Gamma Knife, Steroids and Chemo - Oh My!

Mom's brain tumor will be treated with Gamma Knife, not Cyberknife, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Midland, Michigan. Gamma Knife is the treatment her oncologist recommends for her brain tumor and it sounds very similar to Cyberknife. Midland is the closest of three locations in Michigan that have Gamma Knife. Her appointment is scheduled Monday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 6. Suzy will take Mom down on Monday and they'll spend the night in the hospital hotel. I plan to drive over from GR after work on Monday and to stay for the second part of her procedure on Tuesday. God only knows what adventures await us on a Monday night, in a hotel room, in a strange town...

At Mom's chemo appointment on October 16, she was informed that a new tumor was discovered on her spleen. As a result, her chemo formula will change; apparently, the cancer - which is aggressive - has adapted to the chemo she's been receiving since July. She gets her first shot of the new cocktail on November 13.

In the mean time, the steroids have had a great effect on Mom's alertness and on her appetite. She's gained several pounds since she began steroid medication on October 5. Steroids are amazing!

On October 18, Mom went to the ear, nose and throat doctor to discuss her dizziness. She was scheduled for balance therapy at her physical therapy office with the goal of giving her techniques to control her dizziness. The next step, if the balance therapy doesn't help, is to put tubes in her ears.

After the appointment with the doctor, Mom went to the audiologist to be fitted for hearing aids. This is a big step for Mom. She has postponed getting hearing aids for a long time. I know she'll feel they are worth the investment once she gets them.

Saturday, October 20, Bill and Pattie came with Cody, Jessy and Tyler, Tina and Mike came, Tami, Dan, Devon and Makayla came, Aunt Dorothy came, and cousin Roleen and her daughter Connie came. It was a nice visit with lots of conversation and lots of pictures.

Mom and Roleen

Mom with Bill and Pattie's family
Jessy and Jodi

Mom and Tami

Mom with Tina, Mike and Devon

I think she was saying cheese in that one. I could be wrong.

Mom and Dorothy

Friday, Suzy will take a bus load of teens to Lansing for a conference. Paul will hang out with Mom, and I'll get there late in the evening. Mom has been unmotivated in her crocheting, so I'll bring a little inspiration with me. Maybe we'll both get something done.