Day 44 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, July 3rd 2014

Front entrance bouquet for Independence Day

Today is the second morning for mom to wake up at CTCA. We all met up early this morning and mom seemed to be doing about the same.  Her mouth looked a lot better from the nurses applying Medihoney.  Medihoney is an amazing thing!  Today she is talking a little better and has actually gained 10 pounds over the past week.  As she rested on and off, we went shopping for her some clean linens and had lunch.  She has slept more today than she has since she was admitted.  She has woke up once to a serious nose bleed where the nurses had to come in and assist.  Later on she woke up with bleeding from the mouth again and coughing really bad . Today she says she feels awful and seems to be more lethargic.  Mom hasn't had any more pain medication since last night.  Her team added an antibiotic due to her white blood cell counts being so low it is believed that she is possibly fighting an infection.  Mom has also been plugged into the feeding pump which continuously feeds her Isosource throughout the day. Kayleigh and I stayed the night with her.

We went to the Art Expressions class down stairs and painted an American Flag for MeeMaw and we also made Patriotic Mason Jar candle holders and lanterns later that evening.  After we were settled in, around midnight mom's nurse woke me up to put on a mask.  She started to explain to me that as of right now mom is going to be under isolation due to her white blood cell counts dropping.  As she told me this I started to hurt and worry if I was doing mom any harm by staying with her.  The nurse assured me that Kayleigh and I were fine next to her, that we would just have to wear a mask and gloves if we were going to be around her.  Any visitors needed to wear the same until her blood counts came back up.  Mom seemed to sleep a little more than the night before.

Day 42 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Tuesday, July 1st 2014

This morning on our way to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, mom's mouth and lips looked worse than they ever have.  They are continuously bleeding and she said she had another nose bleed this morning also.

First thing on mom's schedule was to have blood drawn and then to see Dr. Gullett at 10:00 a.m. When Dr. Gullett saw mom and us in the hallway, she took us straight into her office and started to look at mom and questioning how long she had been bleeding.  It was a bit alarming to meet with Dr. Gullett in her office instead of an exam room, we knew something major was about to happen.  You could see the concern in her as soon as she started talking to mom.  She immediately said she was going to admit mom into the hospital and explained why she thought this was the best way for her.  She said the chemotherapy is causing her red blood counts to drop to a low level which makes mom's body unable to form clots.  With the radiation attacking the tumors through her lips, she will continue to bleed.

Dr. Gullett wanted mom to be monitored around the clock to get her blood counts back up and to be able to form clots to stop the bleeding before we went forward with anymore chemotherapy or radiation.  Dr. Gullett said that mom has fought too hard and long and this was just another step in our journey.  We were aware things would get a lot worse before they would get better as almost everything in life.  As she said the words "admit you", you could see it in mom's face she was not only scared but also very upset.  We assured mom that she would never be alone.  It wasn't long before mom was put in a wheel chair and brought to her room.  The rooms here are more like huge hotel rooms and do not feel like a hospital room at all.  They ordered fluid therapy and pain management.  At around 3:30 pm, mom's temperature was taken and had a fever again of 101.9.  The nurse placed the leg sleeves on mom to prevent blood clots and started the Fentanyl patches for pain.  I spent the night with mom and she didn't sleep very much!

The Cross is the Charm of the Day

Day 40 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, June 26th 2014

Today Kayleigh and I took mom to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to have radiation prep and treatment.  Her mouth was extremely sore and her lips are scabbed up pretty badly.  Right before we arrived, mom took the Hydrocodone and Lidocaine along with the lolly pop to try and numb her mouth and throat before the treatment.  Next on the schedule was wound consultation.  Stephanie reviewed mom's neck and chest area to see how the radiation is burning her skin.  Mom is using Silvadene immediately following each radiation treatment and each night before bedtime.



Stephanie said she was looking pretty good other than her lips.  Mom has been using Aquaphor on her lips to help heal from radiation treatments.  Stephanie added DermaQOL to be used on her lips too.

We had over an hour wait until mom's 2:00 p.m. appointment for the Blood Transfusion in Quality of Life so we decided to venture out and go for a ride to see the City Square of Newnan.

Once we had lunch back at the cafeteria we headed up to Quality of Life.  Mom's blood pressure was 98/55 but unfortunately she had a fever of 101.4 degrees so the blood transfusion couldn't begin.  A temperature of 100.5 or higher can lead to an infection.  A urine sample and blood cultures were ordered to try and find out where the fever is coming from and there was no sign of a urinary tract infection or anything.  She is not feel well due to her hemoglobin being so low.  The Blood Transfusion was rescheduled for 1:00 p.m., tomorrow and we were released from infusion at 4:00 p.m..

The Charm of the Day

A Silver and Amethyst Crown

Day 31 at Cancer Treatment Centers Of America

Sunday, June 15th 2014

Today's schedule at Cancer Treatment Centers of America was the same as yesterday.  Just a very simple and a quick appointment for mom to have her Neupogen injection at 11:30 in Quality Of Life.  Today she seems to feel a little better.  She didn't sleep as much so we were able to talk on our way there and on our way home.  The nurse today was very easy and quick with giving her the injection and that's what mom likes.  As we were leaving she wanted to try pineapple juice but it burned her mouth and throat too much and she wasn't able to swollow it.

So instead she wanted to stop and try a chocolate milkshake from McDonald's together on our way home.  She was able to drink a little but said it was too thick and had no taste.  When we arrived at home she went in to rest for the afternoon.

The Charm of The Day

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 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

Day 20 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, June 4th 2014

Today is moms twentieth day here at Cancer Treatment Centers Of America. On our way to the center, we received a phone call from Radiation Oncology that they wanted to start earlier with mom so as soon as we checked in we were called back.

We started our day off in radiation and she has gained 2 pounds!  Mom now weighs 113 lbs.  We first met with Dr. Gullett, mom's Radiation Oncologist and Kathy McLaine, mom's Care Manager.  They checked mom's blood pressure and it was dangerously low yesterday but today it seems to be a little better. They are still very concerned with her numbers and how dehydrated she is starting to get so early into treatment.  We were instructed to work our way up by giving mom 30 syringes containing 60CCs of water through her feeding tube along with Gatorade mixed with water by mouth.  Also rinsing her mouth with warm salt water after each meal and before bedtime.  Dr. Gullett took a look at mom's mouth and throat and said things look to be improving . She doesn't like to use the word "better" because everything is red and irritated from the radiation.  As we were leaving mom's radiation checkup, mom went in for her daily radiation treatment and we went for lunch.

After we ate lunch, mom came out of radiation and straight into her speech therapy appointment and then onto physical therapy where a few more exercises were added her daily routine. 

Since our day started out way before scheduled we were way too early for mom's chemo appointment scheduled for 4:00pm so she was finally able to eat some lunch and take a small break.  Today we started a new type of chemo cocktail because the previous chemotherapy was effecting her hearing way too quickly!  The sessions only last 4 hours which also includes the the fluids.

Me and Mom had a little organic snack during chemo.
Anytime mom wants anything to eat is a good time.
The cafe here at CTCA is unbelievable

The Charm of the Day is a Silver Horseshoe with Crystals.

Day 19 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Tuesday, June 3rd 2014

First thing on the schedule today was a lab draw followed by the nurse assessment.  Mom's blood pressure was 65/41 and her weight is at 110 lbs.

Dr. McKnight stated her blood pressure was extremely low due to her being so dehydrated.  So now she must have fluids today and tomorrow in Quality of Life.  He is concerned that the Cisplatin could destroy her hearing permanently so the chemotherapy type is changing to Taxotere, Carboplatin along with Neupogen which is a biologic response modifier. Neupogen is used to stimulate the production of granulocytes , (a type of white blood cell) in patients undergoing therapy that will cause low white blood cell counts.


Mom is not taking in enough fluids.  Her appetite has greatly decreased due to the changes in her taste buds from having radiation therapy daily.  She has also been experiencing some nausea.  Edra Spevack, Naturopathy, ordered that mom take Zinc Lozenges to counteract her changes in her taste buds. Also she must get at least one to two liters of water daily. She also ordered a liquid supplement derived from Mushrooms called Maitake Gold to help support healthy bone marrow function and to increase white blood cells and platelets.

We had to really hurry to make mom's appointment with Radiation Oncology.  Her appointment was scheduled for 12:10, and we were running late. Mom "took" her Clover Honey, another raw honey from Barley and Vine and went back for her treatment.  

Infusion was last today and then we headed home!

The Charm of the Day

Day 16 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, May 29th 2014

There's not very much to report today.  Luckily it was a light day for mom at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  Mom just had radiation treatment prep followed by her sixth radiation treatment.  So far so good with the treatments!  We are making progress each and everyday at CTCA.

The Charm of the Day
and the start of the second bracelet.

Day 15 at Cancer Treatment Centers Of America

Wednesday, May 28th 2014

Today was a very easy day for mom but a very exciting day because "The Girls", (her grand daughters), were able to come to Cancer Treatment Centers of America for the first time and are now Meemaws new caregivers .

We started the morning out at CTCA with mom's radiation treatment and ended with a follow up appointment with Dr. Keith Kowal, ENT.  At her consultation Dr. Kowal wanted to check her hearing once again and mentioned having hearing aides added to her schedule . 

The Charm of the Day is Silver with Purple Crystals.
(Chosen by Kayleigh)

Today completes the first bracelet.

Day 13 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, May 23rd 2014

Today was our 13th visit to CTCA and we started the day in infusion at 10:00.  During mom's infusion appointment, Ms.Clare Whitlock one of the Chaplains came and prayed with us for mom's healing. There's so much love and support here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America! 

Today's schedule was very tight with our appointments running back to back so the infusion and radiation appointments ended up overlapping.  

To make sure we weren't late for mom's radiation treatment, the nurse said that we could take the infusion machine with us to mom's radiation appointment.  We had to leave infusion with the drips to get to radiation on time.  While mom was in radiation I met with our scheduler Ms. Kellogg to get an updated schedule of mom's daily appointment which changes almost daily.

Dad and I were taking a look at the model for the expansion here at CTCA when we met a woman that has been here for 8 weeks. Her name was Mrs. Singleton and when mom came out of radiation, she prayed with us.  I felt a bit overwhelmed by the faith and support we all share here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  Mrs. Singleton said they were going home today which is in Texas!  Another success story!

We headed back up to infusion so that the tubes from mom's port could be removed and within minutes we were on our way home.  Today was another wonderful day of excellent treatment and care.

The Charm of the Day is Faith.  Because Faith is what binds us together and surrounds all of us at CTCA!

Day 10 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday, May 19th 2014

Today's schedule started out with an appointment for a hearing test with Dr. Keith A. Kowal of Atlanta Allergy and Otolaryngology, in Peachtree City. Chemotherapy can effect a person's hearing so CTCA sent mom for a hearing test to get a base line of her hearing quality in order to monitor the effects going forward. She has been experiencing a swishing sound ever since her first chemotherapy treatment last week. According to Dr. Kowal, mom's hearing is pretty bad so he scheduled a follow up appointment in three months.

After arriving at CTCA for mom's nurse assessment, we found out that she had gained three pounds and her blood pressure and pulse are perfect too which is really great news!

Our spirits were high and meeting with Dr. Oliva Burks made the day even better.  Dr. Burks is a funny lady and explained a little more about mom's plan with the PEG/Feeding Tube. She also checked the healing of the tube and said everything seemed to be healing fine. She was happy that mom has maintained her weight but reminded us that soon due to her treatment, plan her body will start loosing weight because it will have work twice as hard and burn twice as many calories as usual. She recommended that mom start drinking the formula that is being delivered for her PEG Tube in between meals just to pack on as much weight and nutrients as possible. Luckily after we arrived home, she tasted one of the drinks and loved it.

Another day of information and hope!

The Charm of the Day is A Ring of Many Different Colors.

Day 9 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Thursday, May 15th 2014

Today was our ninth day at CTCA and thankfully it was a light day. Mom was scheduled to have infusion at 9:30 am, which lasted approximately four hours. Today was the third day of infusion which is part of the chemotherapy treatment plan. We were originally scheduled for a lung biopsy procedure tomorrow but that surgery was canceled due to the chemotherapy plan that Dr. McKnight has in place. We are pretty excited for mom to have three days in a row where she can just relax and do what she wants. 

Yesterday we finally got to meet Cody, who is the treatment center's therapy dog.  On our first visit we were told that Cody had cancer and was away receiving treatment but would be back soon. Mom didn't get to meet Cody today because he was gone by the time she was finished with infusion. 

A Tree, Boy and his Dog

Plant a tree in solid ground, nourish it with sunlight, refresh it with a gentle rain and it will grow strong. With winding branches stretched toward the clouds, beautiful and verdant leaves to grace each bough, the tree becomes a place to tie a child's swing, a spot for shade, a shelter in a north wind.

As times go by, roots spread and burrow deep. Storms arise; the tree bends but does not break. Once the harsh seasons pass, new buds appear. From the greens of April to the ambers of autumn, the solidity of the tree reminds us of our capacity to deal with the changes and problems that surround us; it reminds us to hold onto hope and persevere when faced with any challenge.

The boy and his dog convey the optimism of youth, and allude to new beginnings, soaring spirits, years of love, laughter and loyal friendship...the riches and joy of life and all it offers.

We will be back on schedule Monday our first appointment of the day is a hearing test scheduled at 10:30 am.

Mom chose the Charm of the Day; a Crown of Pink Diamonds.

Day 8 at Cancer Treatment Centers Of America

Wednesday, May 14th 2014 

Mom's appointment is an early one today. We have to be there at 7:00 am, so when I went to pick her and dad up around 5:30 she was up and ready and looking great. Looking way better than the day before THANK GOD! She finally was able to eat some solid food on the way to the treatment center.

First appointment was in radiation to have a simulation done . A simulation to mold a mask to fit her face. They will use this mask for daily radiation treatments. To be able to use lasers on the cancers only and protect her other organs at the same time. She said when they were molding her face the material was really hot but the nurse said she did awesome.

During our consultation with Norleena Gullett, Radiation Oncologist, were told the BEST news ever. After reviewing everything since the first day we started here, they are very positive that there is an 80% chance that mom will be CURED and the doctors and team here are working towards a cure. These words brought joyful tears and words that cannot describe how beyond happy we felt! Now that mom's mask is complete, it looks like her first radiation treatment will start next week. Now on to "Quality Of Life", where we finally begin chemotherapy. The Chemotherapy drug takes two hours to administer but there is two hours of pre meds and two hours after the chemotherapy. 

Sitting by her side and chatting through all this I notice that the Benadryl had the adverse affect and she has was extremely hyper. Which is way better than feeling down and awful. So hyper that we laughed and she chatted my ears off. There has been no napping in these six hours! All in all today has been another positive and good day. 

Charm choice is Amber Diamonds that represents the amber colored bag over her Chemotherapy drip.

Day 7 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Tuesday, May 13th 2014 

Today was moms first chemotherapy appointment . We begin our day at "Quality Of Life" . They get her comfortable in a recliner and wanted to start a bag of magnesium and fluids because her magnesium was low the day before. After they accessed her port, we are informed because of magnesium level they wanted to postpone chemotherapy until tomorrow so her levels have a chance of becoming a normal range. Magnesium is what is in electrolytes and with chemotherapy you have to be very hydrated. Sitting there with mom watching Gilligan's Island (one of her favorites), a nurse came in to show a video of how to take care of her feeding tube that was scheduled to be inserted. She also used a model and instructed how to feed mom and flush care. With two hours of down time before moms scheduled surgery for the feeding tube we all enjoyed the terrace at the top of the hospital and went and looked at the two huge salt water tanks in the front lobby.

Surgery was scheduled for 1:00 pm. We waited with her while in preop. Met a new Lady Chaplin that came in and knelled by mom's bedside to hold hands and said a prayer together as a family. Once again things got a little emotional but our momma is the strongest women ever in this world. When we thought they had taken mom back for surgery we went for lunch and just to take a break . The power went out and the surgery had to be delayed. We waited longer in preop, close to 2 1/2 hours. By policy no procedures could be done until complete power was restored and not running off generators. At 4:20 they finally took mom back to surgery and it wasn't long we were being called back to see her in recovery . After more care instructions for the evening I began to get momma dressed, put her in wheelchair and we were headed out the door . After helping her to the restroom she says to me she's in a lot of pain . Before We drove am hour home I wanted to walk her back down to surgery to ask a doctor if the pain was normal and if so what can we give her. As soon as we made it into the lobby of surgery mom began feeling sick. She continued to get sick and there was blood. A nurse came to help and they checked everything out and mom seemed to just be having a reaction from the anesthesia . She hasn't been able to eat all day and was still instructed not to eat until the following morning . The car ride home was a little rough, mom was sore and just felt awful. Getting her home we put her in her bed and comfortable where she slept all night .


Charm choice is a silver star fish since she loves the saltwater tanks so much.

Day 6 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday, May 12th 2014

It's day six at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and we have had a full schedule today!  First on the list was Pulse Oximetry, Pulmonary Function Test and Echo Cardiogram. Mom's breathing and Oxygen Levels were great so we felt pretty positive about the rest of the day.  It has definitely been a blessing to have two days of uplifting news.

The next appointment on our schedule was to meet with mom's Medical Oncologist, Dr. McKnight. We really feel good about having Dr. McKnight on mom's team.  He explained the fact that we are not going to take it one piece at a time and wait to see what happens.  He said again that we are going to attack the cancer full force with the chemo and radiation running concurrently. We at length about what to expect with the type of chemotherapy that he believes is the best for mom and the fact that she had lost four pounds within the last week.  We knew the weight loss was because mom hasn't been able to eat the foods she normally would eat due to her oral surgery.  She ate plenty during the week but nothing solid. She had gained five pounds prior to the oral surgery so we, the family, were not too concerned with the weight loss. Dr. McKnight explained the possible need for a PEG/Feeding Tube during her plan of treatment. The PEG was something we knew could be a possibility after meeting with mom's team prior to today but still it was a shock to mom. Dr. McKnight gave me some very important questions the he wanted me to ask during mom's Gastroenterology Consultation that was scheduled for later today at 2:00 pm.

"Every patient and every family member deserves to leave a consultation with the hope that treatment will make them better rather than worse. They also deserve to feel confident they will be treated with respect and compassion through one of the most challenging journeys of their lives."     

- John E. McKnight, MD, MBA

We met with Amy Jones, Clinical Oncology Dietitian, and spoke about mom's nutritional needs during radiation therapy.  Ms. Jones stated that during mom's treatment she will need approximately four feedings a day through PEG Tube and other ways to keep her nutrition level up.  During the radiation treatment plan it is expected that at some point mom will probably be unable to eat normally.  Also while she is going through chemotherapy her body will be burning twice as much energy than normally so the caloric intake needs to double.  After meeting with Ms. Jones it was time for mom's Naturopathy Consultation with Edra Spevack, mom's Naturopathic Oncology Provider.  Mom has been experiencing some nausea and vomiting on occasion so Ms. Spevack suggested instead of opening the Thorne Meriva Curcumin and adding to water in order to swish and swallow, just take the capsules normally.  Magnesium Citrate supplements were added to her list of supplements due to her magnesium levels being low.

The last appointment on the schedule today was with the Gastroenterology Department.  We met with Olivia Burks, Nurse Practitioner.  We discussed mom's nutrition level, muscle mass and over all weight.  Ms. Burks explained in detail that it would be in our best interest to go ahead and schedule the PEG Tube procedure and mom wasn't too happy about that.  Mom said that she was eating just fine and once her throat became sore then she would consider the procedure. Ms. Burks explained to mom that once Chemotherapy and Radiation starts she may not be able to handle the procedure and it would be best to go ahead now and have it done.  Mom agreed and the procedure was scheduled for the following day.  Even though mom has been eating pretty well aside from the oral surgery, we knew that this was the best option.  Ms. Burks also stated that mom should continue to eat naturally and once the time comes to use the feeding tube we would need to feed five times a day.  We are back at it again tomorrow with a full day's schedule!  It's alot of information to take in and each day can sometimes seem longer than the previous day but we really feel like we are truly making serious progress in this journey.  We can't thank Cancer Treatment Centers of America enough for taking wonderful care of our mom and not just her, our family as well!

Mom chose today's Charm of the Day, Silver with Teal Crystals.

Hope All Over Again, Day 1 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, April 30th 2014

Mom's first day at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Newnan, Georgia, was on her birthday, Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Walking in as a family we were beyond confused based on our previous experiences at Emory Healthcare, but this place automatically gave us a new feeling of Hope. We met with the clinic and six nurses sang Happy Birthday and even had her a balloon.

 Then we went into a meeting with her ENT Specialist where things began to get emotional.  We finally were told so many answers we had been needing for four months now.  We were told mom's cancer was at Stage 4, and also she was not a surgery candidate so we knew right then treatments were our next option.  Even though hearing those words were the hardest things to ever hear, we still had a feeling of a new beginning. The doctor was still very positive about healing our mom.  Afterwards, we met with our Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Noreen Gullett, where she actually showed us mom's scans and where the cancers were and discussed in detail exactly how she would want to use radiation to shrink the tumors. Mom's plan was to have radiation treatments Monday through Friday for seven weeks.  But was told first she would have to have all of her teeth pulled and be healed so she could have a simulation done of making a mask to fit her face for the daily radiation treatments.  The mask is supposed to act as a shield to protect the organs that do not need to get radiation and should not be damaged.

As we were walking out of the treatment center on the very first day, I purchased a bracelet by Amanda Blu and had an idea that each day I would add a charm that would represent a stepping stone that mom and our family is going through. Each charm will represent something different. What she had experienced that day or maybe even how she was feeling.

The first Charm of the Day is an Opal.  The mix of the clear and light blue hues gives the feeling of a beautiful sky opening up and giving our family a new feeling of Hope all over again.