Friday January 23

I've (Lehua) been real curious about all the tests Mom has been getting, so on Friday I went with Mom and Dad to get a CT scan. Mom had to drink 2 big containers full of Barium before she went in. THe Barium is to help contrast her bowels and stomach so they could see the problem better. She also had to have an I.V. to contrast her vessels. They had a hard time finding a vein due to her SWOLLEN arms. Her veins are buried under all the tissue. I had my camera but didn't feel right taking a picture, so here is a random CT machine. Below is some infomation I found helpful that explains exactly what a CT scan if you're interested.

What is CT Scanning of the Body?
CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

What are some common uses of the procedure?
CT imaging is:

*one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.

*often the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.

*an examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

*invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.

Physicians often use the CT examination to:
*quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma

*guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments

*plan for and assess the results of surgery

*plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors

*measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis

Oncologist appointment

Mom had an appointment today with the oncologist at 10:15am. Of course they were there a little early to start the paper work. Then they sat and sat and sat. They didn't get in until 11:30am. This did a number on her legs. They swelled up and are still swollen. Dad made some make shift support hose out of pantyhose. He cut out the toes and the tops so they go to the knees. They'll have to do until the real ones can be ordered!

Mom received an ivy treatment today that is suppose to strengthen her bones. They also prescribed some pills, pills for her nausea. The old ones aren't working too great.

Next week Mom will under go all the same tests they did at the beginning to see exactly where she is at now( Ct scan, x-ray, blood, urine, sonogram etc. . .) They will then give her a pill that is taken a couple of days before chemo. This pill, CBT-1, is a new drug that is suppose to enhance the chemo treatment. Only 500 patients have tried this pill. After so many treatments they will test to see if any progress has been made.

Malia and I were talking and she wanted to know how mom was doing emotionally. We hadn't even seen her cry throughout this ordeal. So I asked Mom if she ever wanted to break down and cry. No was her reply. Well do you want to be grouchy or mad? With a chuckle she said no. The only lash out was that she got frustrated sometimes. What a lesson for me (Lehua). When things don't go my way I want to get mad. I have to take it out on someone or something. Chocolate is always a good healer, but just to get frustrated a little when the world comes crashing down? I love my mom she is such a sturdy example, even when she has the right to have a melt down she doesn't. She keeps pushing forward one step at a time, taking what life deals her without a complaint. I'll work on that. . .no complaining!

She's Home!

Mom is finally home! Her radiation treatments are finished, and yes she can tell a difference. She says she can walk, get up and down, and move easier. That is a big improvement! She is happy to be in her own bed and to be able to see her crazy grandchildren, loving ward members, and of course her favorite daughter! :)

While they have been gone Kanani and I (Lehua) have been checking up on Robert. Bringing him milk, taking him to cash his checks, taking him to EAC basketball games, and firesides. Boy are we glad dad is home!

Dad has become an expert pill and shot giver. Mom says he is much better at giving the shots now that he has had practice. At first it was kinda painful because he was trying to be nice, but now he gets in there and gets it done!

About the radiation. . .I think maybe we finally have the story strait. Mom would lie on her back and they would line the machine up with four marks on her belly (she swears the marks will never come off). It would start on her belly than rotate around to her back and than back to her belly the same way it came. The radiation focused on her spine. Aww her spine not her ribs! Anyway like I said above she can tell a difference with the pain and she and we are grateful for that.

The next step is to start chemo. Mom will see the oncologist on Tuesday and will get more information on when it will start. So until then mom is doing, well I'd love to say great and someday I will but for now she says she is in sensible condition. She is taking each day as it comes. And again thank-you to everyone who is bringing in dinners and showing your love in so many other ways!

Friday January 9

Mom has been released from the hospital. She and Dad won't come home until next week Wednesday at the end of her radiation treatments.

Blood Clots.

On Wednesday when mom went in for a radiation treatment, she didn't get to leave. Her legs were swelling and the radiology department wouldn't let her leave. They said it was probably blood clots and she needed to go to the E.R. After waiting several hours in the radiology lobby, they were finally escorted to the E.R. At about 11 o'clock that night mom was admitted to a room where they could monitor her legs. She stayed the night and was allowed to go to radiation today (Thursday) and will most likely stay the night again.

Thank-you to Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis for keeping Mom and Dad company in the lobby while they waited and making sure mom was safely tucked into her hospital bed!

Getting it strait!

I was at aerobics this morning and someone asked about mom. As I was explaining her radiation treatment in strengthening her bones Kanani said " did you know they are focusing on her stomach to shrink the tumor?" We had both talked with mom and dad the previous day at different times and came away with a different story! I called mom and she said the doctor asked where it hurt the most and she said her stomach area. Mom figures they are focusing on the ribs because those are the only bones around the stomach. I could be wrong please enlighten me!

So to get the story strait they are not doing radiation on her legs or trying to shrink her tumor by her stomach, but radiating her ribs to control the immense pain she has in her stomach.

So hence the disclaimer I put at the top of the page.

First radiation treatment. . .

The prayer from my dad was answered as the trip to Mesa was smooth. Mom slept most of the way and was comfortable throughout the journey.

At the radiology appointment the nurse told Mom and Dad that she was not going to get a treatment because Thursday was a holiday and they didn't like to do treatments with a day in between. The doctor then came in and the first thing she said was that mom would receive a treatment that day. The doctor saw the urgency to begin treatment right away. They went to Uncle Bob's and Aunt Phyllis's home to rest until later that afternoon.

This first treatment appointment was rather long because they had to "map" out her bones being quite precise to where she would receive the radiation. She then received the radiation that lasted about 10 minutes. She laid flat on her back and the x-ray machine rotated from the top of her body to the bottom of her body taking pictures that radiated the treatment in the spots previously mapped out.

She went back on Friday and received another dosage of radiation. After both times she was vomiting. Not exactly sure why. . . probably from the treatments. She is suppose to be well to receive treatments.

Mom can't tell any difference after two treatments, although we hope it's doing its job preventing any broken bones. She will receive two more weeks worth of treatments before she moves on to Chemo that will be given in Safford. The radiology is strengthening her bones but not destroying the cancer. The doctor feels the cancer is progressing and needs Chemo right away. Mom is ok with the two weeks rather than the five because she rather be in her bed and the cancer being treated than being on the road to Mesa.

Mom and Dad are leaving to Mesa tomorrow morning (Monday) and returning hopefully on Friday.