Martie

Joel set up this blog so we could update everyone on mom's status. Mom is tired and weak but nearing the end of treatments. She receives radiation Monday through Friday and chemo every Friday after radiation. She was scheduled to get 33 radiation treatments ending on August 21 but she was too sick to get 2 treatments this far so we don't know if they'll be added on to the end. When we saw her oncologist on Thursday, Aug. 9th we learned from a recent CT scan that the mass has not been reduced in size. They feel she is tolerating radiation and chemo pretty well but are concerned with her lack of appetite and her struggle to breathe. They have added roxicet, a morphine drug to make her more comfortable, an antidepressant celexa and straight albuterol for her breathing treatments. Having Rachel and Pia, both medical professionals, here this weekend gives us some new questions for the doctor and the director of nursing. We learned that there is a different medicine for the breathing treatment that will not cause the shaking she experiences now. We'll check on this tomorrow and also ask if they are cleaning or replacing the tool for breathing so it doesn't get bacteria.

Mom's spirits are pretty good and she really has enjoyed seeing all her boys. Please continue to keep her in your prayers for her strength and interest in eating.

Mad