Mupdate #2

I’m currently sitting with Mommer in the waiting room of the Radiology Oncology area of U-Dub, or the University of Washington – Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We are now in week three of Mom’s treatment, and what an exciting week it’s been! Mom and I rescued our second falling patient of the week today, he was trying to break the world record for fastest wheelchair dash to the smoking section of the hospital. Mom and I sprang to action and now here we are… discussing how we NEVER could be a nurse/medical practitioner!

I digress… Now many of you have reached out and asked how Mom is doing.. and your concern and the checking in has been much appreciated! I thought it might be best to give everyone a quick overview/update from Cancertopia.. what kind of treatment is she getting? how long? will she ever come back from the west coast again?? and also.. an update on how Mom is faring given her treatment is right about at the midpoint (YAY)!

The Treatment — Mom has been receiving treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cancer of the base of tongue) for three weeks now. The treatment entails radiation 5 days a week (think 15 minute radiation light show each day) and chemotherapy 3 times during the 7 week period she receives radiation. Mom has already received one of her chemotherapy infusions – which made her nauseous and was a beating – but she got through it with flying colors. Mom’s second chemotherapy treatment is next week, and per usual she gets her radiation daily until June 7th.

..overview:

– 7(ish) weeks of Radiation: April 24-June 7

– 3 Infusions of Chemotherapy during 7 weeks of treatment

The Patient — Mom’s doing great! With that being said, you may have reached out with a phone call only to be texted back by the Deb. That is because as the radiation continues, it will become more and more painful to chat. The radiation essentially is frying the area of the neck and tongue where the tumor is – so if you can imagine concentrated sunlight (almost as if you were holding a magnifying glass over a bug) hitting the exact same spots every day – it becomes increasingly more painful as time goes on.

From the doctor’s standpoint – mom is doing great! She’s keeping her weight up.. which is apparently one of the most important pieces to the puzzle. It’s vital Mom continues to eat as her esophagus continues to undergo radiation it will harden and shrink… this is mitigated by daily stretching due to swallowing. The problem is, Mom has experienced what most do during radiation of the neck and mouth: loss of tastebuds and pain with swallowing. We are doing our best to find foods that don’t taste terrible for mom – but Mom’s found sticking to a bland palate is best to not have expectations of deliciousness dashed. Case in point… we tried breakfast sausage yesterday which most of you reading likely know is one of Mom’s absolute favorite foods.. NOPE – apparently didn’t taste good at all. Sidenote – Frappaccino’s are apparently good so Mom’s now made the leap from Lattes each morning to Frappes. Riveting stuff I know!

This week – Mom’s numbers were so good that she didn’t need an infusion on Monday (an infusion of Saline is typically for hydration). While her pain is increasing, she’s being a trooper and keeping her spirits up! Last weekend Mom and Dad took a little trip to Victoria, Canada (pretty sure that’s what its called) and this weekend Scott arrives Friday night and the four of us will take a little Mother’s Day trip to Friday Harbor – think whale watching and lots of liberals drinking coffee.

Like I’ve said in previous emails – Mom couldn’t get through this ordeal without the support of family and friends and each one of you has been integral in her getting through treatment successfully. It’s important to keep in mind that with radiation, often the ongoing effects and the worst side effects can be felt 2-4 weeks afterwards. Mid-June will be rough for the Momster so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers now and during that time.

FAQ:

IDK – she has loved all the flowers everyone sends though!!!!

Definitely an option, but frozen meals or prepared meals are probably best and will likely be eaten by someone other than Mom. Like I said her palate is extremely selective these days and limited to mostly bland foods unfortunately.

Mom’s throat is undergoing some next level lava treatment so it’s a little sore – texting and emailing are best!!!