So... Was It All Worth It?

Mom had the final follow-up with the specialists in Vancouver last week.

They're happy! The main tumour is shrinking (apparently it will still be a while until we see how much it has shrunk), and the chemotherapy wiped out the small tumours on the lymph nodes.

Her blood pressure is down to 90/60... so, she can wean herself off her blood pressure medications.

On the strictly clinical side, that's about it. She is to follow up with an xray every 3 months. So long as no new tumours appear, and the main one (I keep wanting to say big one, but I'm trying to use positive phrasing) doesn't grow, she's in great shape.

Mom has lost a lot of weight in the last year. She's down to 112 pounds, and for those who haven't seen her for a while, it'll be a bit of a shock. Between the treatments and putting her back out, she hasn't been moving a whole bunch. Her muscles are very wasted, making her look quite frail.

Her hair is starting to grow back, but very little and very slowly (from the side, she looks so much like how I remember her dad!). Just a little fuzz right now.

I've been on her quite a lot to walk. Even a little bit! She resists, and I'm not sure why. I know this last time I was with her, her back was very sore, but this has been going on for a long time. Hopefully, getting the good news from her oncologists will be motivation to get her body strong enough for any new fight that comes along!

As for me, I'm cautiously optimistic. If I'd had my druthers, her follow up examination would have been far more comprehensive - not just an xray. I'd have liked to have heard how much the tumour had shrunk - for some reason, they didn't have this information readily available (?!)
But, mom is asking for all her file info and I hope to take a look at it soon.

Mom is still focussed on fighting the cancer, and she's determined - at least mentally. Now we just have to get that same energy in the physical side!!

This weekend is our family reunion, I'll post some photos then if you're interested.

Again, in Mom's own words...

I have at last reached the end of the chemo sessions and
glad to be done. Now, just a three week wait and then to
see what the oncologists have to say. I am praying for good
results.

I have not been having good days and today is no exception.
The throat is very sore but the appetite is still there. It takes a
long time to eat a meal.

One more month and we will be off the island and on our way
to being closer to family and friends. I am really looking forward
to that.

Ending on that note, prayers and good thoughts are much
appreciated and very uplifting. Thank you all.