Kimmy and I arrived in Rochester Monday early morning. Though I was only back in SD for a week, we had so much to catch up on. Mom is doing well physically and mentally. We spent the day talking, telling stories, decorating the house for Hanukkah, laughing, and of course, eating. The highlight was when I gave Mom and Poppie two big bags of homemade Mondale Bread. A dear friend of ours in SD, Jill, surprised them. Mom struggled to keep up with Poppie as he quickly ate nearly a bag himself.
Today,we went for Mom's follow up appointment with her Oncologist. We were anxious, though felt positive. We were informed about Mom's biopsy, blood results and what and when her new treatment plan would begin. Unfortunately, the biopsy only offered information from her bone results. Again, they were unable to draw out any fluid from the bone. This is called a "dry tap." Not uncommon, though this was disappointing. With the present information, they have diagnosed that Mom has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Mom's blood tests are looking good at this point. Her Doctors are very pleased. They are optimistic that the next round of Chemo will go well for Mom as last month.
Mom is being re-admitted into the hospital next Tuesday. She will start her second round of Chemo. This Chemo induction is for 5 days. If she does not have a fever and is symptom free, Mom will be returning home on day 6 or 7. At home, for the next two weeks, Mom will have the visiting nurse 2 days a week drawing blood. The day after each blood drawing Mom returns to the hospital for a Dr. visit. If needed, Mom will receive an IV to support her system. Week 3, the Dr. will determine again her status and will evaluate the next course of treatment.
Oh, Mom has an appointment with her dermatologist tomorrow. We found several lumps that developed on her scalp yesterday. We will keep you posted. Her Oncologist is sure it is not anything to worry about.
This evening we had a wonderful Hanukkah dinner, great treats and simply chatted up a storm. All night it has been snowing. Prior to bedtime, there was a beautiful white blanket covering the yards, the streets, the trees etc. It is so beautiful. The snow really brings in the holidays.
Tomorrow am, Mom, Kimmy and I will make Hanukkah cookies and potato latkes.
Happy Holidays. It is wonderful being home with Mom, Poppie and the rest of the family. We went to bed with a steady snow that had already covering the ground. It is gorgeous outside.
Lots of love and good health,
Karen, Kimmy, Lil-Ruthie, and Poppie
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Better late then never(this comment that is, ha ha ).
ReplyDeleteI'll continue to do my daily mantra:"GO,RUTH go. Fight, fight, fight".
My sister and I made over 100 latkes. I have about a dozen left in my freezer. It's a good thing it's only once a year, ha ha .
Check back in a couple of days.
Love to all,
Renee