With God on her side, Mom is gearing up for battle on Wednesday...her first day of chemo. Keep her in your prayers.
Let the battle begin!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Quick Update
It's late and I just got home from the hospital so I'll make this quick...I'll post more details tomorrow. :)
Mom made it through her port surgery just fine this morning. However, she was in recovery for FIVE hours because they were having a little trouble managing her intense pain and keeping her blood pressure from dropping so low. By 6:00 pm she was finally in a room and still hungry as a bear! She can't eat until tomorrow.
The surgeon's plan is to send her home tomorrow.
Keep praying... :)
Good Night!
Mom made it through her port surgery just fine this morning. However, she was in recovery for FIVE hours because they were having a little trouble managing her intense pain and keeping her blood pressure from dropping so low. By 6:00 pm she was finally in a room and still hungry as a bear! She can't eat until tomorrow.
The surgeon's plan is to send her home tomorrow.
Keep praying... :)
Good Night!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It'a all about the earrings!
Hi everyone. The DuBose girls are getting along fine these days. Mom has had several appointments over the last few weeks and has begun pretty intense physical therapy 3 times a week. This therapy is for her leg which is improving...although MUCH more slowly than your typical "Kay DuBose pace!" She really misses being out in her garden and taking her long morning walks. But, I know my Mom...she WILL be doing these activities again one day soon!
We went to "chemo teaching" last week. It was a bit overwhelming and loaded with information. Mom's doctor is so thorough and organized! We left the 1 1/2 hour "class" with a thick folder containing information on the chemo drugs, a VERY detailed and individualized chemo schedule, information about side effects, "chemo savvy catalogues etc. Whew!...heavy stuff! Mom is mentally and physically preparing herself for the chemo battle...nausea, low blood counts, fatigue, hair loss, etc. My cousin, Molly, said that it's "all about the earrings!" So, once the hair goes...the earrings are going to be quite the focal point! I'm now on a mission to find Mom the coolest earrings in town! :)
So...the next step is more surgery on Thursday. Keep her in your prayers. She will get two ports put in (chest and abdomen) for the administration of the chemo. She will have to spend the night on Thursday...that's a bit of a bummer. Then she will begin chemo next week on the 29th of April. Her surgery was originally scheduled for today (Tuesday). She had to be on a liquid diet Sun. and Mon. which was hard since she had just gotten a real appetite back from the first surgery. But...she didn't complain. After a day and a half of "delightful meal choices" (broth, juice, broth, juice!) the doctor called to change her surgery from Tuesday to Thursday...which means 2 more days of broth and juice! Being the trooper that she is...she just laughed. She is such an inspiration to me. I love my mom!
Please continue to pray for Mom, her doctors, and all families dealing with cancer.
We are so thankful for all of you!
Good Night!...and Happy Earth Day tomorrow!
We went to "chemo teaching" last week. It was a bit overwhelming and loaded with information. Mom's doctor is so thorough and organized! We left the 1 1/2 hour "class" with a thick folder containing information on the chemo drugs, a VERY detailed and individualized chemo schedule, information about side effects, "chemo savvy catalogues etc. Whew!...heavy stuff! Mom is mentally and physically preparing herself for the chemo battle...nausea, low blood counts, fatigue, hair loss, etc. My cousin, Molly, said that it's "all about the earrings!" So, once the hair goes...the earrings are going to be quite the focal point! I'm now on a mission to find Mom the coolest earrings in town! :)
So...the next step is more surgery on Thursday. Keep her in your prayers. She will get two ports put in (chest and abdomen) for the administration of the chemo. She will have to spend the night on Thursday...that's a bit of a bummer. Then she will begin chemo next week on the 29th of April. Her surgery was originally scheduled for today (Tuesday). She had to be on a liquid diet Sun. and Mon. which was hard since she had just gotten a real appetite back from the first surgery. But...she didn't complain. After a day and a half of "delightful meal choices" (broth, juice, broth, juice!) the doctor called to change her surgery from Tuesday to Thursday...which means 2 more days of broth and juice! Being the trooper that she is...she just laughed. She is such an inspiration to me. I love my mom!
Please continue to pray for Mom, her doctors, and all families dealing with cancer.
We are so thankful for all of you!
Good Night!...and Happy Earth Day tomorrow!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Praise Him in this Storm!
I know it's been a while since I updated the blog. Quite honestly we have all just been so busy enjoying Frannie and catching our breath for the next leg of this journey. I have cherished every moment since Frannie arrived. She is yet another glimpse of God's great mercy!
Mom continues to improve a little each day. She had a follow-up doctor's appointment today which was loaded with information. Her leg is still not working like it should and her oncologist has set up an appt. with a neurologist next week. Please pray for encouraging news at this appointment. Otherwise, the doctor was impressed with how well her body is healing from the surgery.
The pathologist report from her surgery revealed a very tiny tumor in her fallopian tube that had not been detected on the CT scan. Therefore, they believe that she is actually dealing with fallopian tube cancer instead of ovarian cancer. However, the doctor said it is all treated basically the same way. Since the remaining tumors in her body are all so small, the oncologist feels that she is a great candidate for a more aggressive form of chemo. Although slightly harder on the body, it does have a greater survival rate....so, let the battle begin!
It's looking like her first of 6 chemo cycles will begin at the end of April. First, she has to have two ports put in (chest and abdomen) ...sometime in the next two weeks. These will be used to administer the chemo. This is another surgery, though pretty minor from what I understand. She will have chemo on the 1st, 2nd, and 9th day of every 21-day-cycle. Confusing...I know. I need to get a whole new planner for her to keep up with all these dates. :)
So, our path is a little stormy right now as we charter these unknown waters...new plans, new medical terms, more surgeries, more doctors, and chemo. Through it all, I will continue to praise Him in this storm! I have to remind myself to take things one day at a time, or I might miss the moments of sunshine and whispers of peace that God so graciously sends each day. Just to name a few: Mom's courage and determination; my sisters; our dear family; your many prayers and kind words of support; my precious class of 4-5 year olds who can erase all your anxiety within minutes; the countless cards, offers of help, support, food, etc.; the "newness" of the Easter season that brings such hope...
God is in control. I will rest in His merciful promises.
Good night!
Mom continues to improve a little each day. She had a follow-up doctor's appointment today which was loaded with information. Her leg is still not working like it should and her oncologist has set up an appt. with a neurologist next week. Please pray for encouraging news at this appointment. Otherwise, the doctor was impressed with how well her body is healing from the surgery.
The pathologist report from her surgery revealed a very tiny tumor in her fallopian tube that had not been detected on the CT scan. Therefore, they believe that she is actually dealing with fallopian tube cancer instead of ovarian cancer. However, the doctor said it is all treated basically the same way. Since the remaining tumors in her body are all so small, the oncologist feels that she is a great candidate for a more aggressive form of chemo. Although slightly harder on the body, it does have a greater survival rate....so, let the battle begin!
It's looking like her first of 6 chemo cycles will begin at the end of April. First, she has to have two ports put in (chest and abdomen) ...sometime in the next two weeks. These will be used to administer the chemo. This is another surgery, though pretty minor from what I understand. She will have chemo on the 1st, 2nd, and 9th day of every 21-day-cycle. Confusing...I know. I need to get a whole new planner for her to keep up with all these dates. :)
So, our path is a little stormy right now as we charter these unknown waters...new plans, new medical terms, more surgeries, more doctors, and chemo. Through it all, I will continue to praise Him in this storm! I have to remind myself to take things one day at a time, or I might miss the moments of sunshine and whispers of peace that God so graciously sends each day. Just to name a few: Mom's courage and determination; my sisters; our dear family; your many prayers and kind words of support; my precious class of 4-5 year olds who can erase all your anxiety within minutes; the countless cards, offers of help, support, food, etc.; the "newness" of the Easter season that brings such hope...
God is in control. I will rest in His merciful promises.
Good night!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Small Steps
Recovery is slow but sure! I don't think we were prepared for the magnitude of this surgery and recovery. It's BIG...but no match for Mom's spirit! She's ready to get back to her usual walking 4 miles a day, gardening, playing with the grandkids, church activities, etc. But...it's going to be a long while before that happens....but it WILL happen. Even in the midst of total fatigue, I feel safe and peaceful as we give this all to God and rest in His loving embrace.
We are so thankful for the small steps...eating at the table, lifting her left leg, sitting up, and walking more steadily. We are looking forward to the big steps...NO walker, NO pain, getting outside, NO nausea, and enjoying a great cup of coffee first thing in the morning!
Mom's sister, Frannie, is coming this weeked from Oregon and staying a week. Mom is thrilled! For those of you who have ever seen these two together, you know what kind of week it will be! Frannie is a cancer survivor and a huge support for Mom. See ya Sunday, Frannie!
The three little grandkids (Katherine, Vaughn-Thomas, and Blane) are getting used to our "new normal." They adore their Maw-Maw and continue to light up her life. They are used to having her truly PLAY with them on a daily basis. She is always the one to play hide-n-seek, explore in the back yard, build indoor tents, dance, sing, take them to movies, take them to the park, read to them, etc. It's so amazing how kids just adapt...They are precious playing at the foot of Mom's bed, bringing her drinks, singing to her, telling her about their day, and getting excited about every card and package that Mom receives. Today, two of Mom's neices sent her a beautiful ivy topiary. Katherine opened it and took it to Mom with such excitement shouting, "Maw-Maw, look! Somebody sent us a beanstalk!" Although painful, Mom couldn't help but laugh.
Life is good and getting better. As you pray for Mom, please include in your prayers all families who are also battling the rages of cancer, and thank God for the incredible gifts and talents given to those who are seeking cures and better treatments for this disease.
Good night!
We are so thankful for the small steps...eating at the table, lifting her left leg, sitting up, and walking more steadily. We are looking forward to the big steps...NO walker, NO pain, getting outside, NO nausea, and enjoying a great cup of coffee first thing in the morning!
Mom's sister, Frannie, is coming this weeked from Oregon and staying a week. Mom is thrilled! For those of you who have ever seen these two together, you know what kind of week it will be! Frannie is a cancer survivor and a huge support for Mom. See ya Sunday, Frannie!
The three little grandkids (Katherine, Vaughn-Thomas, and Blane) are getting used to our "new normal." They adore their Maw-Maw and continue to light up her life. They are used to having her truly PLAY with them on a daily basis. She is always the one to play hide-n-seek, explore in the back yard, build indoor tents, dance, sing, take them to movies, take them to the park, read to them, etc. It's so amazing how kids just adapt...They are precious playing at the foot of Mom's bed, bringing her drinks, singing to her, telling her about their day, and getting excited about every card and package that Mom receives. Today, two of Mom's neices sent her a beautiful ivy topiary. Katherine opened it and took it to Mom with such excitement shouting, "Maw-Maw, look! Somebody sent us a beanstalk!" Although painful, Mom couldn't help but laugh.
Life is good and getting better. As you pray for Mom, please include in your prayers all families who are also battling the rages of cancer, and thank God for the incredible gifts and talents given to those who are seeking cures and better treatments for this disease.
Good night!
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