Mom would write today’s entry but she’s exhausted from the day. The visit to the oncologist was reassuring in that all is as expected.
We waited an hour to hear the news that the doctor is HOPEFUL that the cancer is progressing as “oligometastatic disease” which basically means it doesn’t seem to be spreading uncontrollably throughout her body but seems to be staying where it is. The bone cancer appears to be a very slow progression. He talked about how one of the key indicators of health with cancer is how the patient is feeling and functioning. “This is a gift” (quoted from Dr. Heyer) in that she isn’t in pain, she has personality traits of an optimistic fighter, and possesses a wonderful perspective of “there’s no advantage in not living life to fullest” (quoted directly from Ann Kulp).
The plan going forward is that Mom will go on a maintenance dose of Alimta to be delivered every three weeks for as long as it is effective and well-tolerated. She will be receiving periodic scans to assess effectiveness. She will start the Alimta on August 13, giving her a little break. This might be helpful for her because her red blood cell count took a real hit from the chemo and is taking a while to rebound. Her energy has been a bit low as a result.
After relaxing for two hours in a pleasant little courtyard, enjoying the breeze and relatively low humidity for a change, Mom took her valium and we headed to Fairfax Hospital for her targeted radiation. We waited another hour while they calibrated the large machine to target a tiny, little area of her brain. There are some things you don’t want rushed! As we waited for the Russian physicist to calibrate the machine made in China, the radiation oncologist reassured Mom that she wouldn’t emerge from the treatment speaking Spanish but that Russian or Chinese were possibilities. Ha! I am going to digress for a moment to mention that the radiation oncologist is the kindest, most compassionate doctor ever. He told my Mom that if she experienced any disturbing side effects tonight that his name was in the phone book and that she could call him at home. After the procedure, he wrote his phone number on the discharge paper after escorting her back to the waiting room. (He’s married.)
She reported back to me later that the music helped immensely since the mask was pressing onto the bridge of her nose in a painful way. She had eleven cycles of beams over about forty minutes. For each beam they had to move the bed or the rotating piece above her and clamp the box around her head to ensure that the spot was targeted precisely. Very jarring experience. But now, fortunately, it’s over. Yay!
Karen
Ann's Hummingbird
What a day! Good news and thank you Karen for the entertaining commentary.
The quote from Ann Kulp was extraordinary! and well said.
Thank you for the post and sending prayers.
Susan
Centering Prayer group this evening remembered you in prayer, Ann. So glad that this part if behind you and that you are able to rest a bit now. How fortunate that your daughter is there with you offering so much help and support! We all send you our love! Maureen Jenkins
Karen, THANKS for updating us on Tuesday’s adventures and blessings. my gratitude, joy and healing prayers continue – for.you.all. lisa
I prayed and tried to beam joy your way Ann.
Karen, thank you for the update. Your mom is such a treasure. It isn’t at all surprising that the doctors have seen her light. Blessings.
ann, you’ve been so generous in sharing your journey with your friends. thank you. i’m glad to know that your docs are all treating you as the amazing woman that you are, not as another chart or as a disease. you continue to be a blessing.
and so glad that this day you were dreading is now behind you.
blessings,
a
Dear Ann,
I am so happy that the music you so carefully selected was helpful in getting through this tough ordeal. You are so tuned in to many sources of strength and beauty. I am sure that you continue to teach the doctors about aspects of healing! Prayers continue and love abounds! And thank you, Karen, for your care for your mother and my dear friend!
Frist the Royal Baby, and now this good news! Great to hear and certainly as your mom is already aware, there are certain foods that can also help her. Satya and I watched a show called Forks and Knives which was suggested by her chiro and they are pretty certain that some foods can slow down disease. I hope you both have a restful week!
Thanks for the update Karen! I drove a very close friend of mine as she went through many treatments of ‘cyber knife’ radiation. I waited with her in ‘the room’ while they set things into place – the machine was indeed an amazingly huge thing. I was shooed out to a waiting room during the procedure of course. My friend slept on the way home…valium does indeed help.
My love to your mom – and my continued prayers that this strong lady who gave birth to you continues to fight the intrusion in her body.
So glad to hear that the “jarring” procedure is done and that things seem to be looking up in a positive direction. Always praying for healing, comfort, ‘n strength to face the unknown and deal w/the present. I’m still in KY visiting family. Last night 3 of my grandkids performed at the Pulaski Co. Fair and two of them won and will be headed to the State next month. The other one is an alternate, so it was a fun/successful night, and I’m just sooooooooooo proud… Nothing like family… 🙂
Thank you, Karen, for the description of the day. Fascinating! Once again, Ann, you’ve proven yourself to be a trooper. I’m so glad you had the music and the Valium, and I’m relieved for you that it ‘s over.
Abiding love and prayers,
Allison
While with the Shalem class, remembering the Source in community, we receive the gift of slipping out of our thinking, fear, and into the deep Rest. You are with us in that dear Ann. Karen, too.
i hope you’ve gotten good restorative rest today after your big day. and i hope you’re flooded w/ the peace that really can pass all understanding.
blessings,
a
Ann and Karen,
So glad to read these multiple pieces of good news! Sounds like you two are working as quite a team to take on what you can with courage and light and let the rest go (eg, taking in the breeze and simply resting between appointments).
Prayers continue to be with each of you for peaceful rest in the days ahead.
Love and gentle hugs,
Leslie
Karen, thank you so much for your post. So glad to hear that, all things considered, the appt with the oncologist went well. Glad the radiation treatment is over and that Dr. Heyer appreciates the gift that is our Ann! (He sounds like a real mensch as well as an excellent doc; I LOL when you added that he’s married.)
Ann and I had a lovely visit together last week.
Gentle hugs and love to Ann. And a hug to you as well 🙂
I think you told me all about your latest trip to the oncologist the other night at dinner but I wanted to see if this email actually got to you so I will say what I already have. I am glad this is over with except for the once every three weeks booster dose. I have a feeling that will be much easier on you. Sounds like the news from the oncologist is good too in that everything seems to be staying quiet. Now it is time to take a deep breath, relax, eat lots of good red meat, build those red cells and enjoy your upcoming travels. Judy