Radiation is Over!!!

Hello all,

Sorry it's taken me so long to write. I've had a very busy last few weeks and haven't had a moment to get on the blog.

I wanted to let you all know that mom has completed all of her radiation treatments as of Wednesday. She is still taking some time to heal, but is looking forward to finally being free of the "cancer crap". She is still having a few complications due to the radiation and is requesting prayers for continued strength.

Because her immune system is so low right now, she has developed a bacterial infection in her throat. She has been prescribed antibiotics and should be feeling better in a few days. She still is lacking energy and is dealing with some swelling, but all in all, the prognosis is good.

She will take the next few weeks to continue to recover, and then she will be heading to sunny Arizona (thanks to Glo and her sis) for a much needed vacation. When she returns, she will meet with her doctors.

At this time, the prognosis looks good. Mom is in good spirits and still fighting to make it through this last hurdle.

We really covet your prayers and thank you so much for all the calls, rides, cards, and prayers. You are all truly a blessing to my mom and my family.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Kate

Close to the end

Hey everyone,

I spoke with mom and last night. We have some good news and some not so great news. She is struggling with some side effects from the radiation treatment. She is having a lot of swelling and burning in the let side of her face, as well as, on her tongue, which is making it difficult for her to eat. She requests your prayers very much.

On the other side, the doctors say she is doing fabulously with her treatment and are impressed by her daily. She also only has ten treatments left!!!!!

She wants you all to know how much she appreciates you and your prayers and support.

I am blessed as well.

Kate

Radiation Update

Hey Everyone,

I am really requesting your prayers for my mom. She is over halfway through radiation, but she's having a hard time with some side effects of the treatment which are making it hard for her to eat and drink. Also, she is having some pain, nausea, and energy issues.

I thank you all for the support that you've been giving my mom, and we are definitely praising God that she is getting through this so well. I know she really appreciates all of your prayers and support.

Thanks so much for your continued prayer and support.

Kate

Radiation Prep

Mom went in to do all of her radiation prep this last Monday. She said that the doctor was very encouraging and everything went well.
She was fitted for the mask that will hold her head in place for each of the treatments.
They have also worked out a way to try and decrease the burning on her tongue by pulling it away from the roof of her mouth so that she will still be able to swallow.
She received her tattoo that will aid in the placement of the radiation machine.
She also checked out the room where her radiation treatments will be taking place.
She also went through some other routine tests that were needed.
She will be beginning radiation on the 10th of February.
We are still looking for people who would be willing to help with transportation and support to and from her treatments, as she will be going to treatment five days a week.
If you are willing to help out, email me at thechrisreport@gmail.com or call my mom or message her or I on Facebook.

Mom is in great spirits and says that she is ready for whatever comes next.

Thanks so much to everyone for all of your help. I really appreciate it!

God Bless,
Kate

Can you help?

Mom is having a difficult time paying her bills. These bills include extra medical expenses that are not covered by OHSU, her house payment and utilities. She has applied for social security and has been approved, but that will not kick in for several more months. In answer to this, we have set up a special fund so that those who feel led can have the opportunity to help.

If you can help we'd so appreciate it. Donate any amount of money to the "Christine Strickland Medical Fund" at any branch of Bank of America. If you want to help anonymously, B of A will take the deposit; or - if you would rather send the money to me or my mom's friend Gloria McFall, we both have access to the account and can take care of it. We thank you so very much for supporting my mom during this tough time. Please keep her in your prayers nonetheless.

Blessings,

Kate

Kate Palermini

212 E Poplar

Walla Walla, WA 99362


Gloria McFall
19901 Connie Ct.
Oregon City OR 97045

Chemotherapy Issues

Mom went and met with the chemotherapy doctor on Monday, and she learned that they want to do radiation and chemotherapy at the same time. The doctor likened radiation to a "blowtorch" and chemo to "adding fuel" to the blowtorch.

The only problem is that chemo could case some irreparable damages to other parts of my mom. For those of you who don't know, my mom has only one working kidney, and if she chose to pursue chemotherapy, there is a strong chance she could lose her kidney and other effects could include becoming deaf or blind, to name just a few.

As can be expected, this news was shocking. The family has discussed the possible ramifications of pursuing chemo, and we have decided that the benefits are far outweighed by the risks. Yes, the cancer may be gone, but my mom would likely have to be on dialysis for the rest of her life.

Mom will be continuing with her radiation, and we definitely need your help if you are able to get her to and from the hospital or check on her if needed.

She is definitely requesting your prayers and appreciates all you have done on her behalf.

Blessings,

Kate

Coming Radiation

Hello Everyone,

I am writing to update everyone on how my mom is doing.
She came and stayed with Stephen and I for almost three weeks to help her recover and get the help she needed. She is healing extremely well from her surgery, and the doctors are ready to get going on radiation.
Mom met with Dr. Holland, the radiation oncologist, yesterday. He thinks that there still may be cancer in the bones behind where the tumor was, and he is pursuing a very strong course of radiation. Instead of the six weeks that we had expected, it will be seven weeks. Mom is having a hard time with this news because all of the crazy side effects that can happen with this course of radiation. Which include:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Very sore mouth and or throat
Dry mouth (loss of salivatory glands)
Dental and gum problems (loss of teeth)
Changes in sense of taste or smell
Nausea/vomiting
Diarrhea
Lactose intolerance
Constipation
Depression
Hair loss

Also, Dr. Holland feels that there is a chance that there will still be microscopic cancer cells present, so mom will also need to have chemotherapy treatments. An appointment has been scheduled for Monday at OHSU Hematology and Medical Oncology Clinic with Dr. Chui. At that time he will evaluate the situation and give his recommendations. First set-up treatment is now scheduled for Feb. 1st. for radiation.

Her mouth opening and closing is still a huge concern. If it has not improved by the time the radiation treatments begin it will only get worse. She is doing exercises daily to improve it....it is going very slowly.

So, that is what has been happening.

I am unable to take any more time off of work to come and care for mom, so I am asking that if you are available to help out during her radiation, which we expect to start on February 8th, will you please email me at thechrisreport@gmail.com and let me know that would be great.

Thanks to all of you for your concern for my mom,
Kate