Dad's Another Year Older Today!

Today, Dad is 83 years old. Wow! What a life he's lived. He lived through the depression, having grown up in Arnaudville, Louisiana. Times were tough, that is for sure. When he was in the 3rd grade, he acquired a shotgun. He told his dad that if he allowed him to quit school, and got him some shotgun shells, that he would be sure there was always meat on the table. Being of Acadian decent (his ancestors came from Nova Scotia) and raised a cajun, although the family was extremely poor, they always managed to eat. The Cajuns are a tenacious bunch of people. They will grow their own vegetables and fruit, and go out and kill meat for the table. He served in the Navy as a Gunner's Mate in WWII, in the Battle at Normandy. He hitch-hiked from California (or where-ever it was that he was discharged from the Navy) all the way to Louisiana. Met and married my mother in 1950. Yep - they have been together 58 years this December. There were 5 kids in my family. With his limited education, he was able to feed and cloth us all. I went to a Catholic school from the second grade through Graduation. We had a nice home - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, in a nice neighborhood that had plenty of kids to play with or fight with... Every payday, he'd hand over his paycheck to my Mom; she'd give him $20 for the week. Each weekend, he'd leave to go to his camp which was on the banks of the Atchafalaya River (and next door to Whiskey Bay Hunting Club). This was right across the river from the Sherbourne Wildlife Management Area. He worked in New Iberia, LA, and after his step father died, he stayed with his Mother during the week, and came home on the weekends. He did this until she passed away. Then, one day, life began going down hill for him - as life tends to do. He's had to bury his 2 sons; he had his license taken away because of his eyesight. These past few years have been especially tough for him. He's got an underactive thyroid (tie-rod), cataracts (cadillacs - which is actually macular degeneration) and Parkinson's. He's been getting progressively weaker. When I mentioned his birthday to him last night he said: "Big deal! I'm old; can't see; can't eat; can't say what I want to say... I'm a lump on the log and a burden to everyone!" Wow. I asked him if the whole time I was growing up, did he think I was a burden? Because this is what family does; we take care of each other. I explained that I am happy to do this and glad I am able to. He worries about my being there so much - does Kent get angry? And my transporting him and Mom to their doctor appointments. He's worried I will lose my job. Well, I have explained to him that Kent is nothing like my first husband, Ricky. Kent is secure in himself and is not afraid to share me with anyone (except another man....). Kent understands the importance of family to me. And, there is a thing called the Family Medical Leave Act which guarantees I can keep my job and take them to their appointments. It made me sad to think he is feeling this way. I don't blame him, no! I'd feel the same way. He has always been a social guy (but Mom never understood or appreciated his sense of humor, and therefore did not like to socialize with him), but he was able to do this at his camp or his Mom's house in Henderson, LA (which is spitting distance to Breaux Bridge). Now, he can't drive, can't read the newspaper, can't hardly see TV, and is stuck in the house with Mom. I think he would benefit from an Assisted Living Facility, but he and mom aren't interested. And I am not going to force the issue. Well, for what it's worth: Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you this much! Jeaux

Control

This morning, as I was in the shower, I was thinking... My Mom has always been in control. No, not that "in your face - it's my way or the highway" kind of control. But, she: designed and decorated the home I was raised in from 1965 through 1983. She arranged all of the rooms (deciding where furniture would be, what color, etc); bought our clothes; decided what we were to have for breakfast, lunch (if we were home at that time of day) and dinner. When I married in 1983, she took over my wedding (and I'm pretty sure she did this for my older sisters as well) - deciding on the color of my attendees' dresses, my husband's tuxedo, even my wedding gown. She decided where it would be held and who officiated. I did not mind a bit. In fact, I thought that was how it was supposed to be, she did it all so flawlessly. When my boys weren't old enough for school, she took care of them. When they started school, she took care of them before/after. I knew they were in good hands. Besides, I would much rather pay someone who I KNOW cares about them just as much as I do, than I would some old day care. Then, she began having back problems. I realized she was having difficulty, so I began leaving the boys with her less and less. But, it seemed to me, that she is the type that HAS to have some ONE or some THING to fuss over, or her life is not fulfilling. So, I did my best to show her she was appreciated and needed. Fast forward to April 2008. The diagnosis of the BIG C. This has exacerbated her back pain exponentially. I am not sure if it's because her bones are all brittle (her back doc's explanation) or the effects of chemo (her oncologist's explanation) or the effects of radiation treatment (her radiologist's explanation). Most likely a mixture. Because of her high pain levels, she takes strong medication. This has left her with absolutely NO control what so ever. No control over her bladder (she can't walk fast enough to get to the potty), no control over her medical care (Deb made the appointments while she was here; now I do), no control over where she goes (I am NOT about to let her drive in her current state - no siree! She falls asleep standing up for goodness sakes! But I tell her it's because she can't move her legs quick enough to drive). No control over what she buys (I get her groceries; Kathy handles her finances). No control any where. So while I am there in the shower, I was wondering how I would feel if I were in her shoes.... I am aggravated enough as it is because, due to my own back problems and the pain that comes with it, I have no control over my own activities. Sure, I can continue doing things I know will only cause me more pain, but it's only because I CALL THE SHOTS. Not my pain. Well, okay - most times the pain wins out, but it's a tough win, let me tell you! My point being, all this control has suddenly (in a matter of months) been taken from her. After watching her all these years, I'd think she'd be happy for the break. But, I'm not so sure. I'm not saying I will let her drive herself anywhere. Well, if I see she is well enough, I'll take a trip with her and let her drive, maybe. And, I am quite happy with Kathy handling her finances. Sometimes, the medication she takes makes her want to shop through magazines or home shopping TV stations. That's not good. I'm just saying that I am going to try and let her have control over SOME things. I will have to be sure to do that. Love to all Jeaux

E/R Visit

Mom has still been complaining with her back hurting her. I was going to bring her to the E/R on Friday evening after I got in from work. She decided she would wait and go Saturday instead. Well, long story short, we didn't go. She was just not feeling well enough. SO, yesterday, she had made up her mind she wanted to go - just couldn't stand it any longer. After her radiation treatment, we went on to E/R at Our Lady of the Lake. When we arrived, it was Mom and I, plus I guess one or 2 others. Then a gent came in after us (none of us arrived by ambulance). So, within a few minutes she had been through the triage and had a bracelet and instructed to wait in the waiting room to be called. It took about an hour and then once we got into a little room, we were there about 5 - 6 hours. I explained why we were there, and allowed Mom to answer as many questions as she could, only adding important details she may have not remembered. The staff taking care of her were great; the nurses, orderlies, doctor.... The xray showed there are no broken or fractured bones. The doc explained it's most likely the nerves to her legs are very irritated by either a pinched nerve at L5/S1 (the very bottom of her back) or degenerative disc disease. So, all in all, I am glad we went. We were fortunate to have the last MRI she had done in September, I think, for them to compare the current tests with. It was on a CD! Cool stuff this technology! So, that's my small update. I will write more later. Thanks for your continued prayers and support! Love to all~ Jeaux

November 2008 Update #1

Mom is currently in Week #3 of 5 weeks worth of radiation treatment. She seems tired.

She's been complaining about her back hurting. In August, or maybe September - not long after her last discharge from hospital - she had fallen. After complaining with excruciating back pain, Deb brought her to E/R and had an x-ray/MRI done. Turned out, she'd fractured the L5 (or maybe S1) vertebrae. The doctor performed a kyphoplasty which is a procedure where he injects a cement-like substance into the fracture. She's complained with a great deal of pain since that mishap.

Her ankles/feet had swollen up big-time again. We had her doc prescribe some fluid pills. She is taking these daily in the morning. The swelling seems to have gone down.

Deb has gone back to Alaska. She left 10/28. She'd arranged for Comfort Keepers to come everyday (either in the morning or afternoon), but they can/will only transport Mom to appointments 3 times a week. I bring her Monday/Wednesday. On those days, Comfort Keepers comes in the morning. The rest of the week, they come in the afternoon. Because we are in the infant stage with CK, there's some tweaking to be done with visits, transportation, etc. Mom was all stressed about it. So we discussed it. I asked if she felt like she had company coming and needed to entertain. She said yes. I explained that she will get used to the idea these gals are here to assist with whatever she needs help with.

I guess she thought once the cigarette nazi (Deb) had left, that I would be more flexible. WRONG. I give her one pack of cigarettes. This has to last until I see her again the following day. She seems to be doing well. Deb devised "visual aids" for her so Mom could stretch out her smoking more affectively. Deb has 4 cigarette boxes. They are marked: Midnight to 6am; 6am to Noon; Noon to 6pm and 6pm to Midnight. Each pack has 5 cigarettes. If she borrows from one, she has one less to smoke during that time period. I take the 6am to Noon and Noon to 6pm and put them in the spare bedroom. That way, she has to go all the way in the room to get a smoke. I also put 3 or 4 extras either on the dresser in there, or on the night stand. Kind of like a scavenger hunt. Something to stimulate her brain cells I guess. They are never in the same spot twice. My intent is to gradually decrease the number of extra cigarettes I put out for her once she's done with her daily allotment. And also the same with the ones in the packs until she is hardly smoking at all. And then, hopefully, not at all. We'll see if this works. Probably won't but, gotta start some place. Besides, it's always better to aim for the stars than to shoot down a well. At least you hit higher!

Dad. Dad's been having difficulty swallowing. Has been for years. Food gets "hung up" in his "hernia". He's got some upper gastro problems and someone has to come to the house to teach him how to swallow (apparently, he's been doing it wrong all these years...?) She helps him work all those esophagus muscles, coughing, clearing his throat, she watches him swallow, etc. He drinks out of this huge bottle that has a built in plastic straw. She said no more straws. Yikes! Also, she said rice is not good for him to eat. No more rice (double YIKES!). Needless to say, Dad doesn't much care for her! He is also having physical therapy come in once a week to work his legs and ankles. Deb had scheduled an eye doctor appointment. He has macular degeneration. The good news/bad news is that he likely won't go blind. Bad news: surgery won't help. So, Deb ordered some glasses for him and this special lamp that sits behind him to add more light to his reading material. I took Dad to get his glasses/lamp. He was under the impression that BAM! He would be able to read again. Sadly, not the case. He has to re-train his eyes to read. He was disappointed and I think put out by that. He wants to read very badly.

All in all, I've been pretty busy between their home and mine, and travelling the interestate back and forth, and working my job. Plus, piano, band, baseball, etc. No time to be tired or catch up on my sleep. We had sustained a bit of damage during Gustav and for 2 weeks had construction guys at our home. The lead guy is Mexican. Speaks with an accent. He's kinda cute. His wife is sweet as can be. The 2 guys he had do the job (roof, inside ceiling, sheet rock, painting, etc) were also cute as could be. Neither one spoke much English. One was Spanish (I think) and the other Brazilian... Hunky guys. They said it'd take about 3 days to do the job; turned out to be 10 and they are still not finished. That's ok. It'll give us time to build up our funds for the extras we want to do. We also had our carpet in the den ripped out and put in hardwood flooring. Additionally, the pecky cypress wainscoting we had in the den has been ripped out and the walls painted over. The room has been transformed! Looks great. September 12, 2008, Kent had a mishap at work and broke his ankle. He's been laid up on crutches since then and has undergone corrective surgery - complete with plate and screws. He was recently put in a walking boot, but is still not full weight-bearing. Won't be for at least a month. He's ready to get back to work. Staying home is great but only a day or 2 - a week tops. After that, things get monotonous and a person kinda gets cabin fever. Plus, our dog, Jacques, was poisoned with anti-freeze (by a stupidly cruel neighbor who did not like strays in his yard) and I had to have him put down. This was in October. It's been a very stressful time for me these past few months.

Well, that's it for now. Hope you all fare well until I post again! Take care and if I don't post before then, I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

kisses, hugs and much love ~ Jeaux

UPDATE on Mom

OK. First things first: Apparently, this doc Mom saw about the suspicious areas in her right breast feels these areas are likely fibroid in nature and really nothing to worry about at this time. He would like to check again after she does the radiation. He's not keen on biopsying these areas after what all she's been through recently. Dr Nyboer (Neurosurgeon) says her bones are dried up and look like swiss cheese or a sponge. Naturally she is going to have problems with this from here on out. Dad has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) which is likely due to second-hand smoke. Or, maybe even exposure to asbestos or other pulmonary irritants from his years of working as a plumber/pipefitter. Mom INSISTS it is not due to her smoking in the house. In fact, she states that if she is going to die from smoking, so be it. "What about the effects on Dad?" I asked. She says "he will just have to come along with me". Like he does not have a choice. Sheesh. Debra, Kathy and I checked out an assisted living facility in my area. Real nice place. The one-bedroom unit was very nice. It's pricey and even with the Veteran's Administration paying a portion of Dad's bill, it would still take up about 95% of their monthly funds. They'd have practically nothing left over for groceries. Meals are included in the monthly price, but Mom likes to cook and the units have a kitchen area with a stove for cooking. After my sisters and I reviewed the place, there was a question as to whether Mom and Dad would actually "fit in" with the "class of people" that were there. So, we can explore other options. MomandDad's doctor doesn't think they need 'round the clock care/attending/supervision. Maybe just a few hours here and there. He is not a jerk, but a hard a$$. I wanted him to approve a motorized cart for Dad because I worry about him on uneven surfaces - not so much around and inside the house, but so he can go beyond the porch. Nope. He said Dad needs exercise. I agree, but disagree on his decision. Makes me mad. But again, these days, just about everything makes me mad. I just don't feel the medical community is doing what all it could for them and I feel like things have begun to spin horribly out of control. On a positive note (I like ending with these if possible), Dad says he's feeling much better than usual. I know alot of that has to do with Deb being there and making sure he is taking his meds faithfully and regularly. I only had Mom's word to go on that he'd been taking them; thinking she was giving them to him but she was only putting the bottles on the counter for him to take. OY! Well, that's it for now. I think I've covered everything. I will post more as information becomes available.

Mom's Not Looking So Hot

Debra had asked me last night to check Mom for my opinion on the normality of her appearance. When I walked in, she was sitting in her chair, all bent over, like she was either looking for something on the floor, or had fallen asleep. Nope. Definitely not normal. But then again, in this stage of the game, maybe it IS normal? Her ankles and left foot are swollen again. Maybe a tad bit confused (getting words mixed up) and speech is slurred again. I know she isn't overmedicated, Debra is doling out her medication to ensure she isn't double dosing (because of her poor memory or confusing night time with day time). It looks like her back muscles aren't strong enough to support her. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that's the only way I can describe it. She needs inpatient treatment. Maybe an inpatient rehab hospital/facility where she can be checked on round the clock. She always does well after a few days in the hospital, but that's structured and someone is there to help her with whatever the crisis is at the time. But within a few days after discharge, back to the same ole, same ole. She will be seeing her Neurologist/Pain Management doc tomorrow - Dr. John Nyboer. He's a great doctor. Compared to Dr. Billings anyway (her oncologist). Granted, her lung cancer has all but disappeared but his "bedside" manner sucks. Deb had asked him for a copy of Mom's records, and he questioned her as to why she wanted them. She explained she is going back to Alaska and would like something to document she was here tending to Mom while undergoing treatment for cancer. He said "Alaska? That's a Welfare state." The nerve. Forget the fact of whether it is or not; what gets me is the audacity of him to make that statement. We have requested her records 3 times, and for some reason, he does not want to let go of them. Makes me wonder and question is professionalism. Well, I'll try and update after Mom's visit with Dr. Nyboer. It's difficult for me getting information second-hand rather than from the doctor, but that's just me. Keep praying. Love to all~ Jeaux

Update to my update....

I have just been notified by Debra that a CT scan performed on Dad is indicative of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). So, her remark to Mom about the gastro-intestinal problems being a result of second-hand smoke may have not been all that far off after all. If you don't mind, please keep him in your prayers as well. I will update further on his condition as well. Thanks again! Jeaux

Uh.... UPDATE.

I know it's been forever since my last post, and you are all probably on the edge of your seats wondering what has been going on with Mom, so here is an update: You probably don't know this, but, my (middle) sister, Debra has moved from Alaska to help me with all that has been going on. Don't know what I would have done had she not been able to do this. She's been bringing Mom to her chemo treatments and doctor appointments, as well as tending to Dad (on top of her own family miles and miles away!). She has truly been a life-saver in all of this. Mom has had her chemo and suffered all the side-effects that come along with that. She's also been hopsitalized a few times because of her "Electric Lights" being off (as well as her potassium and other key nutrients a body needs). Her mental status is not back to normal (she is still confused at times and behaves in the most bizarre manner), but all in all, not too bad. We had an appointment with Mom's oncologist yesterday. He showed us the scans that were done in 4/08, and the recent ones (8/08). I know it's hard to believe, but her "Aggressive, Inoperable Small Cell Carcinoma" has all but cleared up. The next step is to do extensive radiation treatment on her chest to kill off any remaining cells that are hiding and hopefully keep them from rearing their ugly head. On the flip side, she does have highly suspicious areas in her right breast that need to be evaluated further. Her oncologist's office is in the process of getting those appiontments set up (the radiology specialist and general surgeon for a breast biopsy). Then back to see him in a couple weeks. Deb has also had Dad evaluated and he has some gastro-intestinal issues that need to be investigated a bit further. I suppose that all those years of drinking is catching up (he's 82 and has been drinking since before the age of 20!). Deb told Mom the doctor suspects this is from SECOND HAND SMOKE. Sneaky... But, doubt it will help Mom kick the habit. Deb has made an appointment for Dad to have his eyes evaluated, and I believe she will be trying to get him to a Dentist for dentures which may help him eat more healthy foods. Kathy, my eldest sister has gone the denture route. I tell you - I couldn't even TELL she had dentures! They looked so much like her teeth always looked, and did not affect her speech at all. So, I guess that kinda helped Dad to at least consider dentures. Great job sistas! I wanted to take this opportunity to send out a heart felt THANK YOU to each and every one of you for your prayers and thoughts. I am sure there is a power far greater at work here, and don't think we would be where we are without your support. I also want to say, Hats Off to Debra. When she sold what she could up north, quit her job and hopped on the first plane to Louisiana, she instantly became my hero. I had never expected her to do that, but, she did. And living with your PARENTS after being on your own for 20 years is never easy, and our family is certainly no exception! She even managed to get Mom down to about a pack a day (Mom was smoking about 2-1/2 to 3 packs per day)! Amazing! Well, take care friends. I will try and be more consistent with the updates as they become available. Jeaux

So THAT'S What It Is!

Well, turns out that WBBS/LI Mom was scheduled for was not a spinal tap of some sort after all. It was a BODY SCAN. Makes perfect sense now! WBBS - Whole Body Bone Scan. And the "LI" was not the L-1 vertebrae either. It was actually "LI" for "Lake Imaging". I feel better now that I know. Mom's chemo teaching went well as can be expected, I guess. Kathy went with her. They watched a video and learned all about nutrition, diet, nausea, vomiting, etc. Kathy showed me the folder with all the literature. The number one thing the doc said was that MOM NEEDS TO STOP SMOKING. She said she will. I don't think she will. Seems like the more determined she is to stop, the more she smokes. Hopefully, she will keep her word and stop this week. Kathy seemed disappointed by the fact that after the chemo class, Mom made Kathy stop so she could buy some cigarettes. I don't blame Kathy. I mean, here we are re-arranging our lives and schedules to take care of Mom, and she does not appear to be putting any effort into stopping. At least that's how it appears to me. But, I don't know what battles are going on inside Mom. Because of the rain last week, Mom rescheduled her MRI of the brain. Because of that, the chemo has been pushed to Wednesday (5/20) instead of Tuesday the 20th. Debbie is still coming on the 20th. Then, she will have her appt. with Dr. Billings. He will know more about how to proceed on the chemo once he reviews all the results of Mom's diagnostic tests. My boss told me that once Deb gets all settled, and Mom's routine is running more smoothly, I should have tests done to check for cancer. I will need to get the adenoma of my thyroid checked. I suggested to Kathy she do the same thing. Hopefully, she will. Well, faithful readers and fellow bloggers, I will log off for now. Thanks for stopping by. Keep praying! Love to all ~ Jeaux

Day 2 (or is it 3?)

Okay. Day 2 is when Mom is scheduled for her medi-port implant. Dr. Olinde's office called her and scheduled for Tuesday, May 13. Mom said they told her Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (which is located at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital). I thought that was odd, thinking it would be at St. Mary's Tower where she had the bronchoscopy done. At any rate, we park at MBPCC, go in, and were told we were at the wrong place. Mom was told to be there for 11, and we got there about 10:45. I suggested Mom let me drop her off then park, but she insisted on walking. By the time we get inside and it's our turn at the Help Desk, it's 10:55. So, I go get the car, pick her up, and off to the parking garage we go. She said for me to drop her at the tunnel entrance and she would wait, because "we have plenty time". I told her not to wait on me, that I'd park and catch up to her because it was 5 mintues to 11. So, off she and I go, to accomplish our goals. I park, get to the tunnel, and notice she is not at the check in spot at St. Mary's. I did see her half way down a hall way that leads back to MBPCC. I caught up to her and asked where she was going. She said they told her it was this way. I ask if she wants a wheel chair, but she wanted to walk. So we go about 30 feet (Mom walks slow) and I noticed she was getting slower and slower, and more winded. I also had a feeling we were going the wrong way. I convinced her to wait where she was so I could at least get a wheel chair. Lucky me, I noticed an orderly coming down the hall with one. She let me use the wheel chair and I caught up to Mom who did not wait as instructed. So, off we go in the general direction of no where in particular. I parked her at MBPCC and waited for a very chatty patient to finish up with the clerk so I could ask if we were in the right spot. Surprise, we were not where we were supposed to be. Turns out, that feeling I had of being in the wrong place was correct. So, long story short (or short story way too long), we check in at 11:30. We waited for about 10-15 minutes before they brought us to the "bay" area. Got her dressed in her pretty hospital-issue gown, accessorized by her hospital bracelet and an IV. And, waited. It was 2:00 before they came for her (grrrrr). We finally left around 3:30. Dr. Olinde said she did fine during the procedure and the usual "call us if she has any problems" (but he won't be there - he's going out of town!). Oh, and remember that test that no one had heard of (not even the place where it was to be performed)? Well the nurse who took Mom's medical history found out it was some sort of lumbar puncture - I guess checking to see if there is cancer in her spine? She said it is to be in her Lumbar spine (the appointment print out page said "WBBS/LI"). I thought it was L-I, not L-1. All her diagnostic tests had that on there, like, MRI/LI and MM/LI (mammogram). They did not do an MRI of her L-1, nor was the mammogram for her L-1 spine. Turns out, that was a full body scan.... OY. And the LI stands for LAKE IMAGING, not Lumbar-1 vertebrae. This is all confusing to me, so I can imagine it being a whirl wind of confusion to Mom. I was fortunate that Kathy was able to take Wednesday thru Friday off because I had alot of catch-up work to do at the office. Remember the MRI of her brain that had to be rescheduled because she is claustrophobic? Well that was scheduled for today, but it was raining, so she rescheduled it for next week. That's a pretty minor thing, so she won't need a chaparone. Naturally, we won't know the results of any of this until she sees Dr. Billings again on 5/20 at 9:25 am. After we see him, I go the the Baton Rouge Airport and pick up Debbie. Then bring her to Lake Imaging and I will go in to work for a couple of hours. Gotta get things finalized for a 2 day conference coming up. Gotta finalize the menus, put packets together, yada yada blah blah. NEXT is the CHEMO TEACHING which will be tomorrow. Kathy did well in school, so I am sure she will take good notes for me. Well, that's it for now. Thanks for keeping updated with me. Keep praying. Love to all. Jeaux

DAY 1 OF "THE PROCESS"

Well, day one was a long one (and it's only the beginning!) Her MUGA test took longer than expected, although it was quite interesting. They take out some blood, put some radioactive tracers/tags in it, and put it back in. They then put you in this MRI looking machine and check to see how your arteries are working. This test usually takes about 20 minutes. HOWEVER, Mom's heart rate was all over the place (78, 95, 120, 67, 83, 60, well, you get the picture). Because it was not stable, it took a while for the tech to get a good read. So, all in all, the 20 minute test took almost an hour. Needless to say, Mom started getting VERY uncomfortable because she was flat on her back (luckily I talked her into putting the triangle shaped pillow under her knees at the beginning of the test). I started counting her down (she kept asking "how much longer?") at about the 3 minute mark. She was hooked up to EKG type leads, and it was noted she had an arhythmia of her heart - that's a fancy word for "your heart isn't beating right". NEXT came the MRI. They told her it was an open MRI. But, the machine covered her face - big no no if you are claustrophobic. They were kind enough to give her the Doctor's orders, and I drove to the Imaging center that did my MRI. You sit down, they lean you back, pull you into the machine and you lie there and watch TV - although you can't hear the TV because the machine makes so much noise (I felt like I was on a ride at Disney. I even asked the tech if I should raise my arms and yell "WooooHooo!" but she didn't get it. She said I had to stay very still). I was lucky enough to get her scheduled for Thursday morning at 9:30. I filled out the paper work for Mom, so all she has to do is go to the place, sign in and wait. NEXT was her appt with Dr. Olinde - the vascular surgeon who did the abdominal by pass surgery on her about 3 years ago. Because he is going out of town Wednesday through Monday or Tuesday, he scheduled her for this morning. He explained where he'd put the medi-port, and stated that a patient CAN go straight from there to chemo (although I don't see how - it takes 8 hours!) but he would rather the patient wait a day or 2 - give the area a little time to heal. So this works out perfect. Kathy is going to try to take off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; although I think Friday is the only day. Of course, Mom is scheduled for CHEMO TEACHING, and I would really like for someone to be there with her - this stuff is confusing to her. I asked Dr. Olinde if he knew what WBBS stood for. Uh, negatory on that. So I called the place where the appt is scheduled - nope, they had no idea too. ? So, I will continue my quest for medical terminology and acronyms. Wish me luck! I will post more today (or maybe tomorrow) on how the medi-port insertion went. Keep praying, people!!! Love to All! Jeaux :-)

UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS

Hello faithful / curious readers! Mom had her consult with Dr. Billings (the Oncologist) and he has scheduled the following appointments for her: 5/12/08 - 7:45 she will arrive for her MUGA scan (Multigated Acquisition Scan which is a nuclear scan that evaluates the pumping function of the ventricles), an MRI, and finally a consult with Dr. Olinde at 11am or there abouts. 5/14/08 - she will have her first injection (WBBS - what ever that is) at 12, Mammo at 12:30 and another WBBS at 3pm. 5/16/08 - she will have "chemo teaching" at 1pm. This appointment looks like it will last for about 2 hours. 520/08 - beginning at 8:45 she will have lab work - and a follow up appt with the doctor (not sure if it will be Dr. Olinde or Dr. Billings) and beginning at 9:30 am she will have an 8 hour chemo visit. Eight hours? Yep - eight hours.... That will be a long day. I will post again Monday to describe how that day went. I know she is trying to quit smoking. She says she smokes more when she is anxious. Apparently, she has been very anxious, since she is smoking 2 packs a day. She had tried that new miracle drug CHANTIX to help her quit, but I think she came in with the wrong attitude. She thought it would just take away her cravings. I explained that it is only a tool to help her quit. She would have to set a date to stop totally, and then in-between now and that date, she will have to cut down more and more each day, or week, until finally, she is needing a cigarette less and less, to not at all. I just need to help her come up with something to do when she is anxious other than smoking. Her pulmonologist, Dr. Vincent (he did the bronchoscopy and diagnosed the cancer) told her the chemo and radiation treatment would not CURE the cancer, only treat it. I explained to her that it's like her back problems. Her doctor can't cure it, only manage it. When Mom saw Dr. Billings (the oncologist) this past Tuesday, she did not let me go with her. She is worried about me taking off too much work and possibly losing my job, even though my boss is very understanding and has told me to not worry about anything. Mom told me Dr. Billings said "it's treatable" like it's curable. I am thinking she does not realize there is a difference. I'm not sure I want to explain that to her. Maybe ignorance is bliss. I went on line to this website "TLC" and researched wigs and what she will need when she starts losing her hair. I've learned alot. I will be talking to her about her options - I even printed out pictures of wigs with styles similar to what she has now. Keep mom in your prayers, please and check back in from time to time.

The Beginning

Hello to all who have come to this site for updates. I'd like to start off by giving a history. We all know Mom was born in the "late" 30's and married our dad, Frank, in 1950. She married early and raised 5 kids, of which I happen to be the youngest. She has 4 grandsons, 5 granddaughters. She also has 4 great-grandsons. In 2007, Mom was hospitalized 2 times (May and September) for pneumonia. She was hospitalized again in April for pneumonia. This was where they performed extensive tests and determined she most likely had lung cancer (with lymph node involvement). Subsequent testing (bronchoscopy) confirmed the preliminary diagnosis of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Left Upper Lung. Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is categorized differently from the other cancers in that it is not "Staged". It is either aggressive or non-aggressive. Because there is lymph node involvement, hers is considered aggressive. To give a little perspective, if her cancer would be staged, she would be at Stage 3b (stage 4 being the worst). She saw her oncologist, Dr. Billings, on Tuesday May 6. According to Mom, he said her cancer is treatable. She goes Monday, May 12, to have her "port" inserted so they can deliver her chemotherapy through that, rather than having to go through a vein each time. That could be tough on the veins. Then she will be going two other times, I am not quite sure of the dates. The reason I created this blog is so each and every one of you can visit to check Mom's status. If you would like to make comments, you are very welcome to do so (encouraged even). Well, I will sign off for now, and keep updating as they become available. Love to all - to the moon and back! Jeaux