Mom's Health Update 12/7/08

Heather writes:

December Greetings to you all.

Thank you again, for praying and caring during this difficult time with Mom.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Mom has been struggling with smells making her nauseous. She was concerned that scrumptious Thanksgiving smells would be difficult for her. But, she did just fine! Tom, Margie, and their boys hosted a fabulous Thanksgiving. We brought Mom's pillow and blankie in case she needed to rest. Ryan had so kindly prepared his room to let Mom use it as her siesta spot. She found Toby's shoulder to be a great resting spot and did a couple of laps in the house with her walker. We had a great time being together.

The day after Thanksgiving, Sue, Mom's cousin came to be with Mom. She brought her naturally nurturing way about her and blessed Mom and Dad with sweet company, Midwest comfort food, practical care, and lots of love.

Well, as Mom words it, she "flunked" xeloda. This the oral chemo that they had her on for a week. I don't know that I will call it "flunked" for a couple of reasons. One being that it worked! Only 40% of patients that have taken it have had positive results...she's one of the 40%! Her liver enzymes and cancer markers are lower...still high but better. Another reason I would say that Mom didn't "flunk" xeloda, is that she endured this extremely strong chemo and it's side effects for a week! This is no little endeavor.

Another praise is that during the following week of no chemo, her liver enzymes didn't worsen! Thank you, Lord!

The new plan of action is IV rounds of chemo. Her first was on Dec. 2nd, and it was an extremely high dose for the time. As a friend has reminded us, chemo is a double-edged sword. The side effects are fierce at times...nausea, extreme exhaustion, dizziness, and shakiness have been the most dominant recently. She goes for another round of this chemo on Dec. 9th and then again on Dec. 23rd. Our prayer request is that this chemo works well at killing off the cancer and the side effects do not become overbearing. Please pray with us about this.

Mom has been very stiff, most likely from inactivity. She has needed assistance with many tasks. She has found a walker to be a form of transportation for her recently. Due to her liver sitting on her diaphragm, it is difficult for Mom to have long conversations. It is very difficult to see Mom endure so much pain and discomfort. She told me the other day, "Don't worry Heather, this is the chemo causing me to have a hard time."

Mom has reflected on much during this. Your endless support of prayers, cards, food, visits, and encouragement have meant so much. She also has been reflecting on how much of a saint her own mother was...having very limited mobility most of her adult life. Mom said she now realizes, from a bit of experience, what life was like for her mom. Perspective from someone else's shoes can be so eye-opening and life changing.

We, as a family, feel so blessed to have all of you go through this with us. I know we probably overdo it with saying thank you, but we just feel that we can't say it enough. So, thank you and please keep praying.

Blessings,

Heather Hofman