3-26-20

Boy, how quickly our world has turned upside down.

In the midst of this, Mom had progress scans done this week and met with her oncologist today.

She found out that while there are no new spots (which is great news), the growth in her lung has grown some, so the doctor is switching her to a new formula of immunotherapy. She’ll be going in every two weeks, rather than every three weeks.

We were supposed to leave Monday for our big trip to Holland and it is beyond disappointing that we’re having to postpone it-for now. We’ll be rebooking as soon as we possibly can.

We know this is a difficult time for all.

Stay healthy and safe...and know we are sending our love to each of you.
❤️

The  daffodil fields in Skagit Valley will have to do until we return to Holland.

2-16-20

On Valentine’s Day (Isabel’s 16th Birthday!), Mom went in for another immunotherapy treatment. She also had a “Zometa” infusion (for strengthening her bones). 

In the last 3 weeks since she stopped the chemotherapy, she has had more energy. At the same time she has had an increase in back pain, which is disconcerting.

On a bright note, the two of us will be flying to Billings to visit Zack this week. It’s our last chance before he moves to San Francisco this Spring and a good test flight for the longer one we plan on taking to Holland next month.

“You can’t stop the waves, 

but you can learn how to surf”.

-Jon Kabat-Zinn

One of my favorite photos of Isabel & Mom❤️

1-25-20

The results of the new scans are in and the doctor said it was good news: there are signs of real improvement from the chemo/immunotherapy treatment! At this point Mom will only have immunotherapy which shouldn’t have the negative side effects that the chemo has been having. She also needed a blood transfusion yesterday due to a low red blood cell count. We’re hopeful that at this point, she will really begin to feel better and get her energy back.

She’ll continue the immunotherapy treatment every three weeks. During her next treatment (on Valentine’s Day!) she’ll also get an infusion to strengthen her bones.

We’re so grateful to be able to share this positive update.
❤️

(A favorite photo of Mom with all her grandkids in Texas-a FEW years back!)

1-4-20

The last three weeks have not been easy on mom. While she stayed on top of her anti-nausea medication, the chemo, nevertheless, has really been taking its toll. At today’s treatment they found out her red blood cell count is down which helped to explain how tired she has felt. Because of this, the doctor decided to reduce the potency of the chemo mixture. They always wait till the last minute to mix up the chemo solution for just this reason. 

We're hoping the next few weeks are easier on her system. They will take more scans (finally!) on the 21st (with results back on the 24th). Of course, we're all so anxious to find out what effect this last few months of treatment have been having and are hoping for the best! The results of the scans will determine the next course of treatment. 

I am writing this from Holland. I'm so grateful for Mom's continued support for my travels even as she's going through this rough time. I'm missing being there for her (in person) day to day but know other's are taking this as an opportunity to spend more time with her and she's enjoying and appreciating the support from her loving circle of family and friends. The next update will be on the 24th when we find out the results of the scans. Until then....


Happy New Year to each of you!
❤️

12-13-19

Treatment # 3 went well today. Knowing what to expect and getting in a rhythm with the medication made a big difference these last few weeks. While Mom is definitely feeling the tiredness that comes with chemo, she has also begun to feel improvement with her voice: it is straining her less to talk. The doctor agreed that this is a good sign that the chemo is making a difference.

On another positive and hopeful note, Mom has booked her tickets to join me to see the tulips in Holland this Spring. It’s really great to have that to look forward to!

Her next treatment will be in 3 weeks (January 3rd) so we’ll update again then. In the meantime, we wish you all a beautiful holiday.❤️

11-22-19

An update to share that Mom had her second chemotherapy/immunotherapy infusion today. She learned alot from the last infusion on the importance of staying on top of the medication (especially the anti-nausea medication) so is hopeful this round won’t effect her as badly as the last round did.

She’s wishing all of of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

11-2-19

Just a quick update to let you know that Mom’s first chemo/immunotherapy infusion went well yesterday. She’ll be receiving these every three weeks. They will rescan and reevalute after her 4th treatment (in January).

Isabel and I are with her now...and will be spending more and more time in her guest rooms: wanting to make sure we’re here if she needs us...and because of the clarity of how precious time is.

She’s in as good a spirits as anyone could be under these circumstances and so appreciates the love and support coming her way.

~~~

As you can see from this photo I took just a few days ago, she looks GREAT! One thing I’m wanting to do during this time is to work on a photo project of her life with her...so we can reflect and enjoy it as we make it. If any of you have special photos with her (and I know you do!), I’d love for you to send me copies so we can include them in this project. You can email or scan them to me at: keiza@comcast.net or you can mail them to mom’s and I will scan them and send them back to you. Thanks in advance for being part of this special project.

And here’s to many more photo opportunites to come...
❤️