Mom Update

Cancer really sucks, but I'm sure you all knew this without me even having to say it. The past three weeks mom has been in the hospital and it has been hard to keep the majority of you in the loop. These weeks have been crazy and I guess the easiest way to explain it all is to break it down into weeks.

Week 1:
On MLK day, Mom was admitted to the hospital for lack of energy and having problems breathing. During this stay in the hospital it was determined that my mom is one of those 3% of people that does not respond to the normal multiple myeloma treatment. Her doctor was in contact with the myeloma department at MD Anderson in Houston to figure out what her new treatment plan would consist of and to be put on the waiting list. She was released from the hospital that Friday and then started to have problems again late Saturday night. When Kevin and I went to visit her on Sunday afternoon, she was very fatigued, shaky, and could not carry on a conversation.

Week 2:
Monday morning I got a phone call from my sister to let me know that Dad called an ambulance for Mom. Mom was taken to the emergency room and was later admitted to the ICU. Her ability to have a conversation and processing skill were gone. Mom did not know she was in the hospital or that we were there. Her kidney functions did not look good and she was very dehydrated. By Wednesday, there was little improvement and there was a sign of an infection. That afternoon, Mom was transported to MD Anderson by ambulance. Dad was able to ride with her to Houston, Curtis (Jennifer's husband) drove up that night, and on Friday the rest of the immediate family arrived.

While at MD Anderson, more tests were preformed and new concerns regarding mom's gallbladder arose. She was still in the ICU and all cancer treatments have been postponed for her body to heal and become as healthy as it can before the new treatment will start. While we were in Houston, Mom showed some improvement. She still looked tired, but was aware of where she was and that we were present. Mom still has a bad cough, a strained voice, and has broken out into a rash all over her body.

Week 3:
On Sunday, Mom was realeased from the ICU and placed in another part of the hospital. This past Wednesday, she was discharged from the hospital and returned to San Antonio. My parents will go back to Houston next Monday and will have an appoitment with one of the myeloma doctors. During this time a new treatment plan will be discussed and carried out in San Antonio.

Keep the prayers coming for God's healing hand and I will try to do a better job keeping everyone in the loop. As of now, Mom is doing much better and we are ready to tackle this new hurdle.