Scans Today

Jerry and Kristen took Mom for her scans at Bowman Gray. She did well and did'nt have any reactions. Just a flushed face and that is mild compared to the last reaction. Her CT was at 2:30 and her MRI was not scheduled until 7:00. They so graciously worked her in about 5:30 so they would not be there so long and get back so late. They got back to Bluefield about 8:45 so that was not bad at all. Dad went to appt for his back also on Friday and Dr Greenburg(Neuro) says he will need surgery to correct the 2 deteriorate
disk..pinched nerve and really didn't even discuss other options. Dad was not wanting surgery options but wanted to try other options so Dr Greenburg put him on some antiarthritic medicine and he will see another Ortho doc Nov 15th to get some steroid injections to get him through. He will not do anything until he sees what is going on with Mom. He will get some Phys. Therapy 3 times a week also with traction and I think that will help some.
So, once again ,we wait for appointment on Monday 2:30 to get results and hopefully find out what is going to be done. Mom's CEA level will also be repeated on Monday. This is the blood test that has gradually been elevated the past few months that shows the cancer cells are present. Until then we pray.
Vickie

Journey Begins

Our appointment today at Bowman Gray went OK. We still don't know any more than we did when we went down there. Dr Akulu suggested we repeat CT scans and MRI after reviewing the disk from the scans in Beckley. He did say there was definite activity in the left lower lobe of the liver. There was also a questionable area on the Beckley scans on the left chest wall that Dr Akulu could not tell if it was significant or not. So, he suggested the scans be repeated down there and he will see us back on Monday hopefully with a game plan. He did say if it was only in the Liver, then surgery would be an option. Appointments on Friday at 130pm for the CT and 700pm for the MRI. Return appt on Monday 2nd at 2:30pm to get results and hopefully plan for moms treatment.
We did attempt to get the scans today but to no avail. Mom is allergic to the dye for the CT scans so she has to be medicated with Prednisone and Benedryl 2 days prior. MRI was booked also for the day. I drove them down and Dad relaxed in the back seat. He is still not feeling all that great. He is staying home Friday to rest . Kristen and my brother Jerry are taking her on Friday. It is just testing so I told him there is no reason for him to go and it will be a long day anyway. Our urgency seems to be ours alone as it seems there is really no rush to get answers. Dr Akulu said he had to be sure before attempting to treat and felt like he could not do that with the results of the scans thus far. I just feel like we should already be in the treating process if need be. Mom held up well today. More to follow.........Friday or Monday..

Hi Everyone,
Mom's Journey was created so I could post updates on her "journey" as we begin a new one this week. It has been a long journey but she has sustained more than I ever imagined. I will post new updates daily if possible.