Another Monday means Mom is back at Stanford for another week of Radiation! And without me there to entertain her, I'm sure it's not all the fun that receiving radiation treatment is cracked up to be!! Mom has been so excited to finish up Radiation as she's really starting to feel the "burn". (Literally! Poor thing is practically burning alive!) Last week brought some frustrating news though, they've added an extra week of 'intense' treatment, so this isn't her last week after all.  She's staying positive though, as she always does!

Her CT Scan results came back last week, which was the cause of the radiation extension.  However, it brought some good news as well!!  Her lymph nodes underneath her arm don't seem to be as swollen and the lump seems to be shrinking a bit!  YAY! While we'd like to see it gone completely this means her body is reacting to all the treatment she's receiving!!  Hence the reason docs are kicking it up a notch!!! 

After next week's treatment, they're going to give her a few months' break before performing the surgery. This is so her body can heal a bit from everything.  She'll still be taking oral chemo, but none of the hardcore stuff! She's been advised to stay out of the sun for the Entire summer, which as you know, will be difficult for Mom! 

I spoke with Mom a bit last week about one form of the cancer; Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which she's been doing some research on.  Up to a few years ago, when someone was diagnosed with this form of cancer, they were given 18 months to live. Period.  In the last few years, they've developed forms of chemo and treatment that give a lot more options. I feel so blessed that we live in this day and age!  Mom's doctors are so great, they're working so hard with her.  I've attached below some basic facts regarding IBC if anyone is interested in reviewing!

Keep her in your prayers! XOXO

• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but very aggressive type of breast cancer.
• IBC usually grows rapidly and often spreads to other parts of the body; symptoms include redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast.
• Treatment for IBC usually starts with chemotherapy, which is generally followed by surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, and/or hormone therapy.
• People with IBC are encouraged to enroll in clinical trials (research studies with people) that explore new treatments.