Hi Everyone...so here we go again. New tumors, new challenges! Over the last month our family has been facing Ariel's cancer head on, fighting with gusto and holding our heads up high. My mom is as strong as ever, remaining as positive as the first day of diagnosis, and we are doing everything we can to make sure she is as comfortable and happy as possible.
A few weeks ago my mom received the heartbreaking news that her cancer has spread into her lymph nodes, possibly blocking her bile duct. Her previous new age radiation treatment at the UCSD medical center did help destroy the cancer cells within her liver, however, by the time she returned from vacation and was checked via an additional MRI, the cancer had unfortunately made its home in a new spot. The pain has, quite honestly, been excrutiating at times, and after numerous doctors appointments and check ups, we have been able to help control the pain level with some strong and very helpful medications.
Ariel started chemotheraphy on Wednesday, and her treatments will be once every three weeks, for six hours at a time!!! Yikes! She is on a new chemo cocktail as well, one medication she has been given in previous treatments, as well as a new and much stronger medication to fight this off as quickly as possible. She will most likely be losing her hair again, and this is going to be a much different chemo experience for her, but we are in it together and not even close to the thought of giving in or giving up. I am fortunate enough to have just graduated from UCSD with my masters, and although I am looking for a teaching job, I have been able to spend all of my days with my mom. We have become quite a team, kicking ass and taking names...and I know she must be sick of me!! I find as I get older, my motherly instincts are kicking in and I want to just do everything for her...out of love of course!
We have been staying in close contact with her oncologist, her nurses, and she has been having tri weekly treatments at a wonderful chiropractor's office in order to alleviate some of the pain through a variety of avenues. After receiving support from some of my mom's close friends lately, we realized that there are so many of you out there that love and care deeply for Ariel, and that you must wish to know what has been going on in her journey as of late. She sure is one of a kind, isn't she? We appreciate everything that you have given us as a family through this devastating path we are on, from positive thoughts and prayers, to cards, flowers, gifts, meals, and company!
My mom and I will be taking turns updating you all through this blog...not sure why we switched other than she just simply liked this format better!:) Feel free to send her well wishes through the comment portions within each blog. I am always available to update you via my cell phone or email...so please do not hesitate to call if you would like to know more, or you would like to come spend time with Ariel; I know she loves the company seeing as how I am trying my best to keep her at home and resting as much as possible. We love you very much, and look forward to the day where we can sign off and say adios to the big C...it couldn't come soon enough!
xoxo
Ali
858-414-9750
alisalyon@gmail.com
My mom always fills me in, but it will be nice to be able to check in here as well. Of course your whole family is always in our thoughts and prayers! xo -Jessie Fulkerson
ReplyDeleteWell, my dear STRONG woman -- fight on with all of that ferocious Lyon zest!! The Whitley-Timinsky household sends best wishes to all of you. Hugs and love, Joan
ReplyDeleteAs you enter the arena for another battle my love and spirit go with you. I'm confident that you will triumph again with your strengh and the support of everyone around you. To my winning sister...lots of love, Jamie
ReplyDeleteAli, great job on the blog and on taking such wonderful care of your mom.
ReplyDeleteAriel, once again you are fighting this like no one else, with courage, strength and the most positive attitude. We all know you have it in you, and if you are ever in doubt we are here to remind you. You have more love and support than you will ever know. I love you sooooooooo much!!!
XOXO Polly
Ariel,
ReplyDeleteThough I have never met you, I have heard much about your from Ali and Devin, So I feel honored to have a chance to be a part of this battle with you, even if only via blog. Ali is no doubt taking excellent and compassionate care of you. And making you smile and laugh on a daily basis, if I know her at all ;-) Your strength in the face of adversity is inspiring and I cant help but acknowledge the positive that comes out of such situations. The closeness that you and Ali have been blessed with, a chance for a daughter to "give back" to a loving mother, and an opportunity to look at things differently, "reconnect with bliss". I am excited to hear of your progress! I recently read Lance Armstrong's autobiography detailing his fight with lung,brain and testicular cancer, which, as you know, was a sucess. May provide some uplifting reading if you are in search of a book...
Ok, please let me know if I can be of any help other than my positive thoughts and sincere prayers.
Jason
Thank you, Ali, for a job well done.
ReplyDeleteAriel, you are my inspiration. Your strength and positive attitude helps keep me going, and I thank you for that. I will keep those positve thoughts and prayers coming. Love you.
Debbie
Ariel and Ali, you both have the gift of putting words together in a way that paint a picture and tell a story. Thank you for keeping us all up to date, Roberta forwarded this to me. I will continue to check in, you are in my thoughts and prayers - BIG HUGS to you and keep "kicking ass and taking names," you two! xoxo - Sara Fraschetti
ReplyDelete