The Cancer Fighter

Sunday, August 3rd, 2014

I woke up this morning a few minutes after 2:00 am, with so many thoughts and phrases about my mom running through my head. Feeling extremely clear minded, I turned on the bedside lamp, grabbed my pen and pad and began to write. The words just flowed from me effortlessly which didn't feel abnormal at the time.

I thought of the sight of my mom sitting in the waiting room under a warm blanket waiting for the daily dreaded treatment. I remembered the hollowing feeling the day I walked down that long cold hallway with her heading for her first radiation treatment. Recalling how scared I felt and wondering how scared she must of felt. The feeling I get every time I leave my sister alone during mom's chemotherapy treatments. Suddenly, my thoughts and feelings began to focus on my mother's strength and willpower. How she wakes up everyday exhausted but ready to battle. After I finished writing these thoughts down, I had a feeling of relief. It was as if my spirit was purged of all fear and that God assured me my prayer's were already answered. I turned the lamp off and went back to sleep.

Here I share with you something I cannot explain.

I recognize that spirit! The cancer fighter sitting in the waiting room.  Waiting to battle again today as she did yesterday.  The one who looks so frail and unable, but God says differently. The frail one walks into the windows of the unknown for the rest of us, but comes out and never fails. The warrior against the thing within. Angels spread her wings and sets her a sail. Not to never be seen again, but to be watched over from time to time! The strong one with wings larger than sight, flies by the direction of God and proves that life is worth continuing and fighting for!

Day 62 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

 Tuesday, July 29th 2014

 Today at CTCA we arrived around 9:00 a.m. We got out of the car and Meemaw could not even walk two feet, so I ran in and got a wheelchair again. Then , I got her to get in it and we went to Quality of Life on the second floor.  I checked her in and then in about 10 minutes they took her back for another blood draw.  I stepped out of the room for a while, so that the doctor could take blood from Meemaw.  I stepped out because I can't stand it!  I think that it's just really gross, but that is just me!

      

I got her back in the wheelchair and we went to radiology and got checked in. The nurse said that we could go back so I pushed her back to the radiation waiting room. It felt like an hour before the nurse took her back for treatment, but it was only 35 minutes.  I came back out to the lobby to wait while Kayleigh and Uncle Bubba went to the Cancer Fighters Center upstairs.  While Bubba and Kayleigh were up on the second floor he got a good call, it was the Quality of Life nurse, she said that the blood work was fine and Meemaw will not need to come back up today!  So, now all that was left to do was go home! As we were leaving we ran into a new support dog. His name is Dr. Dolittle.  He is a small white dog dressed in a country boy outfit.

Kayleigh and Dr. Dolittle

So I pushed her all the way to the front door and Bubba pulled the car around and I got Meemaw in the car. I had to go and return the wheelchair to the front desk and get in the car myself.  We are getting closer to Meemaw's Graduation Day!

Day 61 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday, July 28th, 2014

    This morning we arrived at the CTCA at 8:00 a.m..  Meemaw could not walk much so I had to run in and go get a wheelchair for her.  I let her sit down and then we went in for her appointments.  She had radiation at 8:45 a.m., so I pushed her all the way down to radiology and I got her checked in.  The nurse said that we could go on back to the radiation waiting room already.  Today was a fast and I mean really fast day, we sat down in the waiting room and within ten minutes the nurse took her back.  I went to the lobby and sat down with Uncle Bubba, Papa, and my little sister Kayleigh.

We went to the new Cancer Fighters Center and it was really neat.  They aren't completely finished with it.   We stayed for about ten minutes then we went back down stairs to wait on Meemaw.

The pictures hanging in the Cancer Fighters Center

In about 5 more minutes Meemaw came out and it was time for our next appointment on the schedule.

 Next on the schedule was a blood draw.  Then, she had to get an x-ray on her stomach because she had been experiencing stomach pains and nausea this past weekend.  Uncle Bubba, Meemaw and I had to go back into a room to see the Quality of Life doctor.  The doctor came in and told us that everything was fine and normal with her x-ray and blood work except for her potassium again. Her docter gave her some kind of liquid called kayexalate that reduces her potassium and it makes her use the bathroom (if you know what I mean).  Then we got in the car and went home and when we got home she drank it but it did nothing to her!  Weird right?
   

Day 58 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, July 23rd 2014

Mom woke up this morning extremely nauseous and sick.  She was scheduled for radiation at 9:25 a.m., but was unable to complete today's treatment due to her constant vomiting.  We now have ten more radiation treatments to go and Dr. Norleena Gullett really wants to do what ever it takes to get mom through these last treatments.  Zofran was administered through her port to stop the nausea.

During the weekly Radiation Oncology follow-up with Dr. Gullett and Kathy McLaine, Dr. Gullett asked dad to go to the car and bring in mom's bag with all of her medications and supplements.  Magic Mouthwash needs to be used 3 times a day again.  Aquaphore is to be used on her neck after radiation treatments and before going to bed.  Silvadene is not needed while there are no open wounds or a  threat of infection.  Dr. Gullett discontinued 10 supplements and medications.

Although, Gullett believes that all of the supplements that she is currently taking are great for her overall health, since mom is experiencing nausea, it's best to eliminate some things.

During the Nurse Assessment in the clinic with mom's nurse Dee, mom was weighed as usual and mom has lost another pound, now she is at 106.  After mom's appointment with Georgianna to go over any changes, it was time to met with Letitia Price, Nurse Practitioner, to review mom's blood work.  Everything was good except her potassium is elevated.  Her blood levels were off a bit probably from vomiting so much this morning.  Letitia ordered an hour of fluids to see how mom's blood work looks tomorrow.  Unfortunately, infusion couldn't fit her in until 5:00 p.m. and mom said not today.   The infusion has been rescheduled for tomorrow during her appointment for Chemotherapy at 10:00 a.m..

Day 57 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Tuesday, July 22nd 2014

Yesterday, mom said she didn't feel well and decided not to go for her appointments at CTCA.  The schedule for yesterday was a full load including her next Chemotherapy Treatment and now the entire schedule has to be reworked.

Dad and I spoke with Dr. Gullett, mom's Radiologist, in the lobby about mom's progress.  Dr. Gullett and Kathy McLaine are two of the nicest people I have ever met.  She and Kathy corrected the insurance issues regarding mom's Fentanyl patches so she can start back using the long lasting Duragesic. She is to be on 37.5 micrograms of Fentanly now.  Her attitude is a lot better and she is less irritable when she has the patches.  

You can really tell she desperately wants to eat because she continues to try every time we go out or eat at the cafeteria.  Her tongue is still raw from the treatments and nothing is really providing relief at this point in the process.  We have our weekly meeting with Dr. Gullett and her team tomorrow as well as her nurse assessment and blood draw so hopefully everything continues to go well.  Graduation from Radiation is just a couple of weeks away!

Day 56 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, July 18th 2014

ZEN LANDSCAPE III

Today was our 56th day at CTCA for another radiation treatment and mom is still handling the treatments well with the new mask.  We have nine more treatments to go before graduation day!

Kelli Dani Fitzpatrick and Studio El

There really isn't much else to report from today.  We will be back Monday for a full day's schedule including Chemotherapy and the fifth of nine more radiation treatments.

Day 54 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, July 16th 2014

After four days off, we were back at Cancer Treatment Centers of America this morning early for a full day's schedule.  Mom had blood drawn at 8:00 a.m..  During the nurse assessment, mom weighed in at 107 pounds, she has lost 7 pounds since the last weigh in.  Now that she is properly nourished her body is using her nutrients to fight the cancer.  We were told to expect this.  Her blood pressure and temperature were normal.  

The Chapel

Mom's tongue was sore and raw which is a side effect of the Chemotherapy.  At 9:30 a.m., we met with Leticia, Dr. McKnight's nurse.  Mom's Hemoglobin is up to 9.4 and 6.8 for the white blood cell counts.  Dr. McKnight's team are planning on returning to Chemo treatments starting next week.  Mom will only have the Taxol and not the Carbo for the next two weeks and after that Dr. McKnight will evaluate her progress and decide on a plan going forward.  They don't want her blood levels to drop again.  Edra Spevack, mom's Naturopathy checked to make sure she is still doing well on the supplements that mom is on.  She must start using L-Glutamine again which will help her tongue and mouth going forward.

Mom went back to radiation at 10:45 a.m., to use the new mask and start radiation treatments again.  When she came out of treatment she was very happy with the new mask, no pain or aggravation.  Her last appointment today was with Ms. Jennifer Cargile, Speech-Language Pathologist.  Ms. Cargile said her throat muscles and her ability to swallow are both working really well.

We will back tomorrow for radiation.  Only eleven more radiation treatments!

Day 53, Coming Home from Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Saturday, July 12th 2014

Dad, Gabie and I drove to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to pick up mom this morning!  We arrived and mom was ready to go.  She was dressed, packed and waiting on us to check out. Gabie and I carried her belongings to the car so we could pick her and dad up at the front door, but mom decided to walk to the car instead.

When we got her home, Toni, Steven and Kayleigh were waiting for us.  Mom was so excited to see everyone and be home!  Duke, the family dog, was happy to see her too!  We had to put him on the leash to keep him from tackling mom because he has missed her so much!  When mom had the nose bleed and was admitted into CTCA, Duke went through the trash can and pulled all of her bloody tissues out and laid them in a pile in her bedroom.  Duke has never pulled anything out of the trash before.  If you were to sit in her chair at the kitchen table, Duke would nudge you with his nose and if you didn't move out of her seat he would try to bite at you!

Debbie and Mom

Mom had some surprise visitors after she was home.  Lifelong friends, Debbie and Gerald, came to see her this afternoon and brought her some new pajamas for when she is just lounging around.  We all reminisced and enjoyed hanging out together.  Mom had a great time and was so surprised when they pulled in the driveway.  They hadn't seen each for quite a few years.

Mom is doing much better and we are glad to have her home!
We are not scheduled for anything until next Wednesday, July 16th, which is when mom is scheduled to start her last twelve radiation treatments.

The Charm of the Day

Silver Dog Bone

Day 52 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, July 11th 2014

We came to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to see mom in her new room this morning.  Mom hasn't eaten anything by mouth in a few weeks and she actually ate some breakfast this morning.  She looked better than ever.  Mom even went for a walk down the hall to get some exercise.  She hasn't been outside in over a week so if she doesn't come home soon, that's our next goal.  She has a nice view overlooking the pond at the cafeteria.  I'm sure the view would be beautiful at night.  This is truly a five star hotel room!

Finally out of bed!

After we got back home, dad spoke with a member of mom's team, Ms. Hearn, and was told that since she could commute back and forth for her schedule, mom could check out tomorrow morning.  We called and told mom she was coming home and she was so excited!

Yesterday, on our way to CTCA, the Newnan Police Department were at the intersection of what was about to become formerly known as Parkway North and Bullsboro Drive.  Dad, Kayleigh and I watched as the street sign for Parkway North could be changed officially to Celebrate Life Parkway!

Day 51 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, July 10th 2014

Becky, David and Steven came to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to see mom and spend some time with her.  They were surprised at how good mom looked today. We took them for a tour of the property and then had lunch at the cafeteria.  Mom was very happy to see her family and was pretty upbeat today.  She is improving each and everyday and she was supposed to be moved to the hotel floor of CTCA this afternoon.

While Kayleigh and I were in the library, Cody and his master came by and Kayleigh asked if he could come see her grandmother in her room.  He brought Cody in to see mom and put a smile on her face.  He is such a great dog and brings smiles to everyone who sees him.

Becky brought a card with a Prayer Cloth from her church, The Bridge Church.

The Prayer Cloth has been anointed with oil and contains Acts 19:11-12.

After we were home, mom called and said she was in her new room on the hotel floor.  Toni and the girls drove back up to CTCA to see mom and her new room.  Her room is like a five star hotel room!

Day 50 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, July 9th 2014

We came to CTCA this morning to see mom and she looked really good today!  Her feet and left elbow are still swollen.  The nurse came in and released mom from isolation.  No more masks or gloves and mom is less susceptible to catching anything!  Her blood cell counts are on the rise, too. 

 ZEN LANSCAPE II

Kelli Danis Fitzpatrick and Studio El

This is very positive news!  Her mouth looks great with only a couple of sores left.  Her mouth has been steadily healing everyday due to her platelets rising and using Medihoney and DeramQOL.  She was told that she will be released from Inpatient Care and will be moving up to the 3rd floor tomorrow which is the hotel.

Day 41 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, June 27th 2014

Mom woke up at 3:00 this morning with a massive nose bleed.  We arrived at Cancer Treatment Centers of America early for mom's 11:50 am radiation treatment appointment to inform Dr. Gullett about the nose bleed.  Mom's mouth is in bad shape too!  Her mouth is swollen and covered in blisters and scabs.  Dr. Gullett canceled radiation for today and Monday to give mom a much needed break.  We have to meet with her team Tuesday morning at 10:00 am before radiation for mom's weekly check up.

We had over an hour wait for mom's blood transfusion appointment in Quality of Life Infusion so we decided to head out for a little while.  Once we arrived back for her appointment, her temperature was 99.3, BP 122/60.  After mom took the Tylenol her temperature went up to 101.3, and then 102.8.  The nurse held the blood transfusion due to the fever again and gave mom another dose of Tylenol.  If mom has a fever of 100.5, or higher the transfusion cannot be performed due to the risk of infection.  The nurse spoke to mom's doctor and they ordered a chest x-ray and blood cultures.  At 5:00 pm, mom's temperature came down and they started the first of two units of blood.  

Once mom was all set up in infusion, dad and I headed home and Toni came for the second half.  The second unit of blood finished around 8:30 pm and the nurse came in and said that mom's Chest X-Ray came back normal and since her temperature hadn't spiked she could go home.  Toni got her home and into bed.

The Charm of the Day is Ruby Red

Day 36 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, June 20th 2014

Today was a light day for mom.  The only appointment on today's schedule at CTCA was radiation prep and treatment.  

Everything went well with the today's treatment and we found out we do not have to come back this weekend for a Neupogen shot!  Two days off for mom will do her some good.

The Charm of the Day

Blue Hearts

Day 35 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, June 19th 2014

Mom woke up this morning extremely dizzy and light headed.  Dad called Dr. Gullett's office to find out what to do.  Mom said she didn't think she would be able to make the ride to Cancer Treatment Centers of America today.  Kathy McLaine, mom's Radiology Care Manager, told dad to take the patch off and bring her in.  Yesterday, Dr. Gullet upped the dosage of the Fentanyl patch to 50 and it's too much for her.  They changed the dosage from 50 to 37.5 and mom went in for radiation prep and treatment.

The Charm of the Day

A Crown of Red Hearts 

Day 28 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, June 12th 2014

First on our schedule today at CTCA was mom's radiation prep and treatment.  We applied her Fentanyl patch this morning before heading to the center as directed.  Radiology was unable to get her into her mask due to the pain in her mouth and throat even though mom took Hydrocodone and Lidocaine.  Dr. Gullett and our Care Manager Kathy McLaine met with us to discuss going forward with radiation and some changes to be made to the mask.  Debbie, one of the Physicist is going to reconfigure mom's mask to keep it from cutting into her chin.  Radiation has been reschedule for tomorrow morning at 8:30.  Mom was also prescribed some Lolly Pops that mom is to start sucking on for the pain.  She is to continue with the hydrocodone and lydacain along with the Magic Mouthwash and salt water rinses.

Acupuncture was schedule for 10:30 for a duration of 45 minutes with Dr. Harris Frank, Doctor of Medical Qigong.  He asked mom again if she was sure she wanted to have acupuncture since she refused it earlier in the week.  Dr. Frank explained to mom the benefits of acupuncture and the fact that it is not required but it is an option.  She agreed to have it done in hopes that it will help with her pain.  Dr. Frank placed the acupuncture needles on her arms and legs as well as her forehead and chin.  He asked if the pain was getting any better and she said she could feel some relief.  He asked if I wanted to stay while mom went through the relaxation period and I decided to step out so mom could experience it in full.  Dr. Frank turned off the lights, started some very relaxing music and mom went into relaxation mode!

"What I love about Cancer Treatment Centers of America is that here you have a model of care where the entire team comes together to create a treatment plan for the benefit of the patient, and that includes the wealth of resources Chinese medicine has to offer."
                                                                              - Harris Frank, LAc, Dipl OM, DMQ

The Charm of the Day is Peace!

Day 25 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday June 9th 2014

Today was our 25th day at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  We arrived at 8:00 am for mom's scheduled Acupuncture Session at 8:15 with Dr. Harris Frank.  Within minutes, mom came back out and said she didn't need Acupuncture.  It seemed a little strange to me so we checked and mom got confused and refused treatment.  We rescheduled her session because we believe it will truly help with many of the things mom is experiencing.

Since mom didn't have acupuncture today she was early for her daily radiation prep and radiation treatment.  Radiology took her right back.  While mom was in treatment I called our Care Manager to have the Neupogen shots delivered to their home.  The out of pocket cost for the home delivery was more expensive than traveling back and forth to CTCA, so we canceled the order and decided to come on Saturday and Sunday instead.

The Charm of the Day; ΙΧΘΥΣ

Ichthys

Day 24 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Sunday, June 8th 2014

Today was mom's second Neupogen shot and her appointment was at 10:00 a.m.  We went up to Quality of  Life and the nurse showed me how to administer the shots to mom in either the back of her arms or even in her stomach.  These Neupogen shots are to be administered on Saturdays and Sundays following her Chemotherapy sessions on Tuesdays. The plan is to have the shots delivered to our parent's home and save her a trip over the weekends . Today the injection seemed to burn going into the back of her arm but our mom is amazingly strong and was fine right afterwards.

 Today, Steven was able to come and experience CTCA for the first time.  After the nurse in infusion was finished with mom's shot, we all went for breakfast at the wonderful cafeteria and then gave Steven a tour of the resort style campus. 

The Charm of the Day is Garnet,
Steven's Birthstone.

Day 23 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Saturday, June 7th 2014

Today was the first appointment for mom on a weekend at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  It's quite a different place on the weekend.  The daily hustle and bustle was gone.  Our appointment in Quality of Life was at 10:00 a.m. for the Neupogen shot. We requested a blood pressure check because mom's blood pressure has been very low at times.  Luckily today mom's blood pressure was better, it was 113/63 and her pulse was 73.

Today was also Duane's first visit to CTCA and he found the center to be a little overwhelming.  It's not your usual medical facility, CTCA is more like a resort than a hospital. After the nurse taught us how to administer the Neupogen shot, we ran into our friend Denise Harris.  She said her tumors were shrinking and they had to do a new radiation simulation and altered her radiation treatment plan.  God is good!

The Charm of the Day is Amethyst, 

Duane's Birthstone.

Day 22 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, June 6th 2014

Today at Cancer Treatment Centers of America we had a really short schedule!  Mom was just scheduled for radiation prep and treatment.  Today was her twelfth radiation treatment so we only have 23 more to go!

The Charm of the Day

A Simple Day

Day 21 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, June 5th 2014

Today we were back at it at CTCA for our 21st day.  Mom had her eleventh radiation treatment today and her mouth and throat are starting to get sore. She handled today's treatment with no problems. The raw natural honey really helps soothe her mouth and throat after radiation treatments; as well as the Magic Mouthwash which is a combination of three different medications. 

Yesterday my sister and I met a very young lady who also has been receiving radiation. Today, while walking my mom to her daily radiation treatment, the young lady walked with us.  Her name is Hope and today was her graduation day!  Hope is from South Carolina and has been receiving cancer treatments since October 2013, so she was thrilled that she was going home.  I waited for her to come out of treatment to join in her graduation ceremony and the ringing of the bell.  It was a great celebration and made me feel even more anxious for the day that mom graduates.

Normally, tomorrow would be the last day for the week but mom's schedule has been changed and now we have to come back on Saturday and Sunday for a Neupogen shot.

The Charm of the Day; Red Hearts