1/6/2011

Okay so here we are 3 days post Mom's original diagnosis.  Emotions have leveled out a bit and we are all just settling in and trying to do this thing day by day.  Mom had blood work done today and was able to speak with the P.A. for Dr. Page (the oncologist).  He was actually in the room next door and the P.A. was relaying messages back and forth between them.  He (Dr. Page) will give Mom his entire opinion on Friday the 14th.  Dr. Page relayed through the P.A. this afternoon that he believes that the liver cancer has formed due to another colon tumor. However, he also stated that there is a chance that it is related to the old tumor.  On Friday (tomorrow) she has the PET scan which we will get the results back via the phone on Tuesday.  This will tell where it actually originated from, be it from her breast cancer or more recent colon cancer.  It all really seems to be associated with the colon cancer.  Monday they are doing a liver biopsy which is not fun, but we know that she is a trooper and will do great with this.  Dr. Page will then get all the results from scans, blood work and biopsies, then on Friday we see him for the beginning of the treatment process.  For now, Mom is being comforted with the help of Morphine patches that are not really messing with her tummy too much (yeah!!).  If the test comes back that she has indeed had a recurrence of colon cancer then they have told us that they will possibly remove the tumor and treat the colon with chemo.  The colon cancer (or breast cancer) is being considered as the primary(s).  It is what they will treat first instead of the liver which is strange to me, but they know what they are doing.  They have also indicated that they will do a biopsy of the colon as well after the PET scan just to reaffirm all this.  They told her that they could already tell she had lesions on her liver which may or may not be curable but are treatable. 

We had some encouraging info, we have learned that Dr. Page (her oncologist) was the head resident at MD Anderson for several years.  He has assured us that he will utilize every resource available to him in treating her and if he feels that she would benefit further from anything they have to offer that he may not be able to provide then he will immediately make sure she goes to MD Anderson be it clinical trials, medications he cannot obtain or any additional treatments that could benefit her.

On a more personal note, Mom loves this blog thing!  She is so excited about seeing all of you who are followers (present and future) and those making comments.  Paps said tonight that he "Couldn't imagine Grams would ever have a blog!" Paps (Boats to a lot of you) has been the best support for Grams, he has  been through so much lately but as those of you that know him he is keeping her on her toes!  Our entire family appreciates all the support, we have received so many encouraging emails, phone calls, texts, etc.... and feel so blessed to have such a huge network of prayer and support. 

We will continue updates, please continue your prayers and encouragement, I can't tell you how much it means to all of us.  Thanks so much.