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 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

Day 27 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, June 11th 2014

Today was our 27th day at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  Radiation was scheduled at 8:45 this morning, followed by a meeting with Dr. Gullett and Kathy McLaine at 9:50 a.m..

Dr. Gullet ordered Silvadene to heal the scab on her chin that is bring caused from the radiation mask not fitting  Mom is unable to properly use the bite block in her mask for the daily radiation treatments due to the pain.  Dr. Gullett brought in a physicist to determine what changes are needed to be made to her mask for her to continue and complete the radiation treatment plan.   A Fentanyl patch was added to give mom a long acting Duragesic due mom's pain level is at a nine and Dr. Gullett wants her at no more than a two.  Mom is to continue using the Magic Mouthwash before and a salt water rinse directly following each meal.

Organic Pop Corn from 180 Degree Farm

The only other appointment was her weekly Speach Language Follow Up with Ms. Jennifer Cargile.  Ms. Cargile said mom's throat muscles are still working well even though she is in alot of pain.  She's able to swollow but it's very painful.  

The Charm of the Day