Going Home

Dr. Galloway met with Mom and Suzy yesterday and spent an hour. We appreciate Dr. Galloway. She has always been candid with us, but also gentle and caring. Her mother has the same diagnosis as Mom; she has commented that their medical charts are nearly identical.

Mom is no longer a candidate for Tarceva. Although it is keeping the cancer in check, it is also the underlying cause of her repeated infections. Tarceva was her last line of chemo defense; there will be no more chemo for Mom.

We have known all along we would eventually receive this news. Attacking the cancer with radiation and chemo was the fight Mom chose. It has given her more time, and that is what she wanted. But as time becomes increasingly precious, the risks of the chemo on the quality of her time outweigh the benefits.

Suzy said Mom was quiet when Dr. Galloway gave her the news. When Suzy asked Mom how she felt about it, she said, "Well, so be it." Suzy gave her a hug. Later, she pointed to the nursing duty board and said to Suzy, "I have a message." You never know what you'll get from Mom these days when she points into the air with an announcement. But Suzy saw she was pointing at our addition to the board: Rose Mary needs nine hugs every day - basic maintenance. Consequently, Mom has chosen her new line of defense.

Mom will be discharged at noon today. We don't have details yet regarding her physical therapy and treatment. We do know that she will be able to receive IV medications at home, which will help us avoid hospital visits. She has been looking forward to sleeping in her own bed, and so have we. Thanks for your prayers.