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