Monday, November 27, 2017

Heartwarming

We've been going through items at Mom's house as we prepare to put it up for sale.

Tissue Alert

I held a "flash sale" advertised on Craigslist. The first woman through the door, started through the house, picked out a little bowl and an "Uv Glove" (oven glove). I asked if she did any crafting or quilting. Mom had two totes with fabric, quilt pieces, quilt blocks, and even the "Christmas Quilt" with complete blocks ready to piece the front, quilt, edge-bind.

"Oh, I don't, but my sister does. She's with the Hillsboro Elks and their 'Well Wishes With Stitches' fundraising project."

Perfect.  I asked her to take the whole supply, no charge.  Mom would be SO happy to have it go to a good cause.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Memorial Service, link to obituary

http://www.dvfuneralhome.com/obituary/bette-jackson

Friday, November 17, 2017, 3pm
Columbia Aviation Association
Aurora, Oregon

Friday, November 3, 2017

Praise for a wonderful woman

Mom passed away 2:10pm, Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

Memorial Friday, November 17, Columbia Aviation Association, Aurora, Oregon

Words from others:

(1) "Bette Jackson was an extraordinary woman who touched many lives with her generosity. She could pass through fire with her head up, stronger for the experience but never rough. I aspire to emulate her patience, her honesty, and most of all her ability to make people feel welcomed and included. I will miss her more than I can say. Thank you for your legacy, grandma. I love you always." [Brooke]

(2) "Today, the world lost one of the most incredibly awesome, kind, patient, loving, and generous women I have ever known.😭  RIP, Grandma Bette Jackson; I am glad you are no longer suffering; but mere words are insufficient to express how much you will be missed, not only by me but by our very large extended family and oh so many friends!😭 I am so very grateful we got to spend some of your last good (or not-so-bad) days with you last week!😭
This photo from 1997 represents my strongest memories of Grandma, as she was throughout my childhood and young adulthood...😭😭 

P.S.: to be clear, I am not fishing for sympathy or commentary here; I simply needed to write something to work through the grief, and once written, no reason not to share this  tribute to one of the most amazing women ever to be part of my life." [Bill III]

(3) "One of my fondest  memories of mom Bette Jackson.  Sharing the history of the many airplane ornaments on the Jackson family [Christmas] tree.  The time and love she gave to us so often.  What a gift and blessing she was to all of us.  She will always be a part of us. Love you Mom. [Julie Ann]

(4) Dearest Aunt Bette Jackson, I love you. Rest in sweet peace.

"She was beautiful but not like those girls in the magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even if she was sad. No she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful deep down to her soul"

F.Scott Fitzgerald
[Rhoda]

(5) I only had a few interactions with her but she was always very warm and welcoming. I'm sorry for your loss and I am happy for her peace. Love you [Amy]

(6) She was so kind. And caring. And giving. So full of love and compassion.  ❤️

Enjoy heaven my dear friend and sister.  ðŸ’” [Susan]

(7) You were blessed with an incredible mom. [Joanne]

(8) Bette's pleasant smile and enjoyable conversation will be missed at the tables of CAA and our flying community mourns the loss of one of its finest citizens.

(9) Your mom was a joy and we always enjoyed her. Heaven received another angel. We are so sorry. [Mary]

(10) No words of comfort seem to cnvey my sad heart, my compassion & concern for you and all of us who feel a chunk of our heart stripped away ... and equally, my gratitude for having such an amazing woman touch my life. Please feel my arms embracing you, my dear cousin. [Rhoda]

(11) Yesterday I started a text but erased and started over with 'better' words, then erased again. There are no words, which I'm sure you've heard again and again. I've not stopped thinking of you, your mom, or her family and friends! [Rhochelle]

(12) I'm so sorry. I know that she was your friend as well as mother. So many of us love her. [Carol]

(13) Bette was a unique and caring friend. As you know, she would do anything for anybody. She will be missed and remembered.

(14)  I am sad to hear this and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We too will miss Bette, we loved her like a sister. She will truly be missed. Love, her softball family [Patty]


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Harpist was so peaceful

I've tested this link, and it worked for me.  Hopefully it works for you, across all platforms:
facebook.com/julie.jackson.750

Harpist in the "early 11:00 hour"

Other than "early in the 11 o'clock hour," I don't have a specific time when I will start streaming the harpist. With setup, I imagine it won't be before 11:15. But it will be available on Facebook for later viewing (I will tag Mom, so if you're friends on FB, you should be able to find it).

#ThankGodForRampInGarage especially with the front sidewalk all torn up.


Monday, October 30, 2017

Harpist tomorrow

Tomorrow the hospice harpist will play for Mom. I will livestream on Facebook, which will save it for future viewing.

Last night I called for a hospice nurse to come out to the house. Late. Close to midnight. She just seemed to be fading fast. She had stopped requesting water that morning. She was on the second or third day of not being able to really converse. And her eye was no longer focusing on anything. Nurse Juanita examined her and said, "not tonight. Probably getting close."

Today's regularly scheduled hospice nurse reminded me it's really hard to predict. I know that because my Dad (really quick) and my husband (really drawn out) were two extreme examples. Even with that caution, she thinks anywhere from two days to one week.

Pain seems to be well controlled. The number of people we've had around could be too loud, but she hasn't seemed to be irritated by noise.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts. May warmth and comfort also surround you.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

More Sleeping, Less Aware

Hi there, Brooke here. I forced (aka nicely insisted) my mom take the guest bed tonight and let me be on couch duty. I'll try to catch a little sleep soon, although Grandma's snoring makes it difficult...

Come to think of it, Grandma would be mortified that I'm publicly talking about her snoring. She'd probably insist she doesn't snore! But anyone who has slept under the same roof as her in the last (+/-) 15 years will back me up -- she snores loud and often.

It's endearing.

/

When I arrived mid-afternoon today, there was a house full of family. It was really neat. We've seen a lot of family and dear friends come to visit this week, which Grandma has appreciated. She's a woman who brings people together and makes them feel welcome. In these final days, the tradition continues.

Today (Saturday) was tough. When I was last here, on Wednesday, Grandma was still able to converse with people. Today she was mostly asleep, but in her brief waking moments, she didn't seem to recognize any visitors. For instance, she called for my mom (Julie), but didn't recognize Julie when she came to help. I don't think she knew who I was at any point today.

The morning might bring a brief spell of lucidity, but overall it looks like Grandma's awareness of people and circumstances has slipped away. It's hard to see this marked decline from just a couple of days ago. I think we're all feeling heavy hearted tonight.

If you're a praying person, please offer up one for Grandma to be at ease, and another for her family to feel the tender mercies of the Divine. Then hug your loved ones and do something nice for a stranger -- the world could always use a little more kindness. It's what Grandma would do.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Unchanged

Lots of visits today, but a very tired (less responsive) day.  My brother Michael and his family just arrived from way out of town, so I hope she was just saving her energy for a good visit!

Thursday, October 26, 2017

David plays for Grandma Bette

If you can see my Facebook page, look for a live video I posted of "Grandson David plays for Grandma Bette."  I don't know how to link it from the blog -- if you do, let me know.  Or post it in the comments. GO TO ABOUT THE SIX MINUTE MARK where the setting and lighting stabilize.

(Tissue alert) (Beautiful)

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

At home

Thank you to all the visitors, messages, calls. Too much food now! Thanks for not overwhelming us with flowers, too.

She's been sleeping a log but perks up with visitors. Some conversations are really good, some groggy, and some silly. (Incredibly long, cognizant conversation going on right now with Trish Marco and Kelly S.)

Oh, and please don't get into a fight with her drink (who is going to hold onto it). Yesterday, both people lost and the apple cider won. Lots of laundry ensued.

The hospice nurse's initial visit was very nice, two hours. She will return every other day. 

Prognosis? Don't know. She seems stable for now. Brother Michael and family arrive Friday, so they may have a good visit. 

Monday, October 23, 2017

Comfort care

We made a lot of phone calls yesterday and asked the word to be spread further in family and social circles, so I am sorry if this is hitting you without a personal call: Mom is being discharged to home this morning for hospice care. That means end-of-life comfort care. 

Further interventions will not create improvement or bring back any quality in her remaining days.

We have a lot of visitors coming today and tomorrow, so bear with me if I don't answer your calls and messages promptly. 

Yes it is sad to see her go, but we are not really letting her go?  No. We will hold the memories of an incredible woman who had a wonderful life, a woman who touched you and I deeply in different ways.

Thank you all for joining us on this journey.  More later.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Not much change

There's not much change.  Mom's kidney function is a bit lower.  So many number are better from when she went to ER Sunday: white blood cells is a big one.  And other vitals are good: blood pressure is good, breathing is good, blood sugar is under control, temperature is normal.

Yet she just flat out looks bad. And she's retaining a lot of fluid all over.

When she spoke today, she could form words better.

She is still being treated, mostly, to support the kidneys.

We will see what tomorrow brings.

[On another note, there was a CNA this evening who I describe as a bulldozer.  Mom's left leg is hypersensitive (screams) to touch, and I had to keep showing the CNA to move the right leg, NOT the left. At the end, CNA was going to lay a pile of supplies on the wrong leg, and I had to snatch the pile from her hands. Doesn't everyone know not to do stupid shit when I'm stressed?  Not pretty.  I put it in nicer terms when I texted a cousin: "She {the CNA} needs some calming energy sent her way."]


Thursday, October 19, 2017

Where to start

[Since August 26, Mom has had four stays, and 24 days so far, in the hospital; not counting one four-hour ER visit.]

Things are not rosy.

Today's doctors included the hospitalist, Infectious Disease, kidney, surgeon, orthopedist. This doesn't count her gastroenterologist who I happened to hear next door, and chatted with for a minute in the hallway.

X-ray on the left knee; between x-ray and ortho exam, not a problem there.

Kidney doctor ordered albumen, which could create a big turning point, hopefully getting the protein to help the kidney by keeping fluid in the blood vessels/cells and eventually getting to the renal system; currently escaping (profusing) into the body.

Infectious Disease ordered a broader spectrum of antibiotics.

Surgeon was called to evaluate, if I got this right, why she has so much pain and fluid in the left leg. There was talk about whether she might have necrotic fasciitis in the thigh muscle, which they can't really tell without cutting into, but ultimately the surgeon just wasn't convinced it looked likely, and too extreme for Mom's condition.

She's still delirious, just sleeping, hasn't had food in 48 hours. But when I held the phone to her ear for Aunt Char to say a few words, Mom seemed to grunt at appropriate times in response to comments. Later, she listened to grandson Bill the same way; this time, she managed, "I love you." She was in an I-love-you loop for the next hour, but better than 'no' moans.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Blood count progress

The white cell counts are back in a normal range. Huge improvement from yesterday's number. So officially she's not neutropenic now. But still fighting the infection and some dehydration.

She has been sleeping all day, no food intake, no conversation, and occasional moans. Extremely sensitive to having her legs moved, or even the calf slightly squeezed. The oncology doctor ordered an ultrasound on the legs (I was NOT in the room to share that pain of that test, 'just' an ultrasound wand pressing on a sensitive area); the infectious disease doctor added an order to CT the abdomen, because she complained bitterly when he push-tested. Results: no clots in legs; nothing beyond lymphoma in the abdomen.

In other words, no answers. I'm now thinking she is experiencing extreme delirium.

The oncology doctor said she can still have chemo treatment when she's better.  Next Thursday's treatment will be pushed out a week.  The "chemical" side will be reduced by 25%; the antibody treatment can stay at full dose.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Ups and Downs

Up: Mom ate a great portion of her dinner tonight.

Down: She's very confused.

Up: White counts and platelets are improved.

Down: Bacteria of e-coli in the blood test.

Up: Not as combative as last night.

Down: She has weird dreams and carries them into "reality."

Get an email notice of new posts

New feature: you should see a "gadget" on the right side where you can sign up for email notices of new posts.

Just enter your email, then confirm-you're-not-a-robot, then go to your email for the final confirmation and you're set.

(Thanks to son Bill for pointing me in the right direction)

Monday, October 16, 2017

Paranoia plus

Saturday sucked.

Sunday was worse (I said I didn't have words).

Today topped worse than suck-y.
Mom had lots of vague commands, and anger at not having those 'needs' met. Yes, my sweet, forgiving, humane mother. Then late in the day she suddenly refused meds, refused a changeover in the IV bag and the second daily dose of the daily antibiotic. I won't detail all the arguments, counter arguments, paranoia, weirdness, and tears. But I was seriously concerned too much time had passed to keep her access port viable; it has to be in use, or else flushed with saline every hour.  We finally got to a point where she agreed to let a nurse try to flush it; it still worked after not being used in two and a half hours.

I hope tomorrow goes back to regular suck day. I will celebrate it.

Thanks, but NO flowers

Please, no flowers.  They wouldn't even make it to her room.  Flowers (and any fresh produce) can carry bacteria and fungi -- dangerous to her right now.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is an abnormally low level of neutrophils, a common type of white blood cell to cancel infections. Mom is in-patient again because of neutropenia. Her white blood count "was not measurable." The hospitalist just told me Mom has 300 where 10,000 is normal.  But he also added there are a fair number of young (or immature) white cells, so it looks like the bone marrow is trying to manufacture them and hope tomorrow's counts improve.

(If I thought yesterday sucked, today was... I don't have the words.) 

Sorry, visitors are not advised. She is very immuno-compromised; I have to wear a mask too.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Today sucked

Yes, today sucked.  We knew the hard part was coming, and it's here. Anti-nausea drug has helped, but Mom is tired, not eating, and probably dehydrated. 

Sucks sucks sucks.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Side effects

Some side effects are just starting. Mom mentioned over the last couple of days her "taster" is off. This morning she said her mouth was sore, so she's starting on baking soda rinses; appetite is down. The perky action from the steroid is gone, so pretty tired again.

But we went to the flying club dinner this evening. Some guys were up to date, some not, but all were very kind. Our table ended up swapping boat stories!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Lab tests; Got Blood? And thanks to all.

Regular lab tests today (there will be another next week). Mom's counts (hemoglobin at 7) are down a bit from last week, and the chemo will likely lower it even more, so she got a unit of blood.  Fortunately she hasn't had any dramatic side effects yet from the chemo and, with the steroid, seems to have even more energy than usual.

I've been remiss in thanking so many people who care so much for Mom.  Letters and visits and emails and texts and calls. 

I asked Mom if she wanted to make sure anyone got special "thanks;" she said "Everybody."  I'm taking a risk of missing someone, and offending anyone who thinks they should be 'higher' on this list (no, it's my random access memory). Char, Jo, Susan, Judy, Lynda, Sabrina, Theresa, neighbors, Bill K, Bill and Vicky Z, Missy and Brad, Regan, Julie and John, Rick, Rhonda, Rhoda and Scott, Rhochelle, Rhea, Fernando, Bill and Joan, David, Michael and Julie, Bill and Terra, Ben (especially for holding down the house for me), Brooke and Nate and Ky, Dianne, Christine, Charlotte C, Linda, Donna, Camille, Danny and Hannah, Emily, Walt and Dianne.  Plus her own personal mafia of doctors (small town, they've all known each other 20+ years), and the super nurses.  And 9-1-1 services...three times. 

Apologies in advance to whomever I missed (and thank you too)

Monday, October 9, 2017

Doing well, still has hair

This update isn't much, just enough to say Mom is doing well. 

The steroid (Prednisone) could be a big player in keeping her so awake and alert. Saturday was a bit silly, as she said she couldn't get to sleep at 1 am. I tried a soothing voice, "See yourself in a boat, fishing, warm day,...". But she couldn't hear me (hearing aid out, of course) and my loud voice isn't so soothing. 

"Okay Julie, I'm going to work really hard at going to sleep."

"Mom, you can't work hard. You need to stop working your brain."

"Okay."

Wait for it, five seconds, "Oh, and tomorrow I want to call Alice........."

Friday, October 6, 2017

Second round of chemo - October 6

Mom had her second round of chemo. The oncologist said the first round was a little more than half of a normal dose. He took a lot of time to talk about how aggressive her cancer is -- they continue to look at samples from the biopsy ("they" meaning the experts at OHSU). He also went through her blood test numbers thoroughly, all leading to a conclusion that she should have the full dose of chemo for this round.

A very full day, getting to the appointment at 9:00 and leaving just after 4:30. She went home with a Nulasta pack attached to her belly, which will release hormones in about 24 hours to boost white blood cells.

She will have labs next week, and a third round of chemo in three weeks (October 26). She loves the nurses. 

She came home, opened mail, and took a three-hour nap.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

No broken nose; chemo Friday

Mom was trying to make her follow-up appointment with ENT, but the office called back and said she does NOT have a break. Okey dokey, less appointments is better.

Chemo Friday! Some people have Taco Tuesday; she gets Chemo (every other) Friday. During the call to set the time, the nurse asked, "How are you after your fall?"  Word gets around in a small town.

Monday, October 2, 2017

One adventurous woman

4:35 this morning I called 9-1-1.  Nothing cancer related.  Just Mom keeping things interesting for all you dear readers who have been waiting nearly a week for updates!  Truly, though, I think Mom didn't want to bother waking me for help, tried to get out of bed herself, and fell.  Right onto her nose.

Yes, her nose.

Lots of red stuff that she really can't afford to waste.

We got back home four hours later.

The initial read of the CAT scan was no broken nose, but the ER doctor called later to tell her the in-house radiologist believes there is a slight break. Mom has to give it about a week for the swelling to go down, then see an ENT for follow-up.  The bruising is interesting; no, just icky. 

Luckily my brother Bill built (just yesterday) a ramp in the garage so Mom can have easy entry/exit.  It was convenient for the ambulance gurney this morning. 🚑

It's a beautiful ramp. Broad, Burley, Blonde.  Believe me. Bro-Bill-Built. 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Progress already? Sept 27

Mom had her first post-chemo follow-up with the oncologist this morning. We don't yet have the blood test results, but the doctor felt under her armpits for the obvious lymph nodes he found on his first visit (two weeks ago).  

It seems hard to believe, but he didn't feel them today. I even hesitate to report this, fearful it could put us on a roller-coaster. But we will TAKE it with a happy heart.  

Monday, September 25, 2017

Treatments (updated)

Question from the audience was: How many treatments will she have, and what time frame?

Treatments will be every two to three weeks. The usual spread is three weeks, but she is getting "mini-CHOP" (smaller dose) and the oncologist could put them closer together. He will watch how she is doing and how the blood tests look. A patient usually receives six treatments.

Get your flu shot

Please get your flu shot. Not only to protect yourself:

If you are going to be visiting Mom, PLEASE get vaccinated.  She is immune-compromised, and she can't get the protection.

Please, please, protect yourself and Mom.

I have masks here!!!

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Ready for home

Fun visits yesterday from Rhonda, Judy, Missy, Rhea.  Mom was too out to remember, but we took pictures as evidence. Missy nearly had me ROFL.

Chemo went well without immediate effects.  Still sleepy this morning, but Mom perked up quite a bit this afternoon.

All the lines are out, except for the port access, no fluids running. The on-call weekend kidney doctor seemed to think she could go home at any time.  So perhaps tomorrow. I'll need to do some grocery shopping! 

Now I'm off to catch Max to Orenco Station.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Drip drip drip

Chemo's running. Well, technically, the immunotherapy Rituxan is an anti-body. She had a bunch of pre-meds to prevent side effects so she's pretty sleepy.  The real chemicals will come next.

Tomorrow she will get an injection of Nulasta to support white cells.  They want to watch her, and said MONDAY will probably be when she goes home.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Diagnosis and treatment plan

We got confirmation of what we already knew: Mom has lymphoma.  The type is large (or diffuse) B-cell. It is an aggressive lymphoma but also is treatable.

The treatment will be "CHOP," where each letter is a certain chemical. The "P" is prednisone,which she started on Tuesday. I think the round of chemo will be tomorrow and she will go home Saturday. The doctor is starting with about a two-thirds dose to have less stress on the kidneys, and can increase in the next round if it seems safe.
Chemo will be every three weeks, and progress is monitored primarily through blood tests.

With the treatment, the doctor (who is wonderful) is guessing a 35% chance of full remission, but most likely suppression of the lymphoma with an improvement in her quality of life, and with more time to do some things, and see people, which are important to her. (If she did not have treatment, she would only have a couple of months to live.)

We talked a lot, and will talk more in the morning, about side affects and how those side affects are either prevented or treated.

More later, but I needed to get this posted.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Diagnosis longer?

Crud, the surgeon during follow-up today said the biopsy results could take up to five days.  I'm still hopeful the 24-48 hour estimate comes through.

But the internet: bless it, says results of "flow cytometry" could take 10 days.  

She's awake, on prednisone

It's a nice morning for Mom so far. After three (or four, really) procedures the last two days, she's able to eat (last night wolfed down broth, Jell-o, and juice); the sedation has mostly cleared her system.

The port placed near her left shoulder looks really good, and she's not having any pain.

I asked the surgeon how big the node was: if you make a circle with your two hand, pointers touching each other and thumb tips touching each other, then slide right point tip down to the last joint of left pointer, and same with the thumbs, that's about the size she made.  Normal size? Touch those four finger tips together, about the size of a dried bean.

They started the steroid, prednisone, last night, to take five days. It's a pretty big dose (80) so she may become jittery.  And, the doctor said, ravenous like a bear in a campground!


Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Port in, biopsy node out

Mom now has a port (or "catheter port") near her left should, and as long as it doesn't give out, there is good access for fluids.  It took longer than expected as the doctors first routing choice ended up being "teeny tiny veins." But it is in.

The easier part was pulling a node.  Remember, 24-48 hours before we know anything.

She was very very sleepy this morning after the colonoscopy, and was just really starting to be alert about an hour before the port-biopsy procedures started.  I'm hoping she gets to sleep well tonight. 

If all the doctors agree, they will start a steroid tomorrow (kidney doctor wants to watch it carefully). 


Scopes Sept. 19

Yesterday's and today's scopes did not locate a source of bleeding. Docs decided the levels are not critically low; they are working to schedule her in for biopsy this afternoon. Please remember we won't have results for 24+ hours.

Poor Mom hasn't eaten in a long time.




Monday, September 18, 2017

Biopsy delayed

The biopsy is delayed. She had an endoscopy today to try to identify some blood loss, but no problem was seen from the throat to stomach. So tomorrow will be a colonoscopy; biopsy Wednesday at earliest. 

Lots of visitors yesterday, which Mom loved. Brother Bill and Joan; aunts Judy and Susan; old friend (from age 14!) Charlotte Clunas; Vicki and Bill Zurcher; Julie and John Gillette. WOW!!!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Biopsy scheduled

Biopsy will be tomorrow, Monday. I don't know how long to get results. 

Calcium better:10.8
Creatinine unchanged
In balance: potassium, magnesium, phosphorous


Saturday, September 16, 2017

Cardiac okay; calcitonin - September 16

Fairly quiet day with two items of note!

Cardiac clearance for surgery won't be a problem.  I forgot she had a stress test just two weeks ago, but in my defense we had never been told the results. Which are good, clear!

Mom is starting on calcitonin for four days; it is a hormone that acts to reduce blood calcium.   No more calcitonin for our young lady, it made her sickly. 👎

So: after surgery (probably Monday) to get a lymph node for biopsy, Mom can be started on a steroid to help the kidneys PLUS provide some action against the alleged lymphoma. They can't start the steroid now because it would interfere with the biopsy diagnosis. 

Nice visit today from cousin Jeri and her family. 

She's feeling everybody's positive vibes, thank you.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Mom (Bette Jackson) - A journey begins? 9/15/2017

The alleged lymphoma.

That's what we're calling it for now.  Mom's hospital oncologist says we do not diagnose based on the radiology report. We look for the pathologist's report.

Based on a CAT scan today, Mom has multiple enlarged lymph nodes: arm pit, mid-torso, abdomen, groin areas. It does NOT appear to be a recurrence of the "easy" colon cancer she had several years ago, which would show up differently.

So now the task is to determine which of the many kinds of (alleged) lymphoma she's facing. But let me just relay her words, "Let's kick it."

The oncologist's preference is to have a surgeon remove a node from under the armpit. Yes it is a surgery but he is looking at this as being the better diagnostic over a needle biopsy, to get a better sample.  First she has to get clearances from cardiology.  Now that it's the weekend, we're also looking at Monday at the earliest (in my words, to get the "A Team" back in the building). I am very okay with a few more days to get the stress on her kidneys down to an even better level.

I was satisfied with Dr. Scott.   He may have already spent more face time with Mom than Mike got with Dr. Bud Pierce during Mike's entire treatment time.

BACKGROUND
Mom had shingles in May and just never seemed to get her strength back. By mid-August she hit a low when she fell (no injury) and did not have the strength to get herself up.  August 26 I took her to the emergency room for severe weakness, confusion, loss of appetite, thirst, plus the beginnings of some odd Neuro issues (slight tremor, couldn't hold her phone, couldn't hit the correct buttons). They rehydrated her for a couple of days and sent her home. The following weekend was Labor Day Weekend and we repeated another two-night stay. Ten days later the doctor didn't like the follow-up blood work so ordered her to admit to the hospital again through ER. So she is on her third night's stay as I type. 

There are a few more details, but not important to repeat here.  

UPDATE PLAN
I will post updates here.  Feel free to call/text/email if you have questions (no calls after 9pm or before 7am please). I may post the answer in this blog, as other people may have the same question. 

The last time I used the blog it seems the "comments" section wasn't working. I'll see if I can fix that, but not a big priority right now, sorry.