Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A plan of attack!

Yesterday was the day we met with Mom's entourage of Dr.'s at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

The outcome was much as we expected with a few new items.

Her leg is healing where the tumor was removed, but her surgeon would like a little more time between the surgery and the next round of chemo. He also was a bit concerned that her knee was getting a little stiff from the swelling and constant elevation without much movement.
He has ordered a CPM machine which is what you use after a knee replacement is done. You set your leg in it and it slowly moves and bends the leg and knee for you continually. She will use this for the next two weeks and try to loosen the knee a bit.

She goes back in two weeks to see them again and have her port accessed and flushed.

She will then go back on December 30th after she has enjoyed Christmas to start round 5 of her chemotherapy treatment. She will be in for the 5-6 days as before and after she is released the first week of January, will be back on the 21 day cycle before returning for round 6.

The other good news is that they have decided to cut back on one of the chemo drugs a bit more this time in hopes of minimizing the mucusitis that she has had after each round previously. This is a big praise as the mucusitis always lands her in the hospital for an additional 3 - 6 days. She gets horrible sores in her mouth and down her throat and is unable to even swallow her own saliva.

All in all, it looks like she should be done by the first week of February.

Mom is really hoping to take a trip to see some of her faithful family fans in February, but it may need to be pushed back a bit so she feels well enough to travel.

That is the plan as of now. She is still experiencing some pain from the nerve that was severed during surgery and is trying to find the right combination of meds to help the pain.

For now, she is home and enjoying her Christmas tree, decorations, friends and family.

We thank you for your prayers and love of her and Dad. We probably won't have anything new to post until after her visit in two weeks.

With love,
Kimberly and family

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are still praying for your continued healing. Have a blessed Christmas with your wonderful family!
The Richardson's

Anonymous said...

Ladeva, It was so nice getting to visit with you on Monday. You are in my prayers each day! I am so happy that you have the time you wanted in Dec. to have a little fun with your wonderful husband. Thank you for the blessed visit! Love Linda H

Anonymous said...

WELL SIS,
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS...
KEEPING YOU ALL IN OUR HEARTS.
djkz

Anonymous said...

WARREN,
THANK YOU FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF MY SIS. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER.
YOU ROCK!
LOVE YA
djkz

Anonymous said...

Hey, Auntie!
I am SOOOOOO glad to hear about all of your great news. You are blessed nine ways to Sunday with family, friends, and God himself bestowing all that he can on you and yours! Have a wonderful holiday season, and soon it will be over!!!! I applaud your courage! You are my hero!!
Love ya TONS
Helen

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to with you a very Merry Christmas!

The Richardson's

Anonymous said...

hey sis, just sitting here thinking about you and all that you have been thru, your courage when you had to be scared. the pain that you had to endure, trying to see that light at the end of the tunnel when you were discouraged, your faith when you knew where your strength came from, your compassion for others when you were just hanging in there yourself... and i think of all that you mean to me and i can't even begin to put it into words.
then i heard bette middler come on and sing "you are the wind beneath my wings" and i go yeah that is what you are!!! you hold me up when i fall down. you have always been here for me.
i love you dee.
God will surely have an awesome mansion for you one day in heaven!!! and i wanna come and visit!!
love ya,
djkz