There have definitely been some large changes since we last spoke (blogged). After my mom finished her third round of this miserable chemotherapy she has been receiving for the past three months or so, she finally had a scan to determine the effectiveness of this particular cocktail. Unfortunately, we were informed shortly after the scan that this chemotherapy did not do what we had hoped, and we are now looking around and doing research regarding a few other treatment options.
The good news is that there is another chemotherapy cocktail that she may try, and it is my understanding that there are also some clinical trials that look hopeful to her oncologist as well! I believe that she may be starting one of the clinical trials (a non chemo treatment) in the next week or so, and although it will still have chemo-like side effects, it will hopefully give her a brief respite from the horrible way she has felt (physically) over the past three months.
I wish I had more to tell you at this time, and I know you all care so much. Your love and prayers and endless positive energy are so much a part of what keep us moving forward, keep us smiling, and keep us all united in a way only Ariel could do!
Additionally, some of her ongoing pain over the last three or four months has been due to what we now are told is a large stomach ulcer. After waiting a month and a half to get in and have an endoscopy, the prognosis is a simple, but fairly excruciating ulcer and treatment will be a daily pill and the avoidance of most acidic and spicy foods for awhile until it heals or she is no longer in pain. Although it was difficult to be patient while she sat there in pain and we had no answers, it is a silver lining that they were able to identify this as an ulcer and immediately prescribe her a medication that should offer some much needed relief.
Also, many of you have so graciously offered up your time and your ears, as well as continuously asked what it is specifically that you could do to help out! Seeing as how we all are very aware of the fact that my mom loves the kitchen, cooking, and being the foodie that she is, I have been thinking that now would be a great time to stop by with dinner sometime. This would really be of assistance to my mom as well as my family, and would give us more time to spend together at night. I know I for one would appreciate being able to come home after work on occasion, and instead of planning, shopping, and cooking dinner, I could just hang out with my mom, help her in anyway that I can, and enjoy all of the precious time we have together. I'm certain that Shelley and Dave would agree:)
As always, thank you so much for everything that you do for us, especially for my mom, and I will do my best to keep you informed as I learn more. Please, please feel free to call me on my cell phone anytime at 858-414-9750 or email me at my personal email at alisalyon@gmail.com. Also, if stopping by with dinner sounds like something you would be interested in doing, I would be happy to talk and let you know a good night, maybe give you some food ideas if you are feeling unsure about what she would like to eat. I want you to know that you are not being invasive or bothering us by sharing your thoughts and concerns, or calling to ask questions. I am always happy and willing to share with you what I know, and I appreciate knowing your love for my mom grows as much as mine does. I just returned from Yosemite late last night and am going to spend some quality time with my mama, so adios for now.
xoxo
Ali