Monday, August 25, 2008
This Past Weekend
Last Friday I got a voicemail from a friend saying that they haven't seen me out for karaoke in a while and they would really like it if I could come out and sing a couple of songs. I decided that would be a great idea to get out of the house for a couple of hours. I called Lani (since she likes to sing too) but she was too broke to go out. She said that she would watch Tony for us so Eric and I could go out together though. That was really sweet. She kept him overnight for us and I picked him up Saturday morning. Then on the spur of the moment, we called and made an appointment to get our hair cut. Mom met us in town and we all three cut our hair and donated it. Then we went to Kutter Harley-Davidson and picked out a scarf for Mom. It was a fun thing to do for a "girls day". Then Mom went back home to meet up with her sister Emma. Emma has been diagnosed with dimentia and is rapidly slipping away mentally. Emma's daughter-in-law drove her down for a short afternoon visit with Mom. And then at about 7:00 that evening I went over to Mom's house for a visit with family that was down from Minnesota. My nephew, Charles, is starting school at U-Rock this fall so his ex-step-father, Nick, gave him a ride down to help him get set up in his apartment. Nick also brought the little kids with him too. Ben is 6 and Alicia will turn 9 next month. It was very nice of him to go out of his way and bring the kids over to Mom's for a visit in spite of the nasty divorce proceedings that are currently underway between him and my sister Laura. I have some nice pictures of Mom with the grandkids now. All-in-all it was a good weekend. :) A friend of mine mentioned in an email about a living will. That is a very good suggestion, so I am going to make a note to have Mom discuss it with her attorney on Wednesday. She needs to have it in place that a power of attorney can make financial and healthcare decisions for her if she becomes unable to do so for herself.
Friday, August 22, 2008
More Info on Mom's Cancer
I talked to my sister, Lisa, last night on the phone. She had found out some additional information that I did not know. Someone at the hospital had talked my mother into signing HIPPA release forms so that information can be shared with her, me, and Tom. So Lisa had called the hospital and spoken to one of the nurses. The nurse was able to tell her that the type of cancer we are dealing with is a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) called Adenocarcinoma. So Lisa had taken the day off work yesterday to do some research on it. Apparently the survival rate is not great. But it can vary widely depending on what stage the cancer is in when it is discovered. The nurses were not able to tell us that yet since the doctor has not yet transcribed his notes. They said to call back on Monday and hopefully they will know then. Sadly, the information I found on http://www.intelihealth.com/ states:
Expected Duration
Once it develops, adenocarcinoma of the lung will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.
Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment for all NSCL cancers if the cancer is contained in the chest and has no evidence of having spread to areas outside the chest. Three types of surgery can be used:
Wedge resection � Removal of only a small part of the lung
Lobectomy � Removal of one lobe of the lung
Pneumonectomy � Removal of the entire lung
VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopy) � In this procedure, which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, the surgeon places a flexible tube into an incision in the chest and can visually inspect the surrounding surfaces of the inner and outer linings of the lung area and even do surgery to remove abnormal areas. It is a less-invasive procedure compared to a larger operation, called a thoracotomy.
Since all of these surgical procedures require removal of a portion or the entire lung, and since many of the patients will have diminished lung function to begin with due to years of smoking, it is very important that a full evaluation of the existing lung function and the predicted lung function after an expected surgical removal be done. This is especially important for those with non cancerous abnormalities of their lungs, such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Depending on how far the cancer has spread (the stage), treatments can include chemotherapy and radiation therapy before and/or after surgery. Stages are defined by the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. Stages I through III are further divided into two "A" and "B" categories. Stage I tumors are small and have not invaded the surrounding tissue or organs. Stage II and III tumors have invaded surrounding tissue and/or organs and have spread to lymph nodes. Stage IV tumors have spread outside the chest area.
People with serious medical problems that make it difficult for them to withstand surgery may receive radiation therapy to shrink the tumor, or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
When the tumor has spread significantly, chemotherapy drugs may be recommended to slow the growth of the cancer even if it cannot cure the disease. Chemotherapy has been shown to decrease symptoms and prolong life in advanced cases of lung cancer.
Over the past decade, a series of new treatments has been developed specifically as a result of better understanding of the genetics of lung cancer and the specific abnormalities of the lung cancer cell. These agents are called targeted therapies, since they specifically target the abnormal biochemical pathways that are crucial in the development and growth of the cancer. In specialized centers, the lung cancer tissue that is removed may be tested for specific genetic (DNA) abnormalities and then treated accordingly.
Radiation therapy also may be recommended to relieve symptoms. The use of radiation is especially important in the treatment of lung cancer that has spread to the brain or that has spread to the bone and is causing pain. As mentioned above, it is also used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat the lung cancer that is located in the chest area as well.
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. In general, the prognosis is poor, especially if the lung cancer has spread to areas outside of the chest wall or has involved the lymph nodes of the mediastinum. This cancer can only be cured when surgery or radiation therapy can completely remove the tumor. However, many lung cancers are diagnosed at a stage when this is not possible. About 17% of people with adenocarcinoma survive more than 5 years after diagnosis.
We also looked up some information on the oncologist, Dr. Michael Huie. Here's a synopsis on him:
Huie, Michael, M.D.
Specialty:
Oncology
Practice Highlights:
As a board-certified medical oncologist, Michael Huie, M.D. provides care and treatment for patients with cancer. Dr. Huie received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Huie sees patients with solid tumors and both benign and malignant hematologic disorders. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Huie is a cancer researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I enjoy clinical practice because it gives me the ability to help patients through difficult times. Combining my practice with research is fulfilling because it helps to further cancer treatment strategies and it allows me to incorporate cutting-edge clinical trial developments into my practice, helping more people overcome cancer,” says Dr. Huie. Monroe Clinic’s Oncology Center is a collaborative effort between Monroe Clinic and the University of Wisconsin. Patients receive personal, one-on-one care close to home while benefiting from the latest research from the University of Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. To make an appointment with Dr. Huie, please call Monroe Clinic at 608-324-2685.
Location:
Monroe Clinic and Hospital
515 22nd Avenue
Monroe WI 53566
608-324-2685
I feel much better after finding out that Monroe Clinic works directly with the University of Madison. Mom is probably receiving better care than I initially thought. Still, we know that she is in either stage II or III of the cancer already so her prognosis seems dim. Hopefully we can find out some additional information on Monday. Lisa is also trying to take time off of work to come down from Eau Claire so she can talk to the doctor and ask questions when Mom goes in for her first chemotherapy treatment. It's not a bad idea, and I will probably try to do the same.
I looked at a couple of websites on getting a customized wig made from my mom's own hair. It looks like it would cost somewhere between $1,000-$2,000. Since my mom is not incredibly vain (and more than a little frugal), I think it would be a better idea to donate her hair to Locks of Love rather than going to the expense to have a wig made. Knowing her, she will probably be more comfortable in a scarf anyway. I looked up the guidelines and basically you only need 10 inches in order to donate. Layered hair is acceptable as long as the longest layer is 10 inches. Colored or permed hair is acceptable as well as long as it has not been bleached. They cannot accept hair that has been bleached. So my sister Lisa, myself, and my best friend Lani have all volunteered to donate our hair along with my mom. *Update - I discussed this with Mom and she agreed. We will go with the scarves and donate our hair.*
Anyway, since I have managed to pull myself together better today, I must complete some of the work that I neglected yesterday.
Expected Duration
Once it develops, adenocarcinoma of the lung will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.
Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment for all NSCL cancers if the cancer is contained in the chest and has no evidence of having spread to areas outside the chest. Three types of surgery can be used:
Wedge resection � Removal of only a small part of the lung
Lobectomy � Removal of one lobe of the lung
Pneumonectomy � Removal of the entire lung
VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopy) � In this procedure, which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, the surgeon places a flexible tube into an incision in the chest and can visually inspect the surrounding surfaces of the inner and outer linings of the lung area and even do surgery to remove abnormal areas. It is a less-invasive procedure compared to a larger operation, called a thoracotomy.
Since all of these surgical procedures require removal of a portion or the entire lung, and since many of the patients will have diminished lung function to begin with due to years of smoking, it is very important that a full evaluation of the existing lung function and the predicted lung function after an expected surgical removal be done. This is especially important for those with non cancerous abnormalities of their lungs, such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Depending on how far the cancer has spread (the stage), treatments can include chemotherapy and radiation therapy before and/or after surgery. Stages are defined by the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. Stages I through III are further divided into two "A" and "B" categories. Stage I tumors are small and have not invaded the surrounding tissue or organs. Stage II and III tumors have invaded surrounding tissue and/or organs and have spread to lymph nodes. Stage IV tumors have spread outside the chest area.
People with serious medical problems that make it difficult for them to withstand surgery may receive radiation therapy to shrink the tumor, or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
When the tumor has spread significantly, chemotherapy drugs may be recommended to slow the growth of the cancer even if it cannot cure the disease. Chemotherapy has been shown to decrease symptoms and prolong life in advanced cases of lung cancer.
Over the past decade, a series of new treatments has been developed specifically as a result of better understanding of the genetics of lung cancer and the specific abnormalities of the lung cancer cell. These agents are called targeted therapies, since they specifically target the abnormal biochemical pathways that are crucial in the development and growth of the cancer. In specialized centers, the lung cancer tissue that is removed may be tested for specific genetic (DNA) abnormalities and then treated accordingly.
Radiation therapy also may be recommended to relieve symptoms. The use of radiation is especially important in the treatment of lung cancer that has spread to the brain or that has spread to the bone and is causing pain. As mentioned above, it is also used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat the lung cancer that is located in the chest area as well.
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. In general, the prognosis is poor, especially if the lung cancer has spread to areas outside of the chest wall or has involved the lymph nodes of the mediastinum. This cancer can only be cured when surgery or radiation therapy can completely remove the tumor. However, many lung cancers are diagnosed at a stage when this is not possible. About 17% of people with adenocarcinoma survive more than 5 years after diagnosis.
We also looked up some information on the oncologist, Dr. Michael Huie. Here's a synopsis on him:
Huie, Michael, M.D.
Specialty:
Oncology
Practice Highlights:
As a board-certified medical oncologist, Michael Huie, M.D. provides care and treatment for patients with cancer. Dr. Huie received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Huie sees patients with solid tumors and both benign and malignant hematologic disorders. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Huie is a cancer researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I enjoy clinical practice because it gives me the ability to help patients through difficult times. Combining my practice with research is fulfilling because it helps to further cancer treatment strategies and it allows me to incorporate cutting-edge clinical trial developments into my practice, helping more people overcome cancer,” says Dr. Huie. Monroe Clinic’s Oncology Center is a collaborative effort between Monroe Clinic and the University of Wisconsin. Patients receive personal, one-on-one care close to home while benefiting from the latest research from the University of Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. To make an appointment with Dr. Huie, please call Monroe Clinic at 608-324-2685.
Location:
Monroe Clinic and Hospital
515 22nd Avenue
Monroe WI 53566
608-324-2685
I feel much better after finding out that Monroe Clinic works directly with the University of Madison. Mom is probably receiving better care than I initially thought. Still, we know that she is in either stage II or III of the cancer already so her prognosis seems dim. Hopefully we can find out some additional information on Monday. Lisa is also trying to take time off of work to come down from Eau Claire so she can talk to the doctor and ask questions when Mom goes in for her first chemotherapy treatment. It's not a bad idea, and I will probably try to do the same.
I looked at a couple of websites on getting a customized wig made from my mom's own hair. It looks like it would cost somewhere between $1,000-$2,000. Since my mom is not incredibly vain (and more than a little frugal), I think it would be a better idea to donate her hair to Locks of Love rather than going to the expense to have a wig made. Knowing her, she will probably be more comfortable in a scarf anyway. I looked up the guidelines and basically you only need 10 inches in order to donate. Layered hair is acceptable as long as the longest layer is 10 inches. Colored or permed hair is acceptable as well as long as it has not been bleached. They cannot accept hair that has been bleached. So my sister Lisa, myself, and my best friend Lani have all volunteered to donate our hair along with my mom. *Update - I discussed this with Mom and she agreed. We will go with the scarves and donate our hair.*
Anyway, since I have managed to pull myself together better today, I must complete some of the work that I neglected yesterday.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mom's Cancer - The Diagnosis
I should have started blogging before today, just to keep a record of everything. But I guess somehow I was in denial before now that this could possibly be anything serious. To get caught up to date, here's what happened up until now...
A few months ago, mom went in for her regular check up with her OB/GYN who referred her to a general practitioner regarding some high blood pressure and a bad cough. The general practitioner put her on medication for blood pressure and osteoperosis but ignored her cough. When she finally pushed the issue he gave her a prescription for amoxicillan & that was that. Her cough didn't get better though. So after turning 65 on June 4th and getting signed up for medicare, she switched clinics and went to see a different doctor. A chest X-ray revealed a spot on one of her lungs. A couple of weeks later she had a CT scan done. Then a couple of weeks later, on August 5th, she had a biopsy done - confirming it was cancer. Then a couple of weeks later, on August 14th, she had a PET scan done to see how much of her body was affected by the cancer. Yesterday she met with her oncologist to get the results of that PET scan. I think that brings us up to date.
So Mom saw her oncologist yesterday, August 20th. She has cancer in both lungs and it has spread to her lymph nodes. She has been having headaches so they have scheduled an MRI for August 26th to see if it has spread to her brain. They think it is a slow-growing variety of cancer, so I guess that's positive. Since it is in both lungs rather than just one surgery is not an option, so they are going to try chemotherapy. She will have three doses, each one 3 weeks apart, and then they will check to see if it has had any effect. Her first treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd. They probably would have started next week, August 27th, but she has scheduled an appointment with her attorney for that day. She has not updated her will in probably 20 years and she wants to get her affairs in order in regard to her estate while she still feels well enough to take care of such things. She wants to list my half-brother (her step-son) Dane as the executor of the will, but she has asked if she can list me as a second in case he is unable to do it for any reason. I told her yes, of course. I know that she really wants to keep the farm in the family, but she has concerns about the need to sell some of it if her medical bills should become too high. She also wants to make sure that (my sister & her eldest daughter) Laura does not receive any inheritance what-so-ever, and to ensure that (my brother, her eldest son) Tom's ex-wife cannot get a portion of anything that she chooses to leave to him. She has also stated that she wants to leave something to Griff (her live-in companion), although it would not be an equal share to what each of us children are getting. I am relieved that she is finally seeking legal coucil in order to make sure things are distributed per her wishes.
She has asked me to buy her some Harley Davidson doo-rags since she will for certain lose her hair. :) She wants me to find out if there is any way to have a wig made out of her own hair. If not, then she wants to cut it off short and donate it to Locks of Love before she begins her treatment. Per her nature, she does not seem at all phased by the news of her diagnosis and is more concerned about those of us around her than she is for herself. She told me that she was "sorry she didn't have better news to share." She still plans to go ahead with the addition on her house, and they should be breaking ground for the new basement in a couple of weeks. I, personally, was doing fine last night but it seems to have really sunk in today at work. I couldn't concentrate and so decided to write this blog thinking it would be good to get it off my chest, but writing it out has somehow made it more real & now I am crying. I need to try and take my mind off of this and get some work done today. I'm not usually such an emotional person. I think that I can attribute some of this to the raging hormones that come hand-in-hand with pregnancy. On July 18th I got a positive pregnancy test indicating that I was exactly 4 weeks pregnant. This puts my due date at March 27th. I have had morning sickness and am exhausted which I am certain is contributing to my current state of mind. However, there is always work to be done so I will close for now and get at it...
A few months ago, mom went in for her regular check up with her OB/GYN who referred her to a general practitioner regarding some high blood pressure and a bad cough. The general practitioner put her on medication for blood pressure and osteoperosis but ignored her cough. When she finally pushed the issue he gave her a prescription for amoxicillan & that was that. Her cough didn't get better though. So after turning 65 on June 4th and getting signed up for medicare, she switched clinics and went to see a different doctor. A chest X-ray revealed a spot on one of her lungs. A couple of weeks later she had a CT scan done. Then a couple of weeks later, on August 5th, she had a biopsy done - confirming it was cancer. Then a couple of weeks later, on August 14th, she had a PET scan done to see how much of her body was affected by the cancer. Yesterday she met with her oncologist to get the results of that PET scan. I think that brings us up to date.
So Mom saw her oncologist yesterday, August 20th. She has cancer in both lungs and it has spread to her lymph nodes. She has been having headaches so they have scheduled an MRI for August 26th to see if it has spread to her brain. They think it is a slow-growing variety of cancer, so I guess that's positive. Since it is in both lungs rather than just one surgery is not an option, so they are going to try chemotherapy. She will have three doses, each one 3 weeks apart, and then they will check to see if it has had any effect. Her first treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd. They probably would have started next week, August 27th, but she has scheduled an appointment with her attorney for that day. She has not updated her will in probably 20 years and she wants to get her affairs in order in regard to her estate while she still feels well enough to take care of such things. She wants to list my half-brother (her step-son) Dane as the executor of the will, but she has asked if she can list me as a second in case he is unable to do it for any reason. I told her yes, of course. I know that she really wants to keep the farm in the family, but she has concerns about the need to sell some of it if her medical bills should become too high. She also wants to make sure that (my sister & her eldest daughter) Laura does not receive any inheritance what-so-ever, and to ensure that (my brother, her eldest son) Tom's ex-wife cannot get a portion of anything that she chooses to leave to him. She has also stated that she wants to leave something to Griff (her live-in companion), although it would not be an equal share to what each of us children are getting. I am relieved that she is finally seeking legal coucil in order to make sure things are distributed per her wishes.
She has asked me to buy her some Harley Davidson doo-rags since she will for certain lose her hair. :) She wants me to find out if there is any way to have a wig made out of her own hair. If not, then she wants to cut it off short and donate it to Locks of Love before she begins her treatment. Per her nature, she does not seem at all phased by the news of her diagnosis and is more concerned about those of us around her than she is for herself. She told me that she was "sorry she didn't have better news to share." She still plans to go ahead with the addition on her house, and they should be breaking ground for the new basement in a couple of weeks. I, personally, was doing fine last night but it seems to have really sunk in today at work. I couldn't concentrate and so decided to write this blog thinking it would be good to get it off my chest, but writing it out has somehow made it more real & now I am crying. I need to try and take my mind off of this and get some work done today. I'm not usually such an emotional person. I think that I can attribute some of this to the raging hormones that come hand-in-hand with pregnancy. On July 18th I got a positive pregnancy test indicating that I was exactly 4 weeks pregnant. This puts my due date at March 27th. I have had morning sickness and am exhausted which I am certain is contributing to my current state of mind. However, there is always work to be done so I will close for now and get at it...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)