My mom had a CT scan done today. The scan will tell us if the Avastin is helping with the cancer. We are hoping to hear good results tomorrow afternoon. I think the next treatment route will be immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has been very successful with Melanoma and has shown some success with Kidney cancer as well.
My mom has lost a lot of weight and is down to 98 lbs. She is worried they will make her get a feeding tube, and she really doesn't want that. She eats pretty well but can't manage to maintain her weight. A friend of mine told me that her dad has a feeding tube, and it really isn't so bad. Mom is not convinced, but I don't think it will be the worst thing in the world if she has to have it. I will be doing some google research tonight!
My mom is still not ready for visitors. She tires out easily. Hopefully she will be ready to see her friends soon. We appreciate your understanding during this time.
Here are some tips for visiting when she is up for it:
- Keep visits to 10-20 minutes
- Share what's new with you and keep up your side of the conversation. Talking wears her out and it's difficult for her to keep up a conversation for very long.
- Be helpful. Ask her if there is a chore you can do or an errand you can run.
- Read her cues. If she looks like she's struggling to stay awake or isn't feeling well, cut your visit short.
- Be positive. Don't talk about how long you think she will live. Don't cry or feel sorry for her.
That's all I can think of for now. Keep praying for complete healing, wisdom, faith, and just general improvement!
Many thanks,
--Julia
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