Round 4 Chemo Next Tuesday

Mom's spirit and fighting focus continues. She, like our Olympic Athletes, will not quit until they obtain becoming THE Worlds BEST! In Mom's case maintaining to break through the unbelievable, continue to be an ANOMALY and to enter a 100 percent REMISSION will be her Gold Medal!

Mom had great news from her Eye Dr. this week. Her eyes show NO changes! This is fantastic, especially with the strength of Chemo she received and 3 rounds since the end of October 2009. Mom continues to maintain on her own to fight off infections. She is in no discomfort. She only fights the quick onset of fatigue. This alone frustrates her greatly. Poppie is being a trooper to keep her distracted though. They get out and take drives, he prepares variety of meals, and they hang out and watch movies and the Olympics together. It is wonderful they have each other going on 57 years.

Mom, impatiently is awaiting her admission for round 4 Chemo next Tuesday, March 2nd. She will be admitted for another Consolidation procedure. She is fighting to be positive. She, Poppie and I decided this treatment I will fly back to Rochester for. I leave on March 4th. Yup, the dynamic trio will be back together in person soon. We need to see each other at this point.

Have a great week and I will be posting on March 2nd.

Hugs and Love to all,
Karen

Gearing Up for Round 4 of Chemo

Mom met with her Oncologist this morning. Unfortunately, Mom is not in remission yet. Her doctor encouraged Mom and Poppie not to be concerned. Mom's body is producing enough defenses without needing additional support from her medication. Mom's numbers are presently high enough to schedule her next chemo round. This chemo will be a bit stronger than her last treatment. Mom's response was "one way I am glad so that all the cancer cells hopefully will die but on the other hand, I hope I don’t have a reaction to the new level of chemo." The unknown is so difficult for her. She so wants to "grab the bull by the horn" and get into remission.

Mom will be admitted into the hospital on March 2nd. This, again is called a consolidation treatment. Mom will receive 6 Chemo treatments over a 6 day period. If Mom does not show any signs of infections nor unusual symptoms she again becomes a 7 day a week out patient for the following 24 days.

Mom is very pleased at this point. She is off all her medications as of today. She no longer has to coordinate her daily schedule to take her Cipro 500 mg tab (antibiotic bacterial) nor her Valtrex 500 mg (anti viral) nor her Fluconazole 200mg (anti fungal). The most exciting aspect is that Mom does not need to go into the hospital daily for her Neupogen injections. For the next two weeks, Mom will go to the hospital on Mondays and Thursdays to have her blood drawn and check her Hickman.

I will be flying back to Rochester the first week of March. The distance continues to be a challenge not being able to see, touch and spoil Mom and Poppie through this experience. We have decided monthly visits for about 10 days will be our plan at this point.

Again, thank you for all your support, love, and prayers,
Karen

Mom focuses on her new routine

Hello and sorry for such a long break with the blog. Mom the past several weeks has been fighting to get into remission. She is in a personal battle staying positive with her new regime in life. Poppie has been very supportive and by her side daily. Brian and Mike speak to her daily and throw a visit or more in weekly. Kimmy, Shayna Punum and I continue to speak daily and are so thankful for having Skype.

As you know, Mom is an outpatient at this point. Mom goes in daily for her Neupogen injections,several times a week has her blood drawn, and receives IV injections when needed. Unfortunately, Mom's body is not producing enough red blood cells nor platelets on its own yet. Mom has had to have several IV's of blood and platelets the past few weeks. This past week Mom received both IV's Tuesday and Friday. Poppie goes with Mom every day to the hospital and sits with her throughout her entire treatment and then her appointments with her Oncologist. They spend several hours watching TV, reading, eating snacks with drink options (Poppies favorite part)and dozing off together. At least they still have each other to lean on.

This coming week we will be told when Mom's next Chemo treatment will be. Mom will be admitted into the hospital as this previous one for 6 -7 days. Then, she is to repeat the plan as this treatment. Returning to the hospital daily for her Neupogen, blood tests and then IV's when needed.

I will keep you posted as we hear of her next adventure with her AML. Do keep sending strong prayers. Yesterday, Mom entered the phase that her numbers are the lowest and she is most vulnerable for infections. Fingers crossed that she sails through the next 10 days with no symptoms.

Lots of hugs to you. I will post again after next weeks news and or if something comes up.

Karen

Home, Happy and Re-Grouping

Yesterday was a bit stressful pre-discharge. Mom found another skin bump located on her lymph below her ear. Her doctors reassured her not to worry and they would check it on Friday when she comes in for her Neupogen injection,various other blood drawings and her Hickman flushing. This is protocol to wait at least 24 hours to see if changes occur. If the area in question shows improvements the patient does not need any tests.

Mom and Poppie got home late afternoon yesterday. To Mom's surprise the house looked very good. Yup, Poppie is stepping up to the plate to keep the house organized and clean. The laundry was piled high waiting for Mom so "she should have something to do when she got home," wink. Mom dove right in and got all her medications in order and then settled in and watched a movie with Poppie.

Mom today is doing pretty well. Emotionally, this NEW lifestyle is bumming her out. It is very challenging for her to stay positive and play the "waiting" game. She and I spend our time over the phone talking about the positive things going on around her, helping her feel the empowerment that she does hold in her health care, and the gratefulness for the support from so many people who love and respect her.

Tomorrow starts her new journey to being an outpatient EVERYDAY. Yes, this will be for the next several weeks. She is not happy about that being her purpose to awaken everyday. I shared with her to try to think of it as having to go to work everyday, but at least the hours are less than a full day of work. It is tricky to keep her energy and mental strength focused on being in control and welcoming her new lifestyle. She knows that I focus daily with all my skeletal and Crohn's and Colitis hick-ups that present itself. I learned the key is to weave "the kick-ups" into what I want to do each day. Yes, some days are easier than others, but I am in control. It does all, "suck" but everything is manageable if pain is not involved. She too can do this!

I will keep you posted if anything new unfolds. Next Friday, February 12th, Mom has a follow up appointment with her Oncologist to see what the next plan will be. I will post again after that visit. Remember, NO posting means Mom is doing well and there are no new developments to be concerned about.

It is difficult not being home with Mom and Poppie through this entirety. I and or Kimmy will be looking to visit Rochester at the end of February if all goes well on both our ends. Mom, the past several phone calls, has sounded a bit weaker emotionally, frustrated and angry. When I was home this was sneaking up on her but she was able to shake it quicker with me around. Kimmy and I feel she could use a boost of my pain in the tuchas optimism and outlook on enjoying everyday for all it offers.

THANK YOU, as always, for your unlimited support and love,
Karen

Laughter and Smiles Continue

Mom has one more day of consolidation. She is expected to be discharged from the hospital Wednesday late afternoon. Mom will follow her treatments 7 days a week as an outpatient for the following 3 weeks. Mom is responding well to the Chemo treatment. She continues to happily surprise her medical team with her progress. She continues to be asystemmatic and maintains good spirits.

Despite all that is being presented to Mom, she continues to engage with others, stimulates their zest for living and maintains a happy heart. Momma Ruthie continues to focus on being a strong "Warrior" and control the "worrier" side of her personality.

This newest found way of thinking has brought an abundance of others to be by Momma Ruthie's side. It is wonderful to see the love, support and caring from so many friends, family and professional relationships pouring in since Mom's diagnosis. She is going on with AML a little over three months now. Mom has already touched so many hearts beyond her immediate circle.

Moms relationships with the Oncology Team of Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Physical Therapist, Hospitality Services "Food" to Housekeeping have all grown to a type of friendship at Strong Memorial Hospital. Poppie is now bringing in cards and letters written to Mom from various hospital staff. The message is always expressing how much Mom has touched each individual and they each start with Mom or Grandma. Yes, Momma Ruthie continues to inspire and bring a lot of love and affection to others in the mist of fighting for herself. Our Energizer Momma Ruthie is still doing what she is meant to be doing. I am not surprised, wink.

Again, thank you for all your prayers, love and support. It has been extremely appreciated and continues to be.

Hugs and good health to you,
Karen