Family and friends, 

Thank you so much for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers! Our family, and our mom, certainly feel it. Here is a short update from her appointment on Wednesday!

Lanreotide Round 2
I took my mom to her second Lanreotide injection two days ago - this is a chemo injection that helps keep the tumors under control. She started the appointment by meeting with her oncologist and his Nurse Practitioner to discuss side effects from the first injection. After the injection, she experienced a variety of terrible side effects that lasted throughout the month. We later learned that Lanreotide is slow release, which explains why the side effects didn’t stop soon after the first injection.

The Nurse Practitioner was able to give my mom a few suggestions to manage the side effects of the shot. We are hoping this brings her more comfort this time around, especially with Christmas coming up. 

A lot of people have been asking how long my mom will have to get Lanreotide injections. If they continue to control the cancer, the answer is indefinitely. If the injection doesn’t control the cancer, radiation will likely be the next step. 

Prayer/ Positive Thoughts
-For the side effects of the injection to become more manageable. 
-For the injection to control the tumors. 
-For my mom to have energy for her everyday tasks, to workout (which is good for healing and maintaining side effects of the injection) and so she can enjoy the holidays with family. 

How Can I Help? 
We are so grateful that people have been ready and willing to help however they can. This question can be hard to answer because asking for what she truly needs can be hard, and sometimes she/we don’t always know what is needed. If you are in a season of wanting to help, offering something tangible takes the mental load out of that question. i.e. “I’m going to make you dinner. Tell me what night you will be home.” or “I’d love to keep you company, when are you free?” 

Ideas: 
-Everyday tasks (which can be difficult with her fatigue and lack of sleep). 
-Keeping her company/ doing something fun or going for a walk to get her up and moving. 
-Dropping off a meal or a small care basket. 
-Offering to drive her to appointments - we will most likely bring her to her appointments, but it helps to offer in case we are not available. 
-Sending a card so she knows you are thinking about her.

To end the post on a positive note, my mom got some baby therapy & dog therapy at the appointment. Reese, Colleen’s youngest granddaughter, brought out the big smiles while we were waiting for the doctor. Before her injection, she also got to visit with Welby the therapy dog. She is a sucker for babies and dogs, so this was a great combo! 

Thank you again, and feel free to reach out to me for any questions! 

Katie