Road Trip

The blood work is back. Mom's tumor marker has doubled in the past few weeks. I talked with George late this afternoon. George will do a referral to hospice as soon as we figure out which one in the area. The last type of chemo was the last option for Mom's type of cancer. Gall Bladder cancer is very rare (3221 cases diagnosed in 2004. To put this in perspective, 186,772 cases of Breast Cancer and 1,325,199 total cases of cancer were diagnosed for all sites during this year.) and there are very few types of chemo that have been found effective for later stages of this cancer.

We are still coming up and back to Greensboro in the afternoon to see George. Mom wants to talk to him about hospice. Wendy and I will both be here. We need to understand more of how and what and why.

I told Mom after I talked with George this afternoon. We talked about this a little. Mom moved to the big bed and then we talked about this some more. I can't comprehend what this means, so I can't imagine what is going on in her head. I am not sure it is real to her right now. But, she went to sleep a little while ago and wasn't in pain today, so maybe tonight will be okay.

As far as today, Mom had fluids and ate a bunch of junk food. [Toaster strudel, Chicken Sandwiches, Cookies]. We had really good food in the fridge but Mom wanted junk food. She could eat Ice Cream Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snack and I would be happy. I just want her to keep eating.

My minister dropped by today to see Mom and they had a good visit.

We took a bath today, but that loses top billing with the rest of the day.

Susan, from the last post, came by today and was very helpful. She said to call us back after we received the blood work and she would point us in the right direction. She gave me a couple of resources for Ensure (I am always trying to find the cheapest version of this in a can that Mom will drink. This stuff is right up there with gold prices. If Mom doesn't eat, she can drink 5 of the Ensure Plus and get enough nutrition for the day. Not enough fluid, but enough protein and energy for the day. But, this stuff is not covered under any type of insurance and the cheapest version works out to about 1.25/can. We are trying some things like Carnation Instant Breakfast w/whole milk and protein power but Mom is all about it being in a can. ) and a caregiver support group. Will call Susan back on Thursday and let her know what is going on and get her to help us get started. [On a side note, BC still did not approve this visit, but she was here anyway and told us not to worry, that they would eat this visit after she talked with the guys in her office this morning.]

I can't say enough about everyone that has taken care of Mom that have helped us get this far. Both George and Kelly have been wonderful. (and everyone in his group including Pat, the guys in the lab room and the people that help at the door). I have called them more than I have called my son at camp, and they have always been patient and kind. The wonderful nurses in the chemo room and upstairs have been gentle and caring. Richard, Lois, Tammy, Suzanne, Susan w/Big Wake have been absolutely supportive and gentle and more than wonderful. I want everyone to know how less horrible this has been because of all of these people. George said it best when he was talking to Wendy and I in the hall one day upstairs... "I like you guys, but I love your Mom."