Mom had several tests early this week, then she saw Dr. Warren on Thursday. It appears she has developed resistance to her chemo drugs and has hit a major plateau. Her CA125 dropped only 7 this time and her CT scan indicates there is still abdominal fluid present.
Dr. Warren suspects Dr. Cliby will want to continue chemo trying different drugs. Mom will be at Mayo on December 7, so we will know more very soon.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we will celebrate the blessing of still having our Mom with us. It has not been an easy year, but there have been many blessings in our valley and we have seen God's faithful hand at work in our lives.
We will also celebrate the blessing of loving family and friends who have encouraged us and lifted us up in prayer. How we thank God who has, for now, blessed us with these.
Happy Thanksgiving!
20 November 2009
30 October 2009
Round 6, No Bells
At Mom's chemo lab, they have a bell for patients to ring when they finish chemo. She was expecting to ring the bell yesterday, but her chemo went so late there was hardly anyone there when she finished up, so...she didn't bother to ring the bell in celebration.
Bummer!
Mom is going back on November 17 for a new CT scan and lab work, then she will see Dr. Warren on the 19th. Next, she will see Dr. Cliby at Mayo on December 7 to discuss a maintenance plan.
Mom's CA125 dropped to 222, 25 less than the last time and we are thankful it is still dropping, even if progress seems slow. Maintenance chemo may help it continue to drop, but Mom wants to know what all of her options are before she decides.
She has had some neuropathy in her hands the past few weeks, but Dr. Warren suggested that she eat more vegetables and it seems to be doing better.
She is getting another white blood cell shot today and it will make her achy for the next few days. The last chemo and this one have also made her more tired.
Mom really looks good for all she has been through, but she still has so much progress to make. She covets your continued prayers as this cancer is not ever going to go away. It recurs and is basically a chronic condition that will always be with her unless God intervenes.
Pastor Morrow reminded us on Mother's Day about the importance of the word "my." Mother is a familiar word and we all have (or had) one. We understand that mothers everywhere suffer every day and we all care in a general sense; however, knowing that "my" mother is suffering naturally intensifies our level of concern.
Obviously our Mom is not your mother, but we want you to know that your prayers, care and concern mean so much to us because she is ours.
Blessings!
Bummer!
Mom is going back on November 17 for a new CT scan and lab work, then she will see Dr. Warren on the 19th. Next, she will see Dr. Cliby at Mayo on December 7 to discuss a maintenance plan.
Mom's CA125 dropped to 222, 25 less than the last time and we are thankful it is still dropping, even if progress seems slow. Maintenance chemo may help it continue to drop, but Mom wants to know what all of her options are before she decides.
She has had some neuropathy in her hands the past few weeks, but Dr. Warren suggested that she eat more vegetables and it seems to be doing better.
She is getting another white blood cell shot today and it will make her achy for the next few days. The last chemo and this one have also made her more tired.
Mom really looks good for all she has been through, but she still has so much progress to make. She covets your continued prayers as this cancer is not ever going to go away. It recurs and is basically a chronic condition that will always be with her unless God intervenes.
Pastor Morrow reminded us on Mother's Day about the importance of the word "my." Mother is a familiar word and we all have (or had) one. We understand that mothers everywhere suffer every day and we all care in a general sense; however, knowing that "my" mother is suffering naturally intensifies our level of concern.
Obviously our Mom is not your mother, but we want you to know that your prayers, care and concern mean so much to us because she is ours.
Blessings!
09 October 2009
News From Round 5
Mom says, "Hi and thanks so much for your prayers."
Her chemo went well again yesterday. Her doctor and nurses are pleased with how well she is doing. She looks good, is eating well and has some energy, though she tires easily. We offer help almost daily, but she is satisfied doing for herself. We're glad she can.
Her CA 125 dropped to 247, down from 295 and her recent CT scan indicates there is still cancer present, but smaller amounts.
She will have chemo again in the 28th, then we will wait three more weeks and she will have another set of marker tests. After those are done, she will go back to Mayo to meet with her surgeon to discuss whether she should have maintenance chemo.
If you are interested in offering a word of encouragement, Mom's address is 760 Grand Ave, Marion, IA 52302.
Blessings!
Her chemo went well again yesterday. Her doctor and nurses are pleased with how well she is doing. She looks good, is eating well and has some energy, though she tires easily. We offer help almost daily, but she is satisfied doing for herself. We're glad she can.
Her CA 125 dropped to 247, down from 295 and her recent CT scan indicates there is still cancer present, but smaller amounts.
She will have chemo again in the 28th, then we will wait three more weeks and she will have another set of marker tests. After those are done, she will go back to Mayo to meet with her surgeon to discuss whether she should have maintenance chemo.
If you are interested in offering a word of encouragement, Mom's address is 760 Grand Ave, Marion, IA 52302.
Blessings!
23 September 2009
Round 4, Slow & Steady
Sorry to be running behind with this update.
Mom had several tests last Tuesday, including a CT scan. Her doctor can tell there is less cancer, but it is difficult to know for sure how much of her progress is due to her surgery and how much is due to the chemo because the CT he used for comparison was done prior to her surgery. There is still a small amount of fluid present as well.
Her CA125 level has again dropped, this time from 399 to 295.
Her chemo session went well and so far, she is not having any major side-effects from it, for which we are thankful.
Her next chemo date is Thursday, October 8.
Mom had several tests last Tuesday, including a CT scan. Her doctor can tell there is less cancer, but it is difficult to know for sure how much of her progress is due to her surgery and how much is due to the chemo because the CT he used for comparison was done prior to her surgery. There is still a small amount of fluid present as well.
Her CA125 level has again dropped, this time from 399 to 295.
Her chemo session went well and so far, she is not having any major side-effects from it, for which we are thankful.
Her next chemo date is Thursday, October 8.
28 August 2009
Round 3...Cancer on the Run
Mom is finishing up her 3rd round of chemo this afternoon and just received the results of her CA125 test today. It has dropped from 791 to 399. Significant progress in the right direction!
So far, the side-effects of the chemo have been typical, but she had quite a bit of nausea with the last treatment and we're praying it goes better this time.
Her 4th chemo is scheduled for Thursday, September 17. This is the midway point so she will go in on the 15th for a CT scan and some additional lab work to help track her progress.
We remain grateful for your continued prayers.
Blessings!
So far, the side-effects of the chemo have been typical, but she had quite a bit of nausea with the last treatment and we're praying it goes better this time.
Her 4th chemo is scheduled for Thursday, September 17. This is the midway point so she will go in on the 15th for a CT scan and some additional lab work to help track her progress.
We remain grateful for your continued prayers.
Blessings!
07 August 2009
Round 2 (Ding, Ding, Ding)
Mom had her second chemo treatment yesterday and it went pretty well. Her labs looked good and her CA 125 level has dropped to 791...nearly half of what it was three weeks ago. Still, a long way to go to get to =<35.
Round three is scheduled for Friday, August 28.
Round three is scheduled for Friday, August 28.
24 July 2009
It's Raining, It's Pouring
Remember the old saying, "When it rains, it pours?" Well, we're having a time of it...
Ronda has been in excruciating pain since last Thursday and an MRI revealed she has a ruptured lumbar disc which is causing considerable problems for her sciatic nerve. So, she will be in surgery sometime yet today...we don't know exactly what time.
Please keep her in your prayers throughout the day today. She needs relief we can't spell with R-O-L-A-I-D-S!
:)
Ronda has been in excruciating pain since last Thursday and an MRI revealed she has a ruptured lumbar disc which is causing considerable problems for her sciatic nerve. So, she will be in surgery sometime yet today...we don't know exactly what time.
Please keep her in your prayers throughout the day today. She needs relief we can't spell with R-O-L-A-I-D-S!
:)
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