Thought I would let everyone know that Mom has to have a mammogram and ultra sound of her right breast, as she has a small cyst. When she saw Dr. Wilson, he noticed it, but said it was soft and he would make Dr. Simon aware of it.
Apparently he didn't because when Dr. Simon examined Mom last Friday she found it right away and told mom that further action would need to be taken. She is going to Cranberry today to Dr. Simon's office (her surgeon) to have the tests done. Hopefully, it is nothing to worry about, but with this damn cancer, you just never know. If they think the cyst is suspicious, they will do a biopsy quickly.
Let's all pray that it is a benign cyst and she can have a lumpectomy. And be done with it!
She still has not gained much weight back. Dr. Simon did not seem to be too concerned about that, though. Mom's blood count was down and her throid was low, but Dr. Simon said that radiation can cause both of those issues.
I will keep everyone posted.
Mo
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Britt's Graduation
My daughter, Brittany graduated from the University of Pittsburgh this past weekend. We had beautiful weather for both Saturday and Sunday. Her graduation ceremony for the School of Business was on Saturday. The School of Psychology graduation ceremony was on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM and the main ceremony for all graduates was at 1:00 PM at the Peterson Events Center.
1st I would like to say how extremely proud I am of Brittany. I am also proud of my mom for making it through both days, as she tires so easily now. I am proud of Dad, as well. Only a little over a week after emergency hernia surgery, he made all 3 ceremonies.
We were completely exhausted on Sunday, as we had been up since 5:00 AM. But we had a beautiful day and had dinner with Brittany's dad and his family.
On Saturday we had dinner with Brittany's boyfriend and his parents. All of the ceremonies were very nice. On Sunday, we were tired before the 1:00 ceremony even began. I marched Mom & Dad into the Peterson and sat in section 124, which was right past the escalators. It turned out the the Arts & Science grads would be sitting on the opposite side of us; however, the good Lord was with us, as Brittany ended up sitting directly below us and was visible to us the entire ceremony! She even left us a video message, which the University played on the TV screeens, while we were waiting for the festivities to begin. :)
Mom leaves for Florida on June 6th to spend some much needed time with her 96 year old Mom. She will then visit with my brother and sister-in-law in Orlando before coming back to PA. She needs this vacation badly.
She has been feeling good, with the exception of fatigue, as I have stated before. Please keep her in your prayers. We see her chemotherapy oncologist in May....................we will be asking about the cyst in her right breast as well as her lingering cough.
I will keep everyone updated.
Mo
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday
Dad had to have emergency hernia surgery yesterday morning. Everything went well and he will be in the hospital tonight again and come home tomorrow.
After a long night at the ER and long day at the hospital yesterday, Mom was extremely tired. And stressed. I took her home around 4:00 so she could get some rest. I went back to the hospital, but Dad was sleeping most of the time, which is what he needs to do.
Mom napped most of the evening and went to bed early. She tires easily these days.
I am at work, so I will update tomorrow.
Mo
After a long night at the ER and long day at the hospital yesterday, Mom was extremely tired. And stressed. I took her home around 4:00 so she could get some rest. I went back to the hospital, but Dad was sleeping most of the time, which is what he needs to do.
Mom napped most of the evening and went to bed early. She tires easily these days.
I am at work, so I will update tomorrow.
Mo
Friday, April 10, 2009
I must say thank you to Susan and Moe for the kind words they have provided me. Susan, I have added your email address to my contact list and Moe, I have updated yours.
As I have said, once you have been touched by cancer, (being diagnosed yourself or having a friend or family member diagnosed), you truly see the world in a different light and only those who have been in the same circumstance understand.
Working tomorrow 12-8. Off to bed I go.
Happy Easter to everyone.
Mo
As I have said, once you have been touched by cancer, (being diagnosed yourself or having a friend or family member diagnosed), you truly see the world in a different light and only those who have been in the same circumstance understand.
Working tomorrow 12-8. Off to bed I go.
Happy Easter to everyone.
Mo
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Conflicting Emotions
Hello all. As usual, I have not kept to my word of blogging on a consistent basis. Again, I will try and do better. I received an email from Jane's sister Moe who is struggling with the fact that Jane's husband has chosen to close Jane's blog.
I must admit that it brought tears to my eyes when I read Barry's post. However, I can understand why he has chosen to do that. When I spoke to him at the funeral home, I told him I was a daily reader of her blog; hence the reason for Mom even reaching out to Jane when she saw her at Dr. Simon's office the 1st time. Barry responded that he did not read the blog. That was Jane's "thing". He had tears in his eyes when my mom told him what an inspiration Jane was to her.
Barry was with Jane each and every day and knew firsthand what she went through on a daily basis. There was really no need for him to read the blog. However, in reading the blog, each and every one of us were able to know Jane even if we had never met her. We learned about the daily grind of cancer and what meds worked and what meds didn't. Her sister Moe searched Jane's blog for me one day attempting to find what cream worked for Jane when she was getting radiationand had a rash. My mom had a bad burn from radiation and I had mentioned it on the blog. Moe was right there for us, as Jane was in the hospital at the time. She did not hesitate to help Mom out when she needed answers. Thank you, Moe! I really hope to be able to meet Moe in person when she is here for Tim's graduation.
And Jane. Each and every time I blogged about Mom struggling or being tired and hurting, she always offered positive words. And she prayed. Not just for Mom but for each and every indiviudal who has to experience the awful world of cancer. Her faith was amazing to me.
I am in awe that, although I never met Jane, I could tell you what made her happy. So many posts of the turkeys and deer in the backyard and how much she loved "God's country" as she referred to New Wilmington. A simple thing such as Moe baking chocolate chip cookies when she was in town to visit and receiving so many flowers and cards for her birthday. She loved her church and loved the hymn "An Awesome God". She was thrilled when the congregation sang happy birthday to her.
She always had a kind word. Always. And I will love her for that. Always.
My mom is doing well. Her one year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer will be here soon. She has survived the journey, but still suffers from the treatment. It takes a long while to recover from the chemotherapy and radiation. She struggles with the fact that she has only one breast. She does not yet have her energy back. The most important thing is that Jane still inspires my mom. Every day.
I printed out the last few entries to Jane's blog for mom. She had tears in her eyes. It is something that none of us thought would ever be. When I checked the blog 1st thing each morning, I knew there were others doing the same thing and I felt like part of a huge team.
And now we are facing uncertainty with one of my brother's high school friends. John Patton is 48 years old. Young like Jane. We must do something to try and eradicate this awful disease.
Prayers for John will be appreciated. And please continue to pray for my mom's good health.
Mo
I must admit that it brought tears to my eyes when I read Barry's post. However, I can understand why he has chosen to do that. When I spoke to him at the funeral home, I told him I was a daily reader of her blog; hence the reason for Mom even reaching out to Jane when she saw her at Dr. Simon's office the 1st time. Barry responded that he did not read the blog. That was Jane's "thing". He had tears in his eyes when my mom told him what an inspiration Jane was to her.
Barry was with Jane each and every day and knew firsthand what she went through on a daily basis. There was really no need for him to read the blog. However, in reading the blog, each and every one of us were able to know Jane even if we had never met her. We learned about the daily grind of cancer and what meds worked and what meds didn't. Her sister Moe searched Jane's blog for me one day attempting to find what cream worked for Jane when she was getting radiationand had a rash. My mom had a bad burn from radiation and I had mentioned it on the blog. Moe was right there for us, as Jane was in the hospital at the time. She did not hesitate to help Mom out when she needed answers. Thank you, Moe! I really hope to be able to meet Moe in person when she is here for Tim's graduation.
And Jane. Each and every time I blogged about Mom struggling or being tired and hurting, she always offered positive words. And she prayed. Not just for Mom but for each and every indiviudal who has to experience the awful world of cancer. Her faith was amazing to me.
I am in awe that, although I never met Jane, I could tell you what made her happy. So many posts of the turkeys and deer in the backyard and how much she loved "God's country" as she referred to New Wilmington. A simple thing such as Moe baking chocolate chip cookies when she was in town to visit and receiving so many flowers and cards for her birthday. She loved her church and loved the hymn "An Awesome God". She was thrilled when the congregation sang happy birthday to her.
She always had a kind word. Always. And I will love her for that. Always.
My mom is doing well. Her one year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer will be here soon. She has survived the journey, but still suffers from the treatment. It takes a long while to recover from the chemotherapy and radiation. She struggles with the fact that she has only one breast. She does not yet have her energy back. The most important thing is that Jane still inspires my mom. Every day.
I printed out the last few entries to Jane's blog for mom. She had tears in her eyes. It is something that none of us thought would ever be. When I checked the blog 1st thing each morning, I knew there were others doing the same thing and I felt like part of a huge team.
And now we are facing uncertainty with one of my brother's high school friends. John Patton is 48 years old. Young like Jane. We must do something to try and eradicate this awful disease.
Prayers for John will be appreciated. And please continue to pray for my mom's good health.
Mo
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Prayers, Prayers and more Prayers
Another of Mom's chemo buddies, as she affectionately calls them, has passed. He had stomach cancer.
And we now need prayers for John Patton, a childhood friend of my brothers, who has been fighting cancer for far too long. He is 48 years old. The cancer began in his tongue, spread to lymph nodes and was just found in one of his leg bones. Because of the cancer, his bone cracked and he just underwent surgery to have a rod placed in his leg. They are watching him carefully due to his low red blood cell count. As all cancer patients, John has been through so much. He has two young daughters and the family needs our prayers.
Mom is hanging in there. Emotionally she is a little down, due to the recent deaths. Additionally, a woman she worked with at Westminster died suddenly.
As Jane would have said, "it is what it is" and we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Enjoy each and every day, as you never know when your last day will come." We are thinking of you today, as your family celebrates your life back in the Cape. We know you are smiling down on them, Jane.
And yes, everyone. Cancer does, indeed, suck!
Mo
And we now need prayers for John Patton, a childhood friend of my brothers, who has been fighting cancer for far too long. He is 48 years old. The cancer began in his tongue, spread to lymph nodes and was just found in one of his leg bones. Because of the cancer, his bone cracked and he just underwent surgery to have a rod placed in his leg. They are watching him carefully due to his low red blood cell count. As all cancer patients, John has been through so much. He has two young daughters and the family needs our prayers.
Mom is hanging in there. Emotionally she is a little down, due to the recent deaths. Additionally, a woman she worked with at Westminster died suddenly.
As Jane would have said, "it is what it is" and we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Enjoy each and every day, as you never know when your last day will come." We are thinking of you today, as your family celebrates your life back in the Cape. We know you are smiling down on them, Jane.
And yes, everyone. Cancer does, indeed, suck!
Mo
Sunday, March 29, 2009
RIP Jane Kaminske
Sadly, our blogging friend Jane Kaminske passed yesterday morning. Her husband son and father were by her side during her final moments. Please continue to pray for Jane's family during this diffucult time.
Mom is taking this badly. Jane inspired her to fight and stay strong throughtout her own battle.
I am getting Mom out of the house for a little bit today.
Love all of you.
Maureen
Mom is taking this badly. Jane inspired her to fight and stay strong throughtout her own battle.
I am getting Mom out of the house for a little bit today.
Love all of you.
Maureen
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Checkups
Isn't she beautiful???
Mom had her follow-up appointment with Dr. Wilson her radiation oncologist. She has a small cyst in her right breast, but he assured her that it is no worry. It is soft and squishy, which he says is a good thing. The hard lumps are the ones to worry about. She sees Dr. Simon in May, so she will let her know whether action needs to be taken.
Mom is still tired most of the time. She has actually been taking naps. Dr. Wilson assured her that this is normal. Her body has been through so much this past year, it is natural for her to still feel tired. She is at the dermatologist right now. She has had a rash of some sort for a while now, and has been scratching herself silly.
She went to the hair salon yesterday and got her hair trimmed and colored. She absolutely HATES grey hair. I have attached a pic for you.
Our friend Jane is suffering right now. She has been receiving Hospice Care and is in alot of pain, which they are trying to control for her. Please say a prayer for Jane. We would appreciate it.
Not much else new to report. I cannot convince Mom to sit at the computer and type entries for the blog. She & Dad are simply too set in their ways and technology is not their friend!
I will let everyone know what Dr. Simon says after our visit with her. Please continue to pray that Mom remains healthy!
Love,
Mo
Monday, March 2, 2009
Time for an Update
Mom is doing well. However, she is still extremely tired. Her hair is coming in quickly. She has been spiking the top! lol. I will post another pic soon. She is already wanting to know when she can have it colored again. She hates the greys.
So much has been happening otherwise. My brother had an MRI on Friday and we will know on Wednesday the reason for his pain. Please pray that we receive some good news. The orthopedic surgeon believes it is a sports hernia he is suffering from, but the MRI will tell us for sure.
Please continue to pray for Mom's friend Jane. Jane has made a decision to stop taking chemo and her family has called Hospice to assist in her care and to ease her pain. Jane is such an inspiration to my mom, as I have said many times. She has fought this ugly battle for such a long time. For never meeting Jane myself, I still feel as though I know her through reading her blogs and emailing back and forth with her sister. She has touched our lives and continues to do so by remaining so strong and having such an immense faith in God.
Love all of you,
Mo
So much has been happening otherwise. My brother had an MRI on Friday and we will know on Wednesday the reason for his pain. Please pray that we receive some good news. The orthopedic surgeon believes it is a sports hernia he is suffering from, but the MRI will tell us for sure.
Please continue to pray for Mom's friend Jane. Jane has made a decision to stop taking chemo and her family has called Hospice to assist in her care and to ease her pain. Jane is such an inspiration to my mom, as I have said many times. She has fought this ugly battle for such a long time. For never meeting Jane myself, I still feel as though I know her through reading her blogs and emailing back and forth with her sister. She has touched our lives and continues to do so by remaining so strong and having such an immense faith in God.
Love all of you,
Mo
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mom's visit with Dr. Malay went well. She will have to see her every six months for follow up and mammograms of her right breast. Although the reason we see Dr. Malay is nothing to celebrate, Mom loves going to her appointments there. The entire staff is wonderful and Dr. Malay; I just cannot say enought nice things about her. She is recently engaged (and has a sizable ring, I might add), so I asked her if her fiancee had a brother. Ha Ha. We always have them laughing there. Mom was so blessed to have been referred to her by Dr. Simon.
I went to the dentist yesterday and saw Stacy, our hygenist, who recently was diagnosed. She had a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and is currenty undergoing chemotherapy. She looks wonderful and has a great attitude. I could not believe she was working, but she said she would go crazy at home. It never ceases to amaze me - the bravery of those diagnosed with cancer. Please keep Stacy in your prayers. She is almost there, but prayers are still needed.
Also, continue to pray for Mom's friend Jane. She has been in so much pain lately, but she just keeps right on truckin.
One more note to ad. I would like to ask for prayers for my best friend Lori's family. Lori's nephew who was only 22 was killed in a car accident in Tampa Florida. He was a wonderful, accomplished young man who wanted to be a doctor in the Army. He was in the ROTC program at Tampa University. Lori's family has always been a 2nd family to me. I have known her since kindergarten. And though we may not keep in touch as much as we used to, we are always there for each other. Please pray for them during this tragic time.
Thanks everyone! Mom has appreciated everyone's prayers and thoughts during this journey. I will continue to post updates.
Mo
I went to the dentist yesterday and saw Stacy, our hygenist, who recently was diagnosed. She had a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and is currenty undergoing chemotherapy. She looks wonderful and has a great attitude. I could not believe she was working, but she said she would go crazy at home. It never ceases to amaze me - the bravery of those diagnosed with cancer. Please keep Stacy in your prayers. She is almost there, but prayers are still needed.
Also, continue to pray for Mom's friend Jane. She has been in so much pain lately, but she just keeps right on truckin.
One more note to ad. I would like to ask for prayers for my best friend Lori's family. Lori's nephew who was only 22 was killed in a car accident in Tampa Florida. He was a wonderful, accomplished young man who wanted to be a doctor in the Army. He was in the ROTC program at Tampa University. Lori's family has always been a 2nd family to me. I have known her since kindergarten. And though we may not keep in touch as much as we used to, we are always there for each other. Please pray for them during this tragic time.
Thanks everyone! Mom has appreciated everyone's prayers and thoughts during this journey. I will continue to post updates.
Mo
Friday, February 6, 2009
Blessed
Mom's last day of radiation was Tuesday. She received lots of hugs from the staff at Dr. Wilsons and received a certificate for completing her radiation signed by everyone. As much as she loved seeing each and every one of them, she won't miss going to the office on a daily basis! Dad took Mom out to eat afterward and they went home and watched the Super Bowl Parade on TV. She then took a long hot "normal" shower, which she said felt wonderful. She was marked with x's where they were sending the radiation and could not wash off those x's! She then took a long nap, which is unusual for Mom. But good for her, too.
We picked up Brittany at Pitt on Wednesday evening and went to dinner to celebrate Mom's victory! She had 1 sangria and 1/2 of mine! And she ordered a big juicy steak. AND she ate each and every bite!
Not much else to report. Once we see Dr. Malay on Monday, we will know what kind of folloe-up care she will need, etc. Then she will be off to Florida to see her mom, sister and Rob & Laura.
We picked up Brittany at Pitt on Wednesday evening and went to dinner to celebrate Mom's victory! She had 1 sangria and 1/2 of mine! And she ordered a big juicy steak. AND she ate each and every bite!
Not much else to report. Once we see Dr. Malay on Monday, we will know what kind of folloe-up care she will need, etc. Then she will be off to Florida to see her mom, sister and Rob & Laura.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
It's Official - Today is Last Day of Radiation
Mom has made it through her long journey. Today is her very last radiation treatment. Thank you God!
Her underarm is still very sore; blisters and bleeding. Dr. Wilson informed her that she won the prize for the worst burn under the arm he has seen thus far! She did buy the cream he suggested, though, and it is helping. Had to pay over $50 for it, but it was worth it. Insurance would not cover the cost. Can you believe it? A cream that will heal the blisters from radiation and insurance won't pay for it. Our insurance system sucks for the elderly.
My sister-in-law got her a hooded sweatshirt that says "I kicked cancer's ass. Want to be next?" I love it!
I will update after we see the surgeon on February 9th.
Mo
P.S. I am extremely proud of my mom. She has fought so hard and she never complains. NEVER! She is my hero. :)
Her underarm is still very sore; blisters and bleeding. Dr. Wilson informed her that she won the prize for the worst burn under the arm he has seen thus far! She did buy the cream he suggested, though, and it is helping. Had to pay over $50 for it, but it was worth it. Insurance would not cover the cost. Can you believe it? A cream that will heal the blisters from radiation and insurance won't pay for it. Our insurance system sucks for the elderly.
My sister-in-law got her a hooded sweatshirt that says "I kicked cancer's ass. Want to be next?" I love it!
I will update after we see the surgeon on February 9th.
Mo
P.S. I am extremely proud of my mom. She has fought so hard and she never complains. NEVER! She is my hero. :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Nearing the End of Treatment
Mom received some great news yesterday from Dr. Wilson, her radiation oncologist. She will be COMPLETELY finished with radiation on Monday February 2nd. YAYYYYYYYYYYYY
She was so happy last night. She was bursting with the news and couldn't wait to tell me when I got home from work last night. Monday will be a celebration day!
Maureen
She was so happy last night. She was bursting with the news and couldn't wait to tell me when I got home from work last night. Monday will be a celebration day!
Maureen
Monday, January 26, 2009
2 Weeks and a Few Days to Go!!
Mom is getting anxious to get radiation done and overwith. She had some blisters appear under her arm over the weekend. I received word from one of my blogging friends' on what to use on it. Actually, it was the bloggers' family member. Jane was in the hospital, so others were posting for her. I believe it was Moe that researched Jane's blogs for me to find out what Jane had done in this circumstance. Regardless, it was very much appreciated, and I can see that Jane really does have angels surrounding her!
Mom wasn't feeling well yesterday and looked pale. She had plans to clean out her closets, but decided that the recliner had her name written all over it. I was proud of her for that. At times she will push herself entirely too hard when it is not necessary. She now knows when her body needs rest and she will rest. She gained 2 pounds! Yay! Dad & I keep telling her she needs to gain about 5 more. She looks like a little doll. She is tiny!
She had a good visit with Dr. Wilson the radiation oncologist on Friday. They take pictures once a week and so far everything looks great for her. She sees her surgeon, Dr. Maly on February 9th, so I will attend that visit with her to ensure that Mom understands what they are telling her. When you are the patient, you get overwhemed; then Mom forgets what the Dr. told her. :)
We are praying for a good report from Dr. Malay. Please pray with us.
I took Mom & Dad to Pitt to see Brittany on Saturday. It amazes me how worn out they both get these days. Britt's apartment is on the chilly side, so we wrapped Mom in a blanket and had dinner. Britt cooked for us! She is an amazing daughter/granddaughter. Mom cries each time we have to leave her or she leaves us to go back to Pitt.
Not much other news to report. My brother had hernia surgery in Florida last week, so needless to say, Mom has been worried about him and wishing she could have gone down to help my sister-in-law take care of him. She has to take care of herself 1st, though.
I will keep you updated!
Maureen
Mom wasn't feeling well yesterday and looked pale. She had plans to clean out her closets, but decided that the recliner had her name written all over it. I was proud of her for that. At times she will push herself entirely too hard when it is not necessary. She now knows when her body needs rest and she will rest. She gained 2 pounds! Yay! Dad & I keep telling her she needs to gain about 5 more. She looks like a little doll. She is tiny!
She had a good visit with Dr. Wilson the radiation oncologist on Friday. They take pictures once a week and so far everything looks great for her. She sees her surgeon, Dr. Maly on February 9th, so I will attend that visit with her to ensure that Mom understands what they are telling her. When you are the patient, you get overwhemed; then Mom forgets what the Dr. told her. :)
We are praying for a good report from Dr. Malay. Please pray with us.
I took Mom & Dad to Pitt to see Brittany on Saturday. It amazes me how worn out they both get these days. Britt's apartment is on the chilly side, so we wrapped Mom in a blanket and had dinner. Britt cooked for us! She is an amazing daughter/granddaughter. Mom cries each time we have to leave her or she leaves us to go back to Pitt.
Not much other news to report. My brother had hernia surgery in Florida last week, so needless to say, Mom has been worried about him and wishing she could have gone down to help my sister-in-law take care of him. She has to take care of herself 1st, though.
I will keep you updated!
Maureen
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Playing in the Snow
Mom and Brittany getting a start to a snowman. This was one of Mom's items on her "to do list". Making a snowman.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Building A SNowman and Celebrating the Steelers
This past weekend, my daughter was home from Pitt. We got more snow over the weekend, so Dad & I went out to shovel the driveway yet again. Mom had been talking and talking of wanting to build a snowman, but Britt & I thought she wouldn't walk the walk when it came time! To our great surprise, Mom bundled up and the three of us made a snowman. Dad gathered some Steeler items; as they were playing the Ravens that night, we HAD to make it a Steeler snowman, of course! We put a Steeler scarf and hat on him and he is waving a Steeler flag. His name is Troy after Mom's favorite player!
The snow wasn't packing very well, but Brittany had me get some water in a bucket and she used that to get a good pack of snow started. Mom & I would have given up if it weren't for Britt being home. That is one more thing to knock off Mom's wishlist. She wanted to go to light up night in Pittsburgh and we did that. She wanted to make a snowman; done! Onward we go!
Her radiation is going well. She is extremely red, though. She has been putting cream on it, but it is also very itchy. The nurses told her to put Cortisone cream on it for the itch, but it isn't helping very much. I am going to have to do some research and find something else for her.
She found out yesterday when she picked up her Arimidex (medicine she must be on for 5 years, due to her diagnosis of breast cancer) that when she reaches the donut hole (gap in Medicare where you have to pay out of pocket) her medicine will cost almost $400 a month. She is already worrying about how she will pay for it.
She is so much more emotional than she used to be. She cries at the drop of a hat; I wish I knew what to do for her................ :(
I am going to look into the ACS and see if they have any programs that assist cancer patients with cash assistance to purchase medicine. She HAS to have this medicine. We wil figure it out, though. We always do.
Mom's chemo buddy, Jane, is in the hospital again. Mom says a prayer for Jane each and every night. Jane is going through a tough time right now, so additional prayers are appreciated!
When I have more news, I will update.
Love all of you.
Mo
The snow wasn't packing very well, but Brittany had me get some water in a bucket and she used that to get a good pack of snow started. Mom & I would have given up if it weren't for Britt being home. That is one more thing to knock off Mom's wishlist. She wanted to go to light up night in Pittsburgh and we did that. She wanted to make a snowman; done! Onward we go!
Her radiation is going well. She is extremely red, though. She has been putting cream on it, but it is also very itchy. The nurses told her to put Cortisone cream on it for the itch, but it isn't helping very much. I am going to have to do some research and find something else for her.
She found out yesterday when she picked up her Arimidex (medicine she must be on for 5 years, due to her diagnosis of breast cancer) that when she reaches the donut hole (gap in Medicare where you have to pay out of pocket) her medicine will cost almost $400 a month. She is already worrying about how she will pay for it.
She is so much more emotional than she used to be. She cries at the drop of a hat; I wish I knew what to do for her................ :(
I am going to look into the ACS and see if they have any programs that assist cancer patients with cash assistance to purchase medicine. She HAS to have this medicine. We wil figure it out, though. We always do.
Mom's chemo buddy, Jane, is in the hospital again. Mom says a prayer for Jane each and every night. Jane is going through a tough time right now, so additional prayers are appreciated!
When I have more news, I will update.
Love all of you.
Mo
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Christmas Present
As promised, here is the pic of Mom with the big red bow on her head! This was by far, my favorite Christmas present EVER!
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