A little Mom chat..

[MandaBean]

It's been a while since I posted any kind of updates on my Mom. I haven't even discussed her with my CT much at all, and this will be a good update for them since they are constantly asking about her.

I'm too lazy to look back and see when the last post was, but since the initial "It's bone cancer.." post, she's been going through chemo again. We go for her 7th treatment on Monday, and so far it's been great. The chemo drug they are giving her (Ixempra) targets breast cancer, and they are treating her every 3 weeks. We're there from about 9am until 3-4pm usually and it's not really that bad. She sleeps mostly and I read.

When she was diagnosed, her blood-work showed that her 'tumor marker' was 407. Typically, this number should be 37 *i think* or below, so this was a huge increase. They will test her after 3 treatments, so each 6 weeks she has this test. The first test showed that her marker # dropped from 407 to 124. We were thrilled with this, because obviously the cancer cells are being kicked off. They recently tested her again, and her numbers were up a bit, but still a great drop from the start. She's now at 132.

Her hair was coming out like crazy when the chemo started, and finally I shaved her head. Funny thing though..once I shaved it, it started to grow back and is almost an inch long now. It's cute, but she wears her wig most of the time.

She still has alot of pain, but she's a fighter and is stronger than I could ever think of being. I know miracles can happen, and we won't sit around waiting for her to die because this disease is not curable. Instead, we just say lots of prayers and keep on truckin'. I take her out shopping as much as I can. I fact, we're going tomorrow. If everyone would just continue to keep us in your thoughts, that'd be awesome.

[Tracie Stroud]

Thanks for the update! Woohoo for numbers being down! I'll keep her in my prayers.

[Leila]

Your mom is beautiful, Manda! You're all still in my thoughts and prayers.

[tuneskids]

oh Manda, continuing to keep your family in my thoughts. Your mom looks amazing!

[WalkersMommy]

You're definately in my thoughts and prayers! ((HUGS!))

[nesser1981]

Thanks for the update Manda, I'l be keeping y'all in my thoughts & prayers.

[rainydays]

I have been thinking about you, glad you gave us an update and I am so happy that your mom is a fighter...she looks GREAT!!! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!

[lizzyfizzy]

gawd i wish i looked that cute in a cable knit top, wool army cap and inch long hair. your mama is gorgeous and you can see the light and fight in her eyes!! i'll continue to pray for your mama!!

[joelsgirl]

I'll be thinking about you guys for sure. What a blessing to be where you can help her during this time; she's lucky to have you.

[Laura_A]

She looks great! I think about you guys often and was hoping that no news was good news. SO glad to hear that the chemo is working. You're an amazing daughter Manda.

[FireWolf]

Thanks for the update...Your mom looks AMAZING for what she's going through...I will continue to keep her in my thoughts.

[Nonna2Dreja]

Manda, This is a great Update on your Mom....I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers....

[newfiemountiewife]

I'm glad you updated Manda! And I'm glad to hear the numbers are dropping. She'll continue to be in my thoughts, and have fun today!

[pbumbaca]

I'll say a prayer that those numbers keep dropping, that's a great change from the start for sure! I hope you two have fun shopping too!

[ColleenSwerb]

Manda! She looks great! What strong women you both are. I'll keep her in my thoughts! Have a great time shopping today!

[LeeAndra]

Thanks for updating us, Manda. Still prayin'...

[Sarah8914]

thanks for the update!! she is beautiful! I'm glad she has you to take such good care of you!

[Libby Pritchett]

Thanks so much for the update, Manda! I've been thinking of her and wondering how she was doing!

[Nikki Epperson]

Thanks for the update Manda! Your mom is beautiful; I will continue to send good thoughts your way!

[amystoffel]

She is so beautiful, and she looks like she has a great spirit. Thank You for the update. And prayers are being said (((hugs)))

[Paula]

Bean, I'm definitely offering prayers and good thoughts for your mom! She looks wonderful and I hope her numbers continue to drop! My grandfather had bone cancer, so I can understand the unbearable pain she is in. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

[LibbysMommy]

Thanks for the update Manda!! Your mom is just so beautiful!! You can totally see that she doesn't want to just give up!! She really is lucky to have you there with her supporting her!! Hugs and love and prayers to you guys!!

[pewtertm]

Thank you for the update...I'm tearing up reading it. Your mom is beautiful...and it's such an odd experience the first time you shave your mom's head, isn't it? Best wishes and prayers for you guys.

[kscwgirl]

Thanks for the update Manda!!! Continued thoughts for you all.

[AmyM]

She is truly a beautiful woman Manda. Thank you for the update, I will keep her and your family in my prayers

[Sari]

Thanks for the update Manda. She does look great. I hope she continues to improve.

[ditzyscrap]

Your mom is gorgeous, Manda...you guys are definitely still in my thoughts!

[digideb]

Oh, Manda! She's gorgeous! Thanks for the update! I've been praying for her!

[iJenny]

Thanks for the update, Manda! Your mama is in my prayers all the time. She's beautiful, btw. ♥

[livelys]

Love and hugs to you both - and every one is right, your Mum does look amazing.

[meganmecrazy]

Aww your mom looks so cute! I have been thinking about you guys a lot and keeping the prayers going. Thanks so much for the update!

[lovely1m]

Thank you for the update, I will continue to pray.

[MandaBean]

Thanks alot you guys! <3

[rach3975]

Thanks for the update! You can tell from the photo that she's got a great attitude and is determined to beat this.

[jorgies5]

I have been wondering about her a lot lately. I am so glad you gave us an update and that the numbers are down. Still keeping her in my prayers.

[Brooke W]

I'm so glad you gave the update! She definitely is gorgeous and such a trooper. Continued t&p for her.

[Teresa]

That's one strong beautiful Mama you have there, Manda....I see who you take after. I'm so happy to hear the treatments are going well and it's been pretty successful with the tumor markers. You both will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!

[MelindaH]

I am so glad you can be there with her. She looks great, and I hope the chemo keeps doing its job. Keep up the fight! HUGS!

[Jennifer]

Manda, she is beautiful!!! I'm glad to hear her numbers are better and I will continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers. ♥

[nun69]

thanks for the update and she is in my prayers and she looks GREAT!