so many things have happened since i got back to new orleans. helped mom pick out a wig- she banned all pictures of the event from appearing on the blog. found out the the elementary school where mom worked in katy is sponsoring a team for the komen race for the cure. she is so touched by their support, we all ordered tee shirts!!!!
you can track the progress of the houston race here: www.komen-houston.org
FINALLY got the pathology back on the lung biopsy that was done almost two weeks ago. interestingly, it shows that mom has primary lung cancer in addition to already having the diagnosis of dcis (ductal carcinoma in situ). the lung cancer finding is entirely incidental as we would have never known mom had lung cancer if the PET scan wouldn't have been done and the lung cancer and the breast cancer are NOT related. what we know is that it is non small cell adenocarcinoma of the lung. vince (the best oncologist ever) has shipped out her lung biopsy for genetic testing in california. he has explained to us that if she possesses an EGFR mutation (epidermal growth factor receptor) she will be a candidate for TARCEVA (an oral pill) that has shown a 70% response rate in patients who are on it. if she is negative for the mutation, she will have to do regular chemo. radiation and surgery aren't options b/c the cancer is so spread out amongst multiple lobes in her lung. the genetic test results will be available in ten to fourteen days. (again, hurry up and wait).
i'm headed back to austin and plan to return once the test results come back and we know what direction we're headed. but before i left nola, mom and i dined on some delicious treats at acme oyster house. (see new picture at left)
keep praying
much love,
g
Thanks for all the updates! Mom-I'm looking into flights the next couple weeks- can't wait to see you. Flooding heaven with prayers :) Gretchen- thanks for all the updates- glad you are able to be with mom while i'm working which isn't fun!!
ReplyDelete