This past week has been a busy one. The current treatment plan is to do radiation on the tumor in the breast to help it shrink enough for the wound to close, so mom had an appointment for the radiologist to do some prep work in advance of starting radiation which seems like it will be in a few weeks. The radiologist also gave us some better supplies for protecting the wound from infection which have been helpful so far.

Mom is getting some weekly home visits from a home care nurse, physical therapist, and occupational therapist to help monitor her condition, help us to know and obtain helpful supplies and accessibility and safety devices, and to work to help her gain some strength. She's currently supposed to walk a couple laps from the living room to the bathroom 2-3 times a day. 

Fatigue and difficulty breathing continue to be her main symptoms along with coughing fits and having difficulties with eating enough to regain weight. Prayer and wisdom for managing these symptoms is needed!

This week dad and I attended a class about dialysis. They went over three options for the types of dialysis treatment and we have a call Monday to discuss what insurance covers. We'll need to decide what treatment we do over the next two weeks. The decision is largely between an at home type called peritoneal dialysis that would be done at home every day for 8 hours overnight or hemodialysis that would be done 3x a week for 3-4 hours a session at a dialysis center 20 minutes away. A large part of the class was learning about what foods and drinks he should and shouldn't have in order to help his kidney function well. He needs a low sodium, potassium, sugar, and phosphate diet. I'm working to figure out what meals will work well for both Mom and Dad's needs and welcome meal plan and recipe suggestions!

Mom wore a heart monitor for 48-hours to see how her heart has been impacted. We returned the monitor today and aren't sure when we will know the results. We are also waiting on MRI results and mom will have a blood test later this week.  

Tomorrow is her Pet Scan from about 7:30-10am in Midland. In prep for it, she has to eat no carbs today and no food or drinks besides water for the 6 hours before, so today is lots of protein and veggies for meals. It's not clear when we will get the results from the scan, but it seems like it will hopefully be quickly because they are needed for some upcoming biopsies and to figure out the treatment plan. 

Amidst all the medical appointments, we are also looking into options for getting a wheelchair ramp installed through the Commission on Aging or the VA and figuring out some financial assistance and insurance stuff. Mom has also been receiving many cards which she loves and we're working on figuring out a way to display so she can see them. She has also had several visitors including her grandson Devin who helped with getting some chores done at the house and her "daughter" Sindy who is in the picture in this post. Visitors and phone calls to chat are welcome, however we are trying to spread them out somewhat and keep mom from getting too worn out.

Thank you for your continued care and support!