have on the 17th.  Keep her in your prayers.  She is in good spirits and we are enjoying the pictures and movies.

Some Answers

Mom has been feeling a little better the last couple of days.  The medicine has helped her a little bit.  Her tests on Friday revealed that she does NOT have breast cancer.  They are still trying to find the origin of the cancer but that is good news for now.  She is having more tests done tomorrow.  Mom was excited to hear the news from the doctor today that she can get back to swimming or walking in her pool.  It has been too long as she loves being in the pool.  I am looking forward to hanging out with Mom on Wednesday.   We have been working on organizing all her pictures and it has been so much fun.  The stories and recollections of loved ones are fun to hear from Mom.  Dad got home safely from his trip. Mom had set up an appointment for Dad to have a physical today (always taking care of all of us) and so he went and got a clean bill of health for the most part.   We have the most amazing parents.  I am so grateful for their love and their example.

PICTURES

The last couple of days have been a little better for Mom as far as the pain. We are looking forward to seeing My Fair Lady tonight with Natalie, Sharon, and Lynette. Mom and I had tons of fun last night going through pictures and talking about the Towerys and Pascoes. Sharon cleaned out Mom's pantry and it looks AMAZiNG. Natalie spent a lot of time going through pictures with Mom and has threatened blackmail. So...if any pictures show up randomly on Facebook from when we were little..... Mom says to tell everyone thanks and for the concern you are showing for her. She is hanging in here and resting. She loves the letters and thank you notes she has received. She sends her love.

Winter Wonderland

Thought it'd be fun to share this gorgeous engagement picture with everyone - it's one of my favorites of Dad and Mom's (from 1958 in Moscow, Idaho).

Sunday, January 1, 2012

It was fun spending time with Dad and Mom last night for New Year's Eve.  Natalie and Sharon were there and we all watched more of the home movies.  Mom is still in a lot of pain and is anxious for the tests to be done and to get on with the treatment.  She is ready for the fight.  Mom's name is in 63+ temples thanks to Lynette and family.   Mom's cancer is not simple, this is the problem and why there are more tests.  They are pushing them through as quickly as they can.  Mom has three different tumors (small) and different lesions  they have found and they can't pinpoint exactly what type of cancer it is.  This is what is causing more testing so they know where it is located and how to treat it.  We have a very courageous Mother!  She is grateful for the phone calls and the prayers.