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