New Diagnosis of Cancer

So, for the third time mom has been diagnosed with having a primary cancer (a type that is different from any of the previous versions that a person has had), and yes, having three different types of cancers is unusual.  She has fourth stage squamous cell carcinoma; a type of cancer that is unusual (doesn’t mom feel special).

As with all types of cancer the treatment options are radiation, chemo, or surgery.  Previous radiation treatments mean that mom has had all the radiation she can have; the effectiveness of chemo on this type of cancer is limited, and the cancer has spread too much for surgery to be an option. 

The next step is that mom will be transferred back to KDH to continue her recovery from surgery; once there, we will determine if we can get the support needed for her to spend the next few months at home (hard to predict, but the doctor indicated 3-4) or if she will need palliative care.

Mom has said that she felt like her body was falling apart, so she expected the news to some degree but it was still a blow to her.  We spent the evening working on crossword puzzles and listening to the “farting sound” her new pouch makes.  Beware; she intends to gross out anyone who visits by flashing them with the sight of her new pouch.  We figure she may as well get what fun she can out of the situation.

I will keep the blog updated once we have more information.

PS   Mom appreciates the chocolate (actually, I do) but mom’s appetite has changed to the extent that she no longer eats it so please refrain from bringing any more.  (And my waist certainly doesn’t need anymore).