August 6, 2021


It's been a minute so I though I would touch base and let you know how mom's doing. Mom and I actually met with Dr. Amico (she's the oncologist from the University of Chicago) July 29th to follow up on the OncoPlus testing she had requested done with moms tumor cells back at the end of May. The OncoPlus panel is a targeted next generation sequencing assay that has the capability to cover many cancer related genes for personalized assessments of both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The panel not only includes the actionable targets today but also potential future targets. Moms results showed that they would indeed have a treatment available for her if her cancer returned and was metastatic. This of course is not something we want, wish for or will plan for, but are thankful to know that there is something available. This information will be stored away in a safe place. Dr. Amico was a little surprised that mom wasn't continuing with treatment since she wasn't having any ill effects but also understood why mom struggled with it. All she wanted to be sure of is that she was still seeing her oncologist, Dr. Ayers, and that she would be seen often and getting regular scans to make sure nothing sneaks up. She is such a sweetheart - and always is concerned. She also clarified for me that the root of the cancer isn't always necessarily the "stem" cell, or what we might think is left behind. In moms case, there's a very good chance that they removed all of the cancer when they removed her breast, including the "root" or "stem".  The reason why they do the chemo is just to be sure it was all removed and in the event that it wasn't, the chemo given should kill off any remaining cancer cells that were left behind. That's the goal anyways. We know this didn't happen the first time anyways and for reasons beyond our control. The master has a plan for us all and things happen for reasons, some things we will NEVER understand, but they do. And we will get through them if we embrace them rather than fight them. We are taking this one day at a time, and mom is doing a pretty good job at it. 

I had to lean on mom earlier this week to help me out. I wasn't sure I wanted to put her in a germy situation sitting in a hospital however I know she wouldn't have it any other way. I had my gallbladder removed Monday and she got to be my person for a change. She loved being there for me and I loved having her there by my side. It was a outpatient procedure and she was with me every step of the way until they took me back and then once again when I was in recovery. She even stayed with me at my house until Danny came home from work as my boys were being kids and out and about. We decided that they have zero concept about surgery and what it really is or how serious. One day they will and then go, oh yea, I remember.............

Mom continues to play golf twice a week and is improving a little each week. She and her teammates are in charge of the get togethers they have with her Downers league and they just had their first box lunch gathering this week which was quite successful. Yay mom!! They are working on the next one which will happen in a few weeks. Mom also keeps herself busy working in her yard, gets together and eats out on occasion with different friends, keeps up with her grandchildren and daily exercises. 

We are enjoying one day at a time and are thankful each and everyday we wake up breathing. Some days are better than others, but we are all in that same boat. Fortunately, we don't all have bad days at the same time and can lift one another up on the days the others are down. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. God Bless.