The President Called. He's Looking for His Obama Port.

Today's post title is courtesy of one of Mom's oldest and best friends, Marilyn R. who "Mom-sat" last night while her daughter and I went out to dinner. Clever clever.

Results galore this morning, finally!

1. The cytology report showed that Mom's cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is clear of cancer cells, which is extremely encouraging news. What they were looking at exactly was the fluid extracted last Friday before her intrathecal chemo treatment. Before every treatment, they pull out some fluid for analysis and are constantly checking cell counts and comparing them to previous samples.

2. The MRI conducted of her spine last night showed that there is "disease in the spine," which they know because there are tiny indents and holes in the bone. As far as they can see, there are no masses in the spine, and there is no direct impact on the nerves as of yet. As the covering oncologist said, "we care more about nerves than we do bone." So at this point, we're not terribly concerned because this could have been there for a while. It does not give us any answers about the numbness/tingling in her feet, but Mom says those symptoms have improved a bit since yesterday. Moving helps, so we're pacing the halls like crazy people.

3. Taking in adequate nutrition is an immediate concern. How much would you want to eat if you could only have "nectar thick" foods, had to cough, turn your head to the right, swallow, cough, and repeat? Hydration and nutrition will quickly become an issue, especially as we continue to hit her with chemotherapy. She needs calories and reserves to keep ticking. Today we started the discussion of placing a gastronomy tube or "G tube." This would provide direct means in which Mom can get both nutrition and hydration, while also keeping her intestines and gut moving. It will help her put on weight, have more energy, and take the pressure off of myself, the "how about another sip of ensure, Mom" daughter. When we see Dr. Donadio on Friday, we'll have a better sence of when they'll place the G tube.

On to the plan: Mom will receive her intrathecal Methotrexate via the "Obama Port" in a few hours and then we are HOMEWARD BOUND! Avon Mountain, watch out. We're coming over.

Wednesday and Thursday will be filled with visits from Mom's sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, a masseuse, and a mani/pedi. One must never have unkempt nails in times such as these.

Friday we're back in for intrathecal chemo and and appointment with Dr. D.

Too many amazing things happen in a day to share all of them, and I know I don't give enough credit to individuals as often as I should, so please forgive my brain, because I assure you nothing is overlooked. Mom woke up as her nurse came in and said, "I just wake up every day and choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice, and it has served me well." Not 20 minutes later was she blessed with a visits from all sorts of administrators and physicians that have become her friends over the years from all walks of life. There is a chair pulled up to her bed that is a constant rotation of physical evidence, to how if we treat those around us well, we'll be treated the same in return. Makes you think. Happiness is a choice. Do the right thing, and it will serve you well. Seems simple enough, doesn't it?

That's all the news fit to print, for now anyway.