The Past Few Months

As many of you know, my mom, Nancy, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in early February.  She had been sick with flu-like symptoms and a severe sore throat for many days.  When antibiotics didn't help her throat, she went to the ER.  She left undiagnosed, but was encouraged to follow up with an ENT (ear nose throat) doctor that week.  Dr. Ludlow, a friend from church, came in on his day off to see my mom (Tuesday, February 9th).  After doing blood work, he contacted an oncologist to see her as soon as possible.

It was at her first oncology appointment, Thursday, February 11th, that she was asked to gather her things at home and check into the hospital that same day.  There, she would receive chemotherapy the first week and stay another 2-3 weeks to recover.

During her stay at the hospital, her oncologists discovered that she also had another underlying issue, a condition called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and often referred to as bone marrow failure disorder.  This disorder would be a factor in complicating her treatment and increased the stubbornness of her leukemia.  Unfortunately, the stay at the hospital was extremely difficult and lasted six weeks.  The light at the end of the tunnel was that the bone marrow biopsy after chemo revealed my mom was technically in remission.  She was discharged from the hospital and able to spend the next five weeks at home.

Although the time at home was more comfortable, it was no 'walk in the park' either. She was weak, still needing blood transfusions occasionally in an outpatient setting. Her appetite never fully recovered, but she worked hard to eat what she could, drinking protein shakes to supplement her diet. She took short walks as often as she could to build her muscles and gain strength. After a third bone marrow biopsy, she learned of more devastating news - the cancer was back. Her oncologist researched the best options for her next treatment, contacting specialists at nearby bigger cities. She was given three options, and she chose to do a similar inpatient chemotherapy/recovery treatment at the same hospital in Reno. Again, she would expect chemo the first week and 2-3 weeks to recover.

She was admitted into the hospital on Monday, May 1st and completed her treatment, Saturday, May 7th.  This round was completely different.  She was able to prepare herself mentally and remained optimistic.  She was very proactive in her own care: eating well, showering herself, walking the unit often, and sitting in her chair as much as she could.  She even met with a counselor provided by the hospital to encourage optimal mental strength.  The oncology nurses had grown to love her during her first lengthy stay and 'took dibs' on who was assigned to her each day.  We were all so proud of her determination.