From Mom

Just a quick update here. I finally got the report comparing the old CAT scan to the recent PET scan. I seems the cancer is responding to the current chemo, so no changes. I had #4 today. 2 more to go. I feel more awake this eve than I usually do after chemo.
Also I did some checking on my oxygen levels. They were pretty good most of the time without oxygen on, but with activity I was still huffing and puffing some. I don't think I'm ready to go without yet, but maybe it's a possibility. I'll wait awhile before I ask for an official check.
God continues to give me peace about all this. That He is caring for me and knows His plans for me and that they are good plans.I did have to commit it to Him more than once during the week that I was in the dark about the report. I really hate not knowing things.
Nancy

no chemo today

Hi all--here is an e-mail mom sent out about her chemo today. Just got back from the hospital. No Chemo today. The radiologist has not read the PET scan yet, so don't really know where we stand. This is my 1st PET and he needs to compare it to a CAT from before. They delated the Chemo mostly because of my mouth sores. They must be more of a problem than I thought. They don't bother me so much but they don't like to heal. Scheduled for next Wed. instead.

More chemo

Hello to all. The last two weeks have been very good for Mom. She has felt good, been out doing things and had her appetite back. She had her third chemo on Wednesday and woke up Thursday feeling dizzy and unsteady. They went to the cancer center to get blood work done, which came out fine. They gave her fluids, thinking she might be a little dehydrated, and that helped a lot. She is still feeling unsteady on her feet and has been having a slight headache for the last week or so. They are doing an MRI on her head today to see if there is something else going on. We are not sure when we will get the results from that. Mom is still using oxygen, probably permanently, and so they have a sign in the window of the house that says "No Smoking--Oxygen in use". When I drove up to the house the other day Sadie blurts out from the back seat--"No smoking--why can't we smoke?" I didn't even know she could read that!! It was very cute and I explained that oxygen mixed with fire is not good. I am sorry it has been a while since I posted anything but please know that when I don't write--everything is going pretty good!

Oh--we had a good time for Mom's birthday last week. She had been out "partying" with friends on her actual birthday so we came over the next night for pizza and ice cream.

Going well

Hi all! When things are going pretty well, I tend to let time slip and not get on here as I should. It was tough to say good bye to Julie, it was really nice to have her here. Mom has felt really good since her last chemo and has been out and about. It is nice to see her getting around and enjoying doing things. I enjoyed spending time over there scrapbooking on Monday while Mom quilted. I will try to write a little more often but always remember, no news is good news!

all together

Hi! Sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything. Mom is doing really well and it has been nice having Julie here. I have gotten a chance to catch up on things at home. Janet flew down and was here today,too so we were all together. Playing cards to night we commented on how long it had been since the 5 of us were together without spouses or kids--a long time. Mom had another round of chemo today. Tonight she was doing great--even eating. Let's pray this round is a little less complicated than the last. Janet goes back tomorrow and Julie on Friday.

A little side note--Robbie, Kade and Sadie got to meet someone fun tonight--Tony Dungy. Colts coach, if anyone doesn't know!

A different perspective

Good Afternoon.The sun is shining brightly in the window here at my parent's house, and much higher in the sky at 3 PM than it would be in St. Petersburg! Its COLD, and people are surprised that its warmer in Russia this year.

I am thankful for many things about the trip, just small blessings God used to cheer me along the way:

*Boarding the airplane in Paris, I spotted my piano professor from Wheaton! Wow, 24 years since I saw him. Later in the plane, I identified myself to him and he came back and sat in the empty seat beside mine and we talked for a couple of hours. Very special.
*I got my tickets with no problem, except the last leg from Chicago to FW. I decided to pretend I wasn't in the USA and use public transport...and it worked great! I got the city train from O'Hare to Union Station, and got an Amtrak train that stopped just 30-45 minutes from home.
*My sister, Joy picked me up, and we had a great time talking in the car. I felt a huge sense of relief from her, that I will be here for two weeks.

I also learned once I got here that we did nearly lose Mom this week. Her blood clot was the talk of the oncology floor; nurses and her doctors were amazed that she survived because that clot was one of the largest they had ever seen.
So glad she is still with us, and regained enough strength to return home yesterday. However, the episode weakened her considerably and she will now be permanently on oxygen. She is also taking a blood-thinning med, Coumidin that has some potentially very serious side effects.
We are enjoying time together. I'm trying to help with cooking, etc... and pray I can make some things that taste good enough to her to want to eat! She is adjusting her expectations, since now she really does feel like she has cancer...we had a good time of prayer together this morning and she is getting there. Not that we don't pray for miracles--but God's grace is a miracle however its poured out on us, isn't it? Whether in healing or in our ability to trust Him if He doesn't heal.
As we prayed this morning, it seemed we couldn't get to the end of what we had to be thankful for. I am so thankful to be here. Being at church this morning was a surprise blessing--to be with people who know and love Mom, too and to worship together ministered deeply to my spirit.

God bless you for your prayers.
Love, Julie

P.S. Its also special to see others ministering to my parents. My mom has lost quite a bit of weight, and last night a friend brought over 3 pairs of new pants and two lovely jacket-tops she bought on sale just for Mom. What a wonderful, welcome gesture of encouragement.

Feeling better

Hi! Mom seems to be feeling better today. If her blood work is ok she may be coming home tomorrow. She will have oxygen but be able to move around and be home. Julie will be in tonight so she will be a big help. This is Mom at our house last Halloween! Keep praying!!