Making Progress in the right direction

I realize I have not posted lately and a few people have mentioned that they would like an update. Yesterday's removal of the PORT seemed like a 'post worthy' event.  So since the last post, Mom went back to Merced for a few weeks and then came back here to Santa Barbara to start on her new chemo medicine. She has to be on a milder form of chemo b/c the tumors in the spine (which are now gone) were metastasized (they spread from the primary site). She started on the Zoloda (new chemo drug which is a pill) 2 1/2 weeks ago and so far is tolerated it well.  Her hair is growing back in a nice salt and pepper color. We can't tell yet if it's curly or not. We are keeping her busy with little league baseball games and she is enjoying the MLB season as well. I will post more photos soon. Thanks for checking in with us.

Happy 70th Birthday Dorothy!

Dorothy's Birthday Brunch with the Andersons, Lee, Ann and their daughter Mona!

Dorothy took Amtrak from Merced and arrived here in SB yesterday! This morning we had old friends over for brunch. We celebrated Mom's great recovery and Dorothy's birthday. Lee & Ann Anderson live in Merced.  Lee worked with Mom, Dorothy and my Aunt Velma in the Merced schools for many many years. Lee & Ann's daughter, Mona, lives in Santa Barbara. They were visiting Mona & her 3 kids this week.

After brunch, the girls packed up Mom's car and hit the road. Mom took ALL of her belongings. I must say I was a bit lost today, so grateful that the plan worked and the cancer is gone and Mom is back in her own darling house in Merced. I do miss her already. Fortunately, she will be back soon and stay for the first few weeks of her new chemo. At dinner tonight Jonas said "To be honest with you, I thought Gma was going to take Dorothy to her house and come back here." The boys aren't thrilled about Gma leaving although  they 'get' that it is b/c the treatment worked. Chyio  stuck close to me today after Mom left. The biggest question was "who will Chyio sleep with?" As I type this, he is snuggled in tight with Jack. 
This journey will continue but for now we would like to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us thru these last 7 months. We felt your love and it was priceless. 

Dorothy arrives

Watching Jack's 1st regular season game with Dorothy!

Pre Birthday drinks for Dorothy!

Our Daily Book

Daily reading!

Jack & Jonas both love reading! We thank Gma for ALL the hours she reads with them!
All 3 boys LOVE reading books!

Complete Remission!

Celebration at Starbucks!

It's a beautiful March day!

The Dr. told us that the PET Scan showed complete remission! He said this is the best possible outcome! There are holes or open spaces in the bone, where the tumors use to be and in time scar tissue will fill that area. In 3-4 weeks he will start Mom on a oral chemo that is milder (with side effects).
Mom wanted to celebrate at Starbucks!
It's a happy day!

PS---more great news----She was BRCA negative!

Fasting is no fun

Love from Lisa (flowers) & Dawn (banana bread and cookies)!

2 boys feeling under the weather, snuggles with Gma

Mom could not eat any carbs or sugar yesterday and could eat NOTHING TODAY.
This morning I found these 2 little boys snuggling with Mom. Of course, it makes sense that she stay away from sick boys but that is not how she rolls.
Sweet friends brought Mom Flowers and sweets to have when she returns home from her test!
We hope to have the results at the Dr appt on Wednesday.

PET SCAN is scheduled

We just scheduled the PET SCAN for Monday March 5th, 2:00pm.
This is the test that requires a fasting from sugar and all carbs for 24 hours before the tests.

Throw up prayers, send good thoughts and work the beads for this test to show us the good word!