Day 48 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday, July 7th 2014

Jeannene, Michelle and her boys came to stay the day with mom at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.   Mom is still in isolation due to her blood levels and platelets being so low.  As long as no one has any symptoms of any kind of illness, it is fine to visit her.  When we arrived, mom's mouth was crusted shut from the scabs sticking together.  I spoke with one of mom's nurses about getting her lips apart and she explained to me that they have to leave her lips alone because her platelets are so low if the scabs were to be picked at or pulled off she would bleed badly.  I asked if this would get better soon and she stated that it would.  

After we visited mom for a while we all went to lunch at the cafeteria together and then took everyone on a tour of the property.  I believe the campus really amazed Jeannene and Michelle as they were quite surprised at all of the amenities here at CTCA!

Once we got back to mom's room, Ms. Summer Baptist, 

Naturopathic Oncology Provider & Acupuncturist, came in to go over mom's supplements and to discuss which supplements will be added back to her daily regiment.  It was a pleasure meeting with Ms. Baptist and she was very thorough in discussing mom's needs and condition.

"I joined Cancer Treatment Centers of America because I wanted to be part of a pioneering company that focuses on integrative, innovative and patient-centered care. I wanted to join a team that works together to provide our patients and their families with high-quality cancer care and support."
                        - Summer Baptist, MS, ND, LAc

As Ms. Baptist was leaving, Mr. Stephen Jackson, Chaplain, stopped by to check on mom as he often does.  Mr. Jackson read a few verses from the Bible and Jeannene asked if he would have a group prayer over mom and the family.  It was touching to stand in a circle holding hands around mom as he prayed.  Of course many were in tears afterwards but his prayer lifted every one's spirits.

Even though mom was tired and not feeling great, she was very excited to see everyone.  Jeannene, Michelle and the kids put a smile on her face and that's very important through her inpatient stay here at CTCA.

It's always hard to leave

We headed home later in the day and Toni came up to see mom after work.  We have no idea how long mom will be staying here but as long as she is here we know she is in the best possible care!

The Charm of the Day
Praying Hands