As many of you know, Mom was recently diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. We were all shocked. Mom was not really ill at the time and she has been such a well person her whole life. What to do with this potentially devastating news? Here is what we have done and the plan going forward. Tune in for updates and please stay in touch. Mom is loving her conversations from friends near and far, old and new. We are lifted up by the love, support and encouragement so generously given over the past few weeks.
Mom has come to stay with us in Virginia while she has treatment. We are so glad she is here. We found an oncologist we love and the nurses in the practice are wonderful. She hasn't had a treatment yet and they are already caring for her by being very responsive, kind, and helpful with everything we ask. This past week, she was supposed to have a port placed and have her first infusion of chemotherapy. That never happened because she developed a nasty case of gastroenteritis and spent 2 days in the hospital. After a very rough 24 hours, Mom bounced back with her characteristic resilience. Today, she is well and home again with us. We expect to reschedule port placement and first chemo infusion for this week. Going forward, she'll have one infusion per week for 3 weeks in a row, followed by one week off. The plan is to do 2 monthly cycles like that and then re-scan to see how the tumors have responded.
Right now, we are celebrating her renewed health and are grateful for the loving care and support of her brother John and sister-in-law Carol Souder who were here last week when she became so sick, also a much enjoyed visit with the Maryland Salkelds, and unexpected phone calls from several long-time friends. It has been a great weekend.
Lots of love to you from us -
Allison & Sandy
P.S. For those interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer, please visit pancan.org. It's an excellent website with lots of clear, well organized information.
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