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

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.

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. :)