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 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 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 30 at Cancer Treatment Centers Of America

Saturday, June 14th 2014

On today's schedule mom just had to go into Quality Of Life for her Neupogen injection at 11:30.  Even though today was a light day for mom, it wasn't an easy day.  She is extremely exhausted and in a lot of pain.  Mom is starting to have many sores and scabs around the outside and inside of her lips due to radiation.

On our drive up she rested the whole time.  As we waited for her injection to be delivered by the pharmacy, she slept.  The shot today burned going in but as always she is a very strong woman!  On our ride home she continued to sleep and went to bed when I got her home. 

The Charm of the Day; Gray Crystals

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 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 

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

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 18 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Monday, June 2nd 2014

Today was mom's eighth radiation treatment at 1:45 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and so far everything seems to be going well. We have been informed that around the fourteenth radiation treatment mom's neck, mouth and throat will begin to get very sore.

Directly following radiation was mom's nurse assessment.  Everything went well!  We had to meet with Olivia Burks in Gastro to evaluate how mom is doing with the PEG Tube.  Ms. Burks directed mom to start drinking five cartons a day of ISOSOURCE.  So far mom has been maintaining her weight pretty well but in order to maintain her strength and nutrition levels she needs more of the formula each day.

Another great day at CTCA!

The Charm of the Day

Day 17 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, May 30th 2014

We arrived today at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and there was a Staff Bash going on!  This must be one of the best places in the world to work!  It's obvious that CTCA really takes wonderful care of not just their patients but their staff as well!

Dad and I watched a tug of war between what must of been at least 25 employees on each side of the rope. There was a dunk tank, a photo booth and many other activities.  Cody was there too and a few other dogs.

Mom had speech therapy with Jennifer Cargile and forgot to bring her exercises log book.  Ms. Cargile said she was doing well with her exercises and to continue doing them daily as recommended.






After her appointment with her speech therapist it was onto radiation treatment prep followed by her seventh radiation treatment.

The Charm of the Day; Amber Triple Crystal Crown

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 14 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Tuesday, May 27th 2014

We had yesterday off for Memorial Day which was nice for mom to have three days of rest.  We were back today at Cancer Treatment Centers of America for just a couple of appointments.  Mom had her routine blood draw in order for CTCA to monitor everything that is going on in her body.  Her appointment was at 10:30, which only takes a few minutes, and then our next appointment on today's schedule was radiation prep and treatment at 1:55.  We were expecting a long wait in between appointments but we decided to go onto radiation early just to check in and see if there was an earlier slot available.  Luckily they were able to take her back at 11:15.

CONTINUUM SERIES
by Tommy Moss

                                                   

As soon as mom came out of radiation we had lunch together at the wonderful cafeteria and headed home! Another day closer to graduation day!

The Charm of the Day is the American Flag 

in honor of Memorial Day.

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 11 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Wednesday, May 21st 2014

After having yesterday off, we arrived today at CTCA at 1:00 for mom's first appointment of the day, radiation therapy prep.  It's Wednesday and 180 Degrees Farm was at CTCA with their organic produce, plants, nuts and seeds.  Mom purchased some organic Savoy Cabbage and a couple of other items. We met the wonderful people of 180 Degree Farms last week when we picked up about two pounds of organic flax seeds. Their charitable organization is wonderful so check them out here: http://www.180degreefarm.org/

  We didn't have much time to waste to get to mom's first appointment for radiation therapy prep, or so we thought, it turns out today was mom's first actual radiation treatment.  I guess we misunderstood what therapy prep meant because we were under the impression that the actual radiation treatments would begin tomorrow.  As mom and I walked down the hall alone, my mind filled with many different thoughts and emotions. Even though CTCA has given our family everything we need in order to conquer this battle, I still began to wonder.  Once we made it to the patient waiting area, mom and I met a nice lady named Denise who was also waiting for her first radiation visit. We spoke about her journey through breast cancer and shared our story of how and why our family ended up going to CTCA. It turns out Denise is from Virginia and her family couldn't be there today. I explained to her that I would be here at CTCA for next seven weeks, Monday through Friday, and I would give her my contact information if she should need anything.  We hugged and thanked God for the care she and our mom are both receiving. When we exchanged email addresses I found out her personal email started with Zoe, named after her black lab that she had to have put to sleep on July 2, 2012. As I am typing the letters of her email address into my contacts list, I had chill bumps come over my entire body as she spelled out z-o-e. I explained to Denise that my email address started with Zoe and that I had named my email address in part after my black border collie who had to be put down on July 1st, 2006.  At that moment I knew why I had decided to walk mom back even though there wasn't any need for me to.  She told me she was fine and she would be back. God had intended on Denise and I meeting today.  She said it was obvious that God was trying tell her that everything was going to be okay and that He was taking care of this battle. They took mom back for radiation first so I asked her if she would like me to stay with her until she was called back too. Within minutes she was called back, once again we hugged and I told her it was all going to be okay!  She said "Thank you" and walked away.

About thirty minutes later mom came out of her first radiation treatment and felt great so we headed over to speech therapy with Jennifer Cargile a little earlier than scheduled.  As I am walking into the room for mom's appointment I hear my name called.  It was Denise, she stopped me to tell me her radiation treatments actually start tomorrow, she found out after I left that today was just for prep. I also got to meet her brother who had just arrived from up north unexpectedly.  We shared our daily schedules and we plan to see her again soon.

During our appointment with Ms. Cargile, mom was taught a series of oral and vocal exercises that she will need to start doing three times a day in order to combat the effects of the radiation treatments. Mom is also required to keep a daily log of her exercises and turn in her results once a week so that Ms. Cargile can monitor the effects and changes during her seven week radiation treatment plan.

Today was a great day!  Mom has handled her first chemotherapy and radiation treatments like a champ! I believe God touched us today in some way that I cannot explain. Was God reminding me to open my eyes to the fact that our mother isn't the only one He is there for?  I just don't know, but I do know I was reminded today by Him just how much he loves each and everyone of us.

The Charm of The Day; The Pink Ribbon

For so many women and families.

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 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.

Day 5 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Friday, May 9th 2014

Today was our fifth day at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and mom's first appointment of the day was at Radiology Oncology to have her port accessed and reviewed.  According to our schedule for the day she was to have simulation directly following.  Being that mom's mouth was still very tender and still had stitches in her gums, her simulation was rescheduled for next Wednesday morning. 

While we were waiting on mom to come out, we noticed this bell with the story of the Two Horses.  The story is very inspiring and the bell is used during a patient's graduation from Radiation Therapy!  We are very excited and can't wait until mom graduates after 7 weeks of daily treatments.

TWO HORSES

(Author Unknown)

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting...One of the horses is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing. But if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small, copper-colored bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. As you stand and watched these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. And at the other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Next on today's schedule was a Mammogram followed by an MRI.  The Mammogram was ordered due to a procedure that was done last year.  During mom's 2013 yearly Mammogram, an usual spot was found.  After many tests and a biopsy, it was discovered that she had a calcium build up.  CTCA thoroughly examines each and every aspect of their patients so I knew this was a precautionary test and not a new concern.  Thankfully, the mammogram came back completely clear and the calcium build up has completely disappeared. What a relief! Finally some good news!  The MRI was canceled so went to lunch.  

The cafeteria here is unreal with organic foods and an amazing menu. The prices are extremely inexpensive and the patients eat for free.  I love the seaweed salad!

Next on the schedule for today was an Evaluation and Treatment appointment with Jennifer Cargile, Speech Language Pathologist.  Ms. Cargile was very informative about the needs of certain exercises mom should be doing to keep her throat muscles strong in order to be able to swollow during the radiation treatments.  She tested mom's ability to chew and swollow as well as her ability to drink fluids.  So far so good, mom passed with flying colors.  We will be meeting with Ms. Cargile pretty often once radiation starts. 

Finally, our last appointment of the day was a Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment with Judeen Rivers. Ms. Rivers was also a pleasure to meet with and gave mom a list of physical exercises to do daily to keep up her muscle mass and strength. Ms. Rivers stated mom seemed in pretty good shape except for her left hip is a little weak and that could likely be from her Osteoporosis.

Today was an excellent day!  We left CTCA exhausted from a full schedule and full of hope!

The Charm of the Day is Diamonds which is our Mother's Birthstone.