Good news and bad news..

I just got off the phone with Mom and she got the results back from her scan this week.  There is good news and bad news.  The good news is that the cancer has not spread.  They were especially concerned about her neck area because it had spread there before, but it has not spread anymore and that is very good news.  The bad news is that her tumor has grown larger and I think everyone is pretty concerned about that.  She will start radiation soon, I'm still not sure exactly when and they will try and get it that way along with yet another new dose of chemotherapy treatment.    Since radiation is so strong and hard on your body, she only has this chance of using it.  Her body will only be able to take the next 6-8 weeks of radiation and it better work!  I am praying that these next couple of months will prove successful as I am sure that they will not be fun for her living up at Stanford during the week.  I am sure she would love visitors though so if anyone has some time she will be up there Mon. through Fri.  Still also not sure of living arrangements, but will post when I find out. 

PT scan today, results in on Friday.  Mom will probably start radiation next week up at Stanford.  I'll let you know as soon as I know. I'm hoping for good results!

So last week Mom and Dad went up to Stanford again to meet with all the tumor specialists.  They were there for a very long time while the doctors checked her out, then met together to discuss what the next step would be.  I wish I could say that they were very excited at the progress and ready to get this all over with, but the truth is I think they were very concerned.  The spot on Mom's skin that they have been watching has actually gotten a little bigger and is now in a few more spots, which means it is spreading a little.  I think.  I will clarify if I get corrected on that.  They decided that she needs to start radiation right away along with yet another new dose of chemotherapy.  She will take that treatment by taking a pill everyday.  Hopefully the side effects of this treatment will not be too bad!  She will undergo 6 to8 weeks of radiation everyday except the weekends, and so will have to live at Stanford during the week.  I'm not sure who will be able to stay up there with her, or if anyone at all.  I wish I could go, we'll see.  They want to do another PT (I can't remember what it is really called, but it sounded like that) and another MRI and then start the radiation right away.  She is hoping to get a guest house at the hospital, but it is sometimes hard to get in without a lot of notice, so I hope that works out because if you know my Mom then you know she does not like to drive around in unfamiliar places by herself.  I would totally make fun of her right now and say something about getting lost, but unfortunately I am probably worse than her so I guess I better not say too much.  :)  haha  Thank you again for prayers, I know there are many people putting a petition upstairs for a quick and positive outcome.  

Happy Birthday!!

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday, so let's hope good things are in store for her this week.  She has already started the week off wonderfully with a visit from good Oakdale friends Leslie and Mark.  They went to the beach, shopping, and dinner.  Then this coming weekend she will get to spend some time with the wonderful Karens whom everybody loves and I'm sure will only boost her spirits.  I'm so thankful for all the friends and family who have been so supportive and visited and kept things positive!  I always wish I was there, but I know my family is in good hands with so many fun and helpful people! 


Things seem to be going well lately, especially with the switch in medications.  Instead of going in once a week, she now takes a pill everyday which delivers a lower but more constant dose to her body.  Although still very tired, she says she is not nearly as utterly exhausted as she was when she was doing the combined treatments once a week.  She has been able to get out and do a few things and is feeling a bit better.  She has less than 3 weeks left and then will head up to Stanford to see what comes next.  Let's pray for only good things!