tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71414962133370659422024-02-21T10:13:07.213-08:00Karen's JourneyValhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-22794294871066013282011-08-30T06:44:00.000-07:002011-08-30T07:04:21.070-07:00Back to regular lifeMom starting doing so well, I forgot to post anything. She tolerated her treatment well and was able to complete it by mid June. For the first few weeks after the chemo and radiation ended, she was not feeling well. This was to be expected according to Dr. Whisenant. Eventually, her strength came back as did her energy. She now has more energy and feels better than she has since this whole ordeal began.
<br /> She had a CT scan at the beginning of this month. The tumor is considerably smaller (which she already knew because the pain was gone). With this news, her doctors are just going to wait and see how things go. They are hoping not to do surgery. She will have another scan the first part of November. That scan will test for cancer as well as measure the size of the tumor. They are in hopes that it will be smaller or at least not any bigger and of course, not have any cancer left.
<br /> Other great news, her last check up showed she had, in fact, gained 7 pounds! This is a big accomplishment. She has had such a difficult time getting the nutrients and calories she needs. Instructing her body on how to digest her food worked really well. She only had to concentrate on it for a couple of weeks. Now it does it on it's own. She still has to eat smaller portions, but it isn't such a chore.
<br /> So, life is back to normal. Both mom and dad are working at the Draper temple several days a week, If you're friends with them on face book, you may have noticed the pictures of them remodeling the house. They are doing most of it by themselves! It's a big project, but they're doing great. Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-91141929617984191262011-06-08T22:04:00.000-07:002011-06-08T22:19:36.793-07:00You never knowMonday was a long treatment day. First to radiation and then to chemo treatment. As always, mom carries around a little fanny pack that administers chemo therapy treatment directly into her pic line. Every Monday she goes in to have it refilled. Every other Monday (and this last Monday was one of those) she gets a 4 hour infusion of a different type of chemo therapy. This one really wears on her. Monday, she was tired, but seemed OK. Tuesday morning she was a little tired, but not doing too bad. By afternoon she wasn't feeling well and Wednesday, she was just sick most of the day. Of course, it doesn't help that her sleep patterns are off. Either she doesn't sleep at all, or she sleeps really well for a couple of hours and then wakes up and can't go back to sleep, Her pain levels go up and down and since we're nearing the end of her treatment, the radiation is really taking it's toll. Even though heating pads help with discomfort in her lower back, the radiation has made adding heat to that area really uncomfortable. So, she just has to endure it. Of course, taking medication can help, but as in all medications, there are undesirable side effects. So, she has to chose which is worse, the discomfort or the side effect. <br />The good news is, her radiation doc said she can stop her radiation at 29 treatments instead of 30. That means she will end on Friday the 17th instead of Monday the 20th. Even though it's really only on treatment day, it means treatment ends 3 days early! She's really ready to have this over. It's just so hard to make plans if you never know how you're going to feel from one day to the next. Of course, as always, she's a trooper and willing to do what ever it takes to make herself well.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-70577264888596627212011-06-05T15:25:00.000-07:002011-06-05T15:39:55.541-07:00Such a difference from the last roundAnother week has past. Mom seems to be tolerating everything fairly well. Of course some days are better than others, but for the most part, she is doing well. As we think about where she was last time with these treatments, she is doing remarkably well. She isn't sick all the time; Her energy level is way better than the last round, and she seems to be remaining healthy. Of course, she has those days one in a while where it's difficult to leave the house and sitting for long periods of time is not the best thing, especially on hard surfaces. <br /> While her pain seems to come and go, she can usually keep it at bay with tylenol. Once in a while she needs something a little stronger, but not often. Another difference about this round of treatment is her weight. We were all worried that she would have to go on a feeding tube again just to maintain her weight thru all of this. But, she has been able to eat well and her food seems to digest better these days so she has actually gained a pound or two instead of losing like we feared. All in all, she is doing great in comparison.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-70508461954296507802011-05-28T22:31:00.000-07:002011-05-28T22:41:59.817-07:00This week was ok. Some things are better, some things are worse. Mom hasn't seemed to be as sick as last week, although some days were much better than others. She is experiencing less pain in the area she was having it before, and more pain in other areas. Just when we get one thing under control, another problem creeps up. She was able to attend a family gathering today where she got to see all of her living siblings. She really enjoyed visiting with them again. She was pretty wiped out afterward, but I think she thought it was worth the effort it took to go. Hopefully this next week will be even better than last. She's pretty excited to go three whole days without radiation. Since Monday is a holiday, she won't have to go back in until Tuesday.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-23991092608708008772011-05-21T11:24:00.000-07:002011-05-21T11:36:52.876-07:00Ups and DownsMom has been faithfully attending her radiation treatments every afternoon. The appointments aren't very long, but her energy seems to get zapped along with the cancer. She has been sick to her stomach off and on throughout the week. Some days are really good, then others she can hardly get out of bed. We are working on figuring out what the triggers are so we can avoid them when possible. The days she's down, she tries to think of the better days and remember it won't be this way forever. Of course, she keeps her positive attitude as always.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-25528743322340361592011-05-17T21:20:00.000-07:002011-05-17T21:35:04.677-07:00Mental ControlMom has been doing well so far this week. Her energy levels are good and she seems strong. She discussed some of last week's issues (lack of energy and sick to her stomach) with the doc yesterday. The oncologist's office said they will try and adjust the levels for her chemo infusion for next week to see if that helps. We'll just have to wait and see. <br />This past week, her digestive system seems to be improving as well as her pain levels. I attribute this success to her ability to instruct her body on how to function.<br />Once she found out what the problem was with her stomach (it was not squeezing and contracting to help digest her food), she was able to talk to her body and instruct it on how to function. She does the same thing with her chemotherapy, radiation treatments or even when she takes medication. She instructs her body to utilize these treatments in the areas they are needed and leave the rest of her body alone. Hopefully, eventually her stomach and the rest of her body will start to function automatically as it is designed to do; but, in the meantime, she is able to mentally control some of those functions so she can get the calories and nutrition she needs to keep her healthy as well as the medication she needs to kick this cancer.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-47007779188613220692011-05-15T19:31:00.000-07:002011-05-15T19:50:17.252-07:00A New Week BeginsAfter having some rough days last week, she finished up with a bang. Friday and Saturday, mom felt really energetic. Most of the time, she didn't have to have any pain medication, including Tylenol or Advil, Today, again she felt so good, she decided to walk to church with dad. Unfortunately, that was probably not the best decision. By the middle of Sacrament meeting, she was hurting pretty bad. She also started feeling kind of icky. She came home, got some Aleve on board and took a hot bath and a nap. That made her feel much better. We'll have to wait and see what the night brings. Hopefully she will wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated and ready to start a new round of treatment.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-73180642951346157962011-05-13T22:51:00.001-07:002011-05-13T22:54:21.099-07:00Feeling betterFor the past couple of days mom has not felt well. She hadn't been able to hold food down and she was exhausted. Today, however, she looked like she was full of energy when she woke up. And, throughout the day, she didn't seem to lose it. Normally after he radiation appointment, her energy just drops. But, today, she still seemed to feel pretty good. She did get a little tired and took a bit of a nap. But, all in all, it was a good day.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-53653381833960067402011-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:36:47.887-07:00Jabba the Hut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjESek-IBNNf3fRjxTOdhdD9nZsBUrW8qDj6u5eCi7qkMOm9j-9AEbFwyj4Kam8ETjDJpNkXslEW9V-PKLgY4gtzr_MYXr_wBOpOTKGiLaaAkEm_Y8NkyWoM9WPuHdYsU3JVl0MI3wP0Q/s1600/review_jabba_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjESek-IBNNf3fRjxTOdhdD9nZsBUrW8qDj6u5eCi7qkMOm9j-9AEbFwyj4Kam8ETjDJpNkXslEW9V-PKLgY4gtzr_MYXr_wBOpOTKGiLaaAkEm_Y8NkyWoM9WPuHdYsU3JVl0MI3wP0Q/s200/review_jabba_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605686841064521474" /></a><br />Mom was sounding surprisingly strong yesterday morning. It was as if nothing had happened at all. But, after the radiation treatment and another doctor's visit, she was pretty tuckered out by end of the day. The pain levels seem to be decreasing. Or, at least the tylenol or advil seems to be working better. <br />When I got home tonight, however, she was plain worn out. Her voice was weaker and she could hardly keep her eyes open. She was in pain but hadn't taken anything for it most of the day. She mentioned she had been reading her journal and on the 3rd day, she had written she felt like Jabba the Hut from Star Wars. That is just how she felt today too. She took a hot bath and went to bed by 9:30. Hopefully her energy will return in a day or two.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-28936419164583223742011-05-09T20:55:00.001-07:002011-05-09T21:01:14.053-07:00Day One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgAy6IWGkNry7O16N2ksFO23g-MKtdMjaGbkASELlli3FKnWa_MS45Relnf9EYtlZ4j8w0_9SxUWOLz8tn9-10PmujRUJlA0LTUPY0eI7w6-yAOf6Ks2T4MGDcr37mQAoVtVphfj6TcQ/s1600/grandma+with+chrissy%2527s+kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgAy6IWGkNry7O16N2ksFO23g-MKtdMjaGbkASELlli3FKnWa_MS45Relnf9EYtlZ4j8w0_9SxUWOLz8tn9-10PmujRUJlA0LTUPY0eI7w6-yAOf6Ks2T4MGDcr37mQAoVtVphfj6TcQ/s320/grandma+with+chrissy%2527s+kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604931400977386562" /></a><br />Mom did great today. As she went through her first four hour chemo and radiation treatment, She read, listened to music and visited. Part way through the day, family came to the chemo treatment room, sang Happy Birthday and gave her balloons. She seemed to easily keep her spirits and her energy levels up. Of course, we know it isn't easy. It takes lots of concentration and inner reflection. But she does it well.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-77353898334612807402011-05-08T20:10:00.000-07:002011-05-08T20:23:50.650-07:00Happy Mother's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFtPB3_PeuZa8WeTlMOatIklu1iuSfY27lZoXvrvAQ8n0V4K6ojakSshFF7QwJKGbGKGmORmbivtjAPwkSU9BVYvE71PNzmjz_tTpYoT-rRmmk6kd5rCX52hYe4_So4J0Eb9pEUJZvA/s1600/218644_1778847027322_1123771405_31661058_3893058_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFtPB3_PeuZa8WeTlMOatIklu1iuSfY27lZoXvrvAQ8n0V4K6ojakSshFF7QwJKGbGKGmORmbivtjAPwkSU9BVYvE71PNzmjz_tTpYoT-rRmmk6kd5rCX52hYe4_So4J0Eb9pEUJZvA/s320/218644_1778847027322_1123771405_31661058_3893058_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604549443721974130" /></a><br />Mom enjoyed her day. Kim came over and made breakfast this morning and then made lunch this afternoon. This evening, Chrissy and her family joined us for dessert. It was relaxing and enjoyable. Of course she (being the mother of many) also received numerous messages from friends and family wishing her a happy mother's day. Tomorrow is her birthday and the beginning of her radiation and chemo treatments. She is in good spirits and ready to begin her big fight.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-91454566251439491392011-05-05T21:03:00.000-07:002011-05-05T21:15:18.896-07:00It starts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHGnIWus-K-nmQ2tC6TeUAICPInWORJciRQ6r7en-2-QoP4Ox6WkAfPixhjRE919CUgKLFxI12iddpDsvtETI3quOLouynKzHFB4USGzFh7MRAGsBLzBQisFu5IchGXRE2_BWdtayg80/s1600/picc+line.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHGnIWus-K-nmQ2tC6TeUAICPInWORJciRQ6r7en-2-QoP4Ox6WkAfPixhjRE919CUgKLFxI12iddpDsvtETI3quOLouynKzHFB4USGzFh7MRAGsBLzBQisFu5IchGXRE2_BWdtayg80/s200/picc+line.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603451595194285042" /></a><br />Mom got her picc line today. This will remain until she stops the chemotherapy. It's quite an ordeal to get it in and she's pretty exhausted. One thing I didn't mention before is why the doctors think the chemo and radiation is a good idea again. Apparently, last time, it totally got rid of the cancer. They expect it will work again since it proved to be so successful. The Picc line will be how the chemo is administered. She will have it going 24 hours a day and then go in every other week or so for a four hour infusion. That will start on Monday. Of course, amid her exhaustion, she remains in good sprits.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-16178389646645409272011-05-03T20:23:00.000-07:002011-05-03T21:59:17.124-07:00Catching up - Never the "Typical" Patient<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMXEo9Ek5mpFnX9wFwt8lexAPiOsOn_G2RnfND9BaQlVMW3YQLwq_GyCG05dOgo558prxjGky5RKGcQBI0zzg4eMtb8mKHyiObDKDb9yV4lY_7hFCuLsXzzvARnQSsGtSmCO1PFdeegU/s1600/IMAG0054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMXEo9Ek5mpFnX9wFwt8lexAPiOsOn_G2RnfND9BaQlVMW3YQLwq_GyCG05dOgo558prxjGky5RKGcQBI0zzg4eMtb8mKHyiObDKDb9yV4lY_7hFCuLsXzzvARnQSsGtSmCO1PFdeegU/s320/IMAG0054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602719391576177394" /></a><br />So, we're back to the cancer center again. If you're wondering what brought us back, let me back up a few months. Of course, we all know mom is a super woman. She broke her hip the end of December, but recovered so quickly, they kicked her out of rehab after just few days. She only used her hot pink crutches for a couple of weeks and then was back to her usual schedule of temple work on the weekends and workouts at the gym during the week.<br /> Around February, she started feeling some pressure in her bladder which felt like a bladder infection. Her doctor, understandably, put her on an antibiotic. The antibiotic didn't seem to do the job so after a week or two she was put on another one. When that one didn't work, she went back and was put on a third and then a fourth antibiotic.<br /> Finally on Saturday, April 16th, after working in the temple all day, the pressure became so uncomfortable, we finally convinced her to let us take her to the emergency room. Of course, the ER doc immediately diagnosed her with a bladder infection, but took a blood test, just to be sure. The blood test came back with no infection showing anywhere. Next he said, it must be kidney stones. Mom told him it didn't feel like the kidney stones she had last year, but he said it sounded like a classic case. He took a CT scan just to make sure. When the results came in, he was very surprised to see there were no kidney stones present. Thankfully there was someone observant reading the CT scan who saw a mass near her tailbone that shouldn't be there. The ER doc advised us to get in to see Dr.Ott (her surgeon) as soon as possible. He was very comforting, reminding us we didn't know what it is was and it could very well be nothing major so we shouldn't lose any sleep over this, but it was something we needed to follow up on. <br /> Our visit with Dr. Ott on Tues (April 19th) basically told us it was a mass but he couldn't tell what it was. He said it would not likely be her esophageal cancer because it was so far removed from her other cancer. He ordered another CT scan and also a biopsy. It may not seem like a big deal to have those things, but, every time she has a procedure like that she has to skip a couple of meals and then has to drink a sickening sweet substance to help the images be more clear. It totally zaps her energy and makes her sick to her stomach the rest of the day. The CT scan was done on Wednesday and the biopsy (done with in conjunction with another CT scan) was done on Friday (April 22nd). We were told we would be able to get results by Monday or Tuesday. Actually, the results weren't back until Thursday afternoon. <br /> The results; this mass was cancerous and it was the same type of cancer as before (Esophageal). Dr. Ott was as surprises as any of us. He scheduled her for a PET scan for Monday, May 2nd (yesterday). The PET scan shows hot spots so we can see where the cancer is and if it had spread. Today we learned the cancer looks like it is contained to that one place. Which is very good news. Her doctors met together this morning and we were able to meet with all three (Dr. Ott (surgeon), Dr. Whisenant (oncologist) and Dr. Sause (radiation) ) this afternoon. The plan of action is this:<br />Thursday - May 5th -She will have a pic line put in for her chemotherapy 24/7 treatment.<br />Monday - May 9th (which is her birthday) - she will start her radiation and chemotherapy regimens. <br />She will continue with these treatments for the next couple of months or so. Then they will reevaluate. As always, she is a trooper and willing to take on yet another fight. Dad is holding up fairly well under the circumstances. <br />We so much appreciate your thoughts and prayers in her behalf.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-10463429841076031872010-07-16T21:30:00.000-07:002010-07-16T21:38:44.724-07:00Feeling much betterYesterday was still a bit rough; Mom just didn't feel well. Today, however, she woke up feeling more energetic and did water aerobics. Of course this meant a nap afterwards. :) She has been able to keep food down much better today and eat a little more at a time as well. Mom and dad were planning on going to Arizona this next week but decided to stay home since their health has been a little undependable. Dad started working Saturday mornings in the Draper temple a couple of weeks ago. He has to be there in the wee hours of the morning. It does exhaust him, but he loves it. Mom hopes to be able to start working in the temple again as well.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-35487394863007458082010-07-13T21:47:00.001-07:002010-07-13T21:50:29.867-07:00No pain for nowMom is feeling a lot better. She had blood drawn and an EKG. Everything looks good. She did have a little blood in her urine which is indicative of kidney stones. The ultra sound techs were a little backed up today at the hospital so they let mom come home and she'll go back tomorrow for that. She is in no pain and although she is exhausted, she's feeling pretty good. Hopefully the worst is over on this one.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-86830657783534088942010-07-13T15:12:00.000-07:002010-07-13T15:33:20.692-07:00A little glitchMom's been doing really well but is still working on getting her eating schedule regulated. Today however she started getting stomach cramps which progressively worsened until she was doubled over in pain. They were able to contact Dr. Ott's office and were instructed to come in right away. He examined her and said it could be a plethora of things but at this point it looks like she is passing a kidney stone.even though she just had a ct scan yesterday, he couldn't see if that's what it was because of the contrast dye they had to use. He sent her to the ER so she can be tested more quickly. Of course, since we've been here, the pain has subsided. She's just resting a bit while we wait for a doctor to come in and see her. At this point it doesn't look too serious. I'll update when we get more information.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-75681349381932730912010-07-12T12:41:00.000-07:002010-07-12T12:52:48.373-07:00No News is Good NewsI appologize for the lack of updates on the blog. I have been feeling so much better. I feel as the ungrateful servant who forgot to go back and say thanks!<br /><br />It feels so good to have our bedroom back again. We really did miss it when we were in the more convenient family room. Our home is almost back to normal again.<br /><br />I so appreciate all of you who have faithfully followed my progress. It has been inspiring to me to know that you care. I especially appreciated those who have made comments. They have lifted my spirits tremendously. Thanks for all of your faith and prayers...I know the Lord has heard and answered your prayers in my behalf. I feel that my progress has been rapid and miraculous.<br /><br />I went in for a CAT scan today. It is just to create a base whereby other scans can be judged. The Drs. will keep track of me for 5 years before they can say that I am cured. My expectation is that at the end of the 5 years, I will have a clean bill of health.<br /><br />Arvel has started working in the Temple on Saturday AMs. I expect that I will be called shortly. I let the Bishop know that I was ready for a calling. I have my visiting teaching list now and it feels like I am a real person again.<br /><br />Thanks again for your loving support of me. I love you!<br />KarenKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858461252534294112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-43552794958145721662010-07-01T21:49:00.000-07:002010-07-01T22:11:20.412-07:00Rearranging the houseThe time has come for mom and dad to move back upstairs to their own room. In case you haven't read (or don't remember) the earlier posts, we moved mom and dad's bed onto the main floor and fashioned the family room into a temporary bedroom. This way mom wouldn't have to climb the stairs every day. Now that her strength is back, they decided now is the time to go back into their room upstairs. They got a little over zealous about it if you ask me, we actually caught the two of them carrying part of their mattress up stairs by themselves. We did get some help from some of the men in the ward yesterday. They picked up some dressers mom and dad had purchased, brought them to the house and carried them up the stairs for them. And, they took the exercise equipment from upstairs and put it back into the family room downstairs. So, now mom and dad are back in their own room and seem to love it. They especially love the fact that they can go out at night onto the small deck attached to their room and look over the whole valley.<br />There has been a little bit of a glitch during the process of moving. The main floor has been turned upside down, moving things here and there, finding things that need to be sorted through, generally just trying to make the family room a family room again. Mom and dad decided to skip their aerobics class this morning because they figured they would get enough exercise going up and down the stairs today. What they didn't take into account was the fact that the aerobic class ends after 50 or 60 minutes. The rearranging of a house can last all day long (and even take several days)! Mom totally over did today and by late afternoon was utterly exhausted. Although she started the day like the energizer bunny at 6:00 am (I told you they were excited), she realized she just couldn't keep going all day and into the night like she used to. She hasn't been able to keep much food down today either. Dad said even his legs are aching from all they did today, we can't even imaging what mom must be feeling like. Sometimes I wonder if I need to stay home from work to babysit these two. They can get into so much trouble when they're not supervised. :) So, it was off to bed early for her. Hopefully she'll use tomorrow to rest up because they have a big family reunion to attend on Saturday. They are really looking forward to spending time with mom's brothers and sisters and their families. Dad is even going to do a magic show!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-82249160375116242962010-06-24T05:51:00.000-07:002010-06-24T06:04:27.861-07:00Scheduling for foodMom's health continues to improve. Her energy level is high. She's still struggling a bit with her eating. It is difficult, especially when traveling to regulate when, where, what and how much you can eat. She needs to eat often and only small portions at a time. When this can't happen, she wants to eat enough to satisfy her hunger. Consequently, she eats too much and then has to throw up defeating everything. So, small portions only and eating pretty much every hour has got to be the norm for a while. Now that she's home, she'll be able to regulate this better. But, we al know how some days become so hectic, it's hard to eat even 3 times a day, let alone 15. It will come in due time. <br />Mom and dad both went to the gym yesterday and mom was able to do water aerobics for the first time since her surgery. She has not been able be immersed in water since March because of the feeding tube inserted in her stomach. Now that it's out and the incision has healed, she is able to enjoy the pool again. They also decided, after visiting all the grandkids, they needed to buy a WII. There is a "game" called WII fitness they really enjoy. It is more than just a game, it is an exercise program they can both use. They purchased it last night and Cheri (granddaughter) will help them hook it up today.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-63127163047668517702010-06-22T00:56:00.000-07:002010-06-22T01:02:53.541-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbXXiKAsgwH_wuAXYoeUF4R5lbHx1CiioCzst1fLtHm_TLs25dxaC-sHrlr3xnl4_40W2vTSnOWCOjqISbcmMmxmz-M4F3_STcNSvqkHSiAEFFTgEw4Fx1cS0TgRcfMsv6NNru8V3PaI/s1600/Cheri+with+Grandpa+and+Grandma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbXXiKAsgwH_wuAXYoeUF4R5lbHx1CiioCzst1fLtHm_TLs25dxaC-sHrlr3xnl4_40W2vTSnOWCOjqISbcmMmxmz-M4F3_STcNSvqkHSiAEFFTgEw4Fx1cS0TgRcfMsv6NNru8V3PaI/s320/Cheri+with+Grandpa+and+Grandma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485505090985138338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aRgeu-lC4_ReVt5zRWyV88DrD5o2jCdwjtJfROcSS2Dr9kyRwMDUPNssXmEQCCseez1IbozO9VFcf4yb6stpr_EAoinRRByG2ZCfCioU8sH8B_VdwZqnIzBqTUCgUMG_tXw9AvYFe9E/s1600/Sara+with+grandpa+and+grandma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aRgeu-lC4_ReVt5zRWyV88DrD5o2jCdwjtJfROcSS2Dr9kyRwMDUPNssXmEQCCseez1IbozO9VFcf4yb6stpr_EAoinRRByG2ZCfCioU8sH8B_VdwZqnIzBqTUCgUMG_tXw9AvYFe9E/s320/Sara+with+grandpa+and+grandma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485505091987019106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi8Ss2Dle1V_eX2lWgNePYGp4ChpgS2ngOm_JLPBNSb-QQX7o4zrFWQx8Np75IkSrrz8RcEY5zHh49Y0xwCROJm9guj9ru-S95zd2KtkXoUay1wJBaxhm9_Kfcz2YvLy-s3fuEYANIfE/s1600/AJ+with+Grandma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi8Ss2Dle1V_eX2lWgNePYGp4ChpgS2ngOm_JLPBNSb-QQX7o4zrFWQx8Np75IkSrrz8RcEY5zHh49Y0xwCROJm9guj9ru-S95zd2KtkXoUay1wJBaxhm9_Kfcz2YvLy-s3fuEYANIfE/s320/AJ+with+Grandma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485505089068924514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA8mFVE4YLS6xNF1EOzrdCamVy6Tlmi5_JPQ5WhWIZvFLH-pBztZ4Ky-K8PI4FC4wBIRRxCRD6YJOf1L3If267ARfG88HjkMkbz9LDEoXH9Bob8qnHZ-whiCp-SlyNHeNkMSM4IdS_vw/s1600/Ysaak+with+Grandpa+and+Grandma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA8mFVE4YLS6xNF1EOzrdCamVy6Tlmi5_JPQ5WhWIZvFLH-pBztZ4Ky-K8PI4FC4wBIRRxCRD6YJOf1L3If267ARfG88HjkMkbz9LDEoXH9Bob8qnHZ-whiCp-SlyNHeNkMSM4IdS_vw/s320/Ysaak+with+Grandpa+and+Grandma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485505078263469730" /></a><br />Mom and dad are coming home tomorrow from Arizona. I haven't heard a lot from them over the past 10 days, but I figure no news is good news. I'm posting some pictures of them taken last week at their grandkids' graduations. They look great!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-12281991263640794872010-06-17T22:27:00.000-07:002010-06-17T22:37:08.218-07:00Sorry, it's been a whileMom is doing really well. Last week she and dad flew to Spokane, Washington to attend their granddaughters' graduations. Sara from Central Valley High School and Cheri from Eastern Washington University. They left there on Tuesday to fly to San Diego to attend their grandsons' graduations. Able from High School and Ysaak from Jr. High. <br />Dad has been sick most of the time, but finally got an antibiotic and seems to be doing better. Mom of course is looking good. They've been able to visit old friends and all are amazed how wonderful she looks. She has noticed that bread is not her friend right now. It just doesn't go down. But, everything else she has tried seems to be going down fine. It is hard to remember to eat slow and small portions when you are visiting with friends at a barbecue but she seems to be handling things fine. <br />From California, they will be heading to Arizona to visit Greg's family. All seems be be going well for both of them.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-40448747749113063402010-06-08T20:40:00.000-07:002010-06-08T21:00:18.991-07:00100th PostIt kind of seems fitting that in the 100th post on this blog I get to announce that mom got her feeding tube out today!! She was very excited about this. Imagine having something inserted into your abdomen that hangs out about 6 inches. It's held there with stitches which seemed to get caught on the gauze dressings quite often. And then there's the constant tugging and pulling through the day when ever her clothes catch it the wrong way. It was a constant very uncomfortable reminder of all the struggle and pain her life has had over these past few months. And, now it's gone with just a small bandage in it's place. <br />They say time heals all wounds. As time goes by, this year will become just a distant memory. It has been a struggle, with disappointments and setbacks. But, I think we will remember this past year as one where we saw the inner strength and courage of an individual who was willing to do what it took to fight for her health. Who relied heavily on her faith and the power of the prayers from her friends and family. <br />Mom still has some obstacles to overcome but her doctor assured her today that in due time, she will become whole again.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-21743849456873032542010-06-06T06:37:00.000-07:002010-06-06T06:54:33.120-07:00And the eat goes on...Mom is still doing great! She has to be ultra diligent on her eating, however. She can't let an hour pass without eating or drinking something. With her gall bladder out she has noticed some sensitivities to dairy products and red meat. That means avoiding pudding, ice cream and ensure which were easy snacks to eat. All we have to do is be more creative. Once she figured that out she hasn't thrown up or been nauseated as much. <br />She got her hair cut and colored this week. When she came in to my work to let me see her "new do" one of my co-workers commented, "you'd never know she was sick". Her skin coloring looks good, and she has that twinkle in her eyes that we have all grown to love. She really does look amazing!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-83526115395620370812010-06-02T06:42:00.000-07:002010-06-02T07:15:56.439-07:00More Good NewsMom spoke with Dr. Ott today. He suggested she go without using the feeding tube this week. If she can go all week without losing weight, she can have it removed next Tuesday! This means she will have to be diligent in eating. She can't eat more than a cup of food at a time, and needs to wait an hour or so in between. For instance, yesterday she had a 1 chocolate covered strawberry. She then tried to eat a little bit of ice cream. It was just too much and she threw up the ice cream. She did mention to Dr Ott about having trouble keeping food down when she laughs. He said, "Perhaps from now on you'll just have to eat with really boring people". :) <br />It will be a challenge to get enough calories through the day and still get enough water. Water fills up her stomach fairly quickly so there's no room for food. We may use the feeding tube for the water at first to help her keep her calorie intake up. <br />She also had a visit with Dr. Whisenant (the oncologist) yesterday. He said her iron levels are back up to normal and everything looked good. She has a CT scan scheduled for mid July. Since this type of cancer is known to return, they want to keep on top of it. They don't expect to find anything this time but want to use this CT scan as a base line. She will have to have these scans fairly often over the next few years just to make sure everything stays normal.<br />Dad also got good news. He had an appointment with his cardiologist yesterday. All his tests came back with good results. The Doc said dad has a strong heart and doesn't see any signs of ever having a heart attack. Dad was told he had a heart attack during his bypass surgery several years ago but according to all the tests, he has either healed perfectly or he never really had a heart attack. He's starting dad back on his blood pressure medication just as a precautionary measure. It's not overly high, but it is borderline so he doesn't want to take any chances. <br />With all this good news, mom and dad are in really good moods. Not that they were in bad moods before, but it seems as if a weight has lifted and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141496213337065942.post-53585752658619227932010-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:002010-06-01T08:43:41.645-07:00Better and BetterMom seems to be doing better and better. She has graduated herself to soft foods (Dr Ott was gone over the holiday weekend, so she decided it would be ok). Her biggest challenge is knowing when to stop eating. Her stomach is so small right now and there is virtually no space between it and her throat. That means if she eats just a little too much (more than 3/4 - 1 cup), it will come back up. It is especially a problem if she drinks water before or after she eats. It can also be a problem if she gets a tickle in her throat and needs to cough or if she starts laughing too much. It will definitely be a learning process. Once she has it down, I'm sure it won't be a big issue. Her energy level seems to be increasing as each day passes. Yesterday we traveled to Nephi and visited the cemeteries, went out to lunch and she still had enough energy for a vigorous walk when we got home. <br />She really wants to be able to get her feeding tube out as soon as possible. We're just not sure if the doc will want to keep it in for a while just as a precaution even after she can eat the amount of food she needs. We'll see.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06777512177118732244noreply@blogger.com0