Hello Everyone,
Mom started chemo again last Thursday at City of Hope. Right now she is one gemzar only. In a couple of weeks the Dr. will conduct another CT scan and then assess if gemzar is the best route. Again, Moms main problem at this time is the fluid that accumulates in her abdomen. She now needs paracentesis every 3 or 4 days. The swelling gives her a lot of discomfort. We are going to the City of Hope tomorrow to consult with a surgeon there, as to whether or not a stent of some type could be implanted that would consistently drain this abdominal fluid. Although the paracentesis gives her relief from the discomfort, being poked with a needle every couple of days is painful for her as well. Hopefully the Dr. tomorrow will have an alternative option for her.
Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers.
Bye for now, Michelle.

Hello Everyone,
I haven't posted in a while because I wasn't sure people were using it. However, Dad informed me that members of his family as well as Moms brother do use the blog to stay informed on Moms condition. So, I will continue to post.
We have had a hard time lately. Approximately five weeks ago Mom and Dad went to Mayo and the doctor decided to take Mom off the research trial she had been on. That meant no chemo and no further treatment. He was quite vague as to the reason he made this decision, stating that he felt she was not improving. Once he made this decision he pretty much left them to their own devices. Mom has decided she would like to find a treatment facility closer to home so we contacted The City of Hope in Duarte,CA. We consulted with them and a doctor we spoke to there seemed puzzled as to why Mayo made the decision to remove Mom from the trial. From the reports he read he would call it a "stable" disease. This is soooooo frustrating!!!!
City of Hope compiled all of Moms records and has some treatment options for Mom. They also work with a doctor located in Riverside, so there is a potential that treatment could be very close to home. Mom, Dad and I will go to City of Hope tomorrow and make a final decision.
Mom hates to start chemo again because she feels better off it, but she knows she must. Mom now needs the paracentesis almost once a week. Each time they remove approx. 4 liters. At this time the swollen abdomen remains her chief complaint.
Throughout all of this Mom remains a lady. Always dressed and looking beautiful, never complaining to any of us. There is no one like her!! She is the best!!!!
I will post again when we know what direction we will be taking next. Please pray for Mom. Pray that we can have a lot more time, and that she is without pain or discomfort.
Bye for now, Michelle