A Day in the Life Hi there, thanks for coming to Rhondas blog to see whats happening in yet another interesting day in the life of Rhonda. The author of the day is me, Michelle, her 'little' sister, visiting from Washington State and offering humor in any way I can find it during this stressful time...and I have no problem finding it. It may seem a bit irreverent to some but it's what we do when we are togetherLets start from the begining....no... how about April 2008. Rhonda thought she was suffering from a cold or cough or allergies that did not seem to heal or go away on its own. A bad coughing attack and concern by LaRohnda sent her to the ER just after our family reunion in July. Doctors and tests have ruled out the above mentioned as the cause and on July 31st declared lung cancer as the source. To be more specific Adenocarcinoma. You can imagine the shock and surprise that we all felt for Rhondas future. Without losing hope we all came together to go and search for a plan of attack. The first stop was The Huntsman Cancer Institute.Tuesday, August 12th was the first visit to an Oncologist. Dr Ackerly at the Huntsman was very helpful, kind and hopeful as he explained the stage 4 cancer that Rhonda would be dealing with. Although he could not offer a cure for the cancer a treatment plan sounded hopeful and encouraging for the immediate future. A new study that has been doing very well for this particular cancer is producing good signs and a longevity without going through chemotherapy. The study involves two medicines that are normally done after chemo and are FDA approved for treatment. The trick to the study is that these medicines are being used together/simultaneously before the chemo and not after the first two chemo treatments like usual. One mediction is infused every three weeks and the other is an oral medication taken daily. The side effects include a nasty rash (like acne) throughout the facial and neck area that will peak and then start to clear after 4-5 weeks into the treatment. Patients in this study have been able to work and play throughout the treatments and continue to plan a future as long as the treatment is succesful in keeping the cancer from growing.So, August 13th we all fly to Zion, IL (Chicago) to have another consultation with the American Cancer Treatment Center. Rhonda and Mom fly first, Julie and I fly in the afternoon and LaRohnda comes in late. The morning brings a new concern with Moms leg flaring up with a Phlebitis attack. We take an early morning trip to the ER and have her checked out and admitted for pain control and vascular concerns. Mom had surgery a few weeks prior to the trip and needed to slow down and rest and watched...a picture is forthcoming. We left Rhonda and LaRohnda to get to the clinic appointments and tomorrow will be another day in the life of Rhonda and her mother. Rhonda has been a pillar of strength and faith to us all. She is cheered and encouraged by all her friends and family and is enjoying life each and every precious day...may we all!
Labels: A Day in Her Life