Remembering Miss Dallas
Bulverde Community Newspaper
http://www.clickitsa.com/content/view/15262/335/
Thursday, 18 October 2007
By Winter D. Prosapio
Recently I learned that we lost someone very special in Bulverde. Miss Dallas.
It's been some time since she left us, but I thought I'd share my story of the brief time I knew her.
Dallas was, in many ways, bigger than Dallas, as the saying goes. She was the storyteller at the library for years. Miss Dallas was the Meryl Streep, well, maybe more Lucille Ball, of story time.
She bounded across the room, often in costume, engaging every child in stories about everything from Fiesta to civil rights. She had this really cool gold maraca with streamers that she would shake with a magic incantation that started with "Swish, Swish, Swish."
She had everyone, parents included, focused. She had rhymes, songs, dances, all related to the day's story and something to take home afterwards. It wasn't just story time – it was story time on overdrive with Evel Knievel at the wheel.
As such, Miss Dallas had quite a fan base. In fact if there were a Miss Dallas fan club, my youngest would have been president.
My daughter could be in the middle of an absolutely fascinating game of hungry hippo and if she heard it was time to go see Miss Dallas for story time, she'd stop, run to the car, jump in her car seat and strap herself in. Thank goodness she couldn't reach the pedals or she might have driven over there herself.
This was what I was up against every time I opened a book at home. The specter of Miss Dallas and her superstar story time.
I tried to over compensate by providing quantity. We'd read six books at a sitting. But it wasn't working. My young-est daughter would give me a little pat on my hand after a particularly engaging read of "Are You My Mother?" and I knew she was just throwing me a bone.
Once Miss Dallas and I teamed up to do a puppet show at the Library. It involved a dog, a ship and a Pterodactyl. I got a glimpse of what it took to do story time the Miss Dallas way. We rehearsed and re-hearsed and worked on costumes. All of this for a 30-minute show with an audience of preschoolers.
And she did this every single week for years.
Miss Dallas, we miss you. May the angels be enjoying your stories as much as we did.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
In Loving Memory....
Dallas, you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last, we will remember thee.
Dallas L. Wickham Grodman
Aug 19 1942 - Sept 29 2008
To view photos &/or sign guestbook visit:
http://www.mem.com/ViewImages.aspx?ID=2024049
As long as life and memory last, we will remember thee.
Dallas L. Wickham Grodman
Aug 19 1942 - Sept 29 2008
To view photos &/or sign guestbook visit:
http://www.mem.com/ViewImages.aspx?ID=2024049
Thursday, September 20, 2007
With Gratitude...
The family of Dallas L. Wickham-Grodman acknowledges with deep appreciation your kind expression of sympathy.
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the Funeral Service and for the many cards, messages of sympathy, donations to the Bulverde Children Library and flowers received, which helped to make Dallas' funeral a loving tribute to a very special woman. Please accept this as our most sincere acknowledgment and thanks.
Remembering with love a dear and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
To view Dallas' slideshow & biography or sign guestbook go to: http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2024049
Click on Movie on right side for slideshow.
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the Funeral Service and for the many cards, messages of sympathy, donations to the Bulverde Children Library and flowers received, which helped to make Dallas' funeral a loving tribute to a very special woman. Please accept this as our most sincere acknowledgment and thanks.
Remembering with love a dear and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
To view Dallas' slideshow & biography or sign guestbook go to: http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2024049
Click on Movie on right side for slideshow.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Dallas' Eulogy
Written & read by our dear family friend Pat Donahue:
In the modified words of the Immortal Bard:
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one [woman] in [her] time plays many parts,”
—As You Like It
We come today to celebrate the life of Dallas Louise Webb Wickham Grodman:
The saying goes that family loves you no matter what—warts and all. Dallas exemplified that phrase. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin,—each of these nouns describes the woman whose life we honor today.
Harold, I remember when you and Dallas were dating—over sixteen years ago—we went to the Texas Star (?) on Bandera Road to go dancing—Dallas was determined I would learn the two-step—and she made sure I did. Vivacious and energetic, Dallas constantly moved, never content to stay still very long: a bundle of loving, laughing energy deceptively contained within a small frame. She loved you dearly.
Jack and Nona—Jack, I remember the first time I met you was because Dallas volunteered you to drive me to the airport when I had to fly to New Jersey to attend my grandmother’s funeral—and I know her love for you never wavered—through good times and bad—no matter what. Nona, I remember being at the house in Leon Springs before you went to your prom and how proud your mother was of her beautiful daughter. I remember, too, the excitement Dallas and I shared as we drove up to Austin to meet you and Matt at the airport after you got married—she was so happy she could surprise you—and boy, did we—balloons, bubbles, and all. Then there was the mandatory cup of coffee—Dallas ALWAYS had a cup of coffee in hand—at the Pancake House before we headed back to San Antonio. She loved to surprise you—which is no easy task—and she repeated so many times on the way back how happy she was to have accomplished that.
Cassel, Becky, Jimmie Bell, and Mitch—“Sissy” always shared your accomplishments with love and pride. She was the older sister to whom everyone could turn with joys and sorrows—she’d always give you her opinion—and she was opinionated—and you might not always agree with her, but you always knew where you stood. I remember her telling me how wonderful it had been to have seen all of you last Christmas and to have shared such a wonderful holiday time with you. When her family was at her house, Dallas was at her happiest.
And no grandmother was ever more proud of her two beautiful granddaughters Winona Jo and Bailey. I remember her pride as she watched the two little ballerinas on stage at Trinity University—her face would light up when she talked about them and played with them. She often spoke about how much they enriched her life.
As an aunt and a cousin, she shared in so many lives—sharing in the good and in the bad. I remember her telling me about a nephew’s performance in Oklahoma and how it was the best high school production she had seen—of course, she admitted to being prejudiced but her knowledge of music and the theatre couldn’t be denied either; I remember her support of a cousin suffering through difficult illnesses, Dallas lending a shoulder and a hand whenever and wherever possible. You were all blessed to have Dallas as a member of your family—you didn’t have to share her, but you did—and did so generously, too.
You shared her with the students she taught throughout the years: theatre, English, history, reading. She touched the lives of so many students—and they can thank her for the reading, writing, and thinking abilities they have today. Her gift was teaching, both in and out of the classroom. She ran a tight classroom, but her students learned, and they knew she cared about them. She loved teaching literature, but she excelled in teaching students to think and to write. If a student came from Dallas’ 9th grade English class, he or she would have learned basic grammar and mechanics and would understand why the sentence worked a particular way. Her classroom bustled—no moment was ever wasted after Dallas closed the door and whirled into her lessons. Trust me, I know—I could always tell which students came from her classes. I was fortunate enough to have students in my classes who had experienced—“endured”—Dallas as freshmen—and they constantly thanked her for those lessons. Even after Dallas retired from public teaching, she had to teach—now through her story-telling time at the Bulverde Library. She loved planning the stories she would share with the students, planning the activities she would have them do, and “staging” the story to make it come alive for the children. Ms. Dallas had to bring the magic wand and cape to story-time so that the “magic” could begin. All those children have been touched by her love and her gift of teaching. And she touched the lives of adults who longed for the gift reading can bring…she was most proud of one man she helped learn English—she said he wanted to learn English so he could learn to read to his children. Dallas’ “magic” lives on in the lives of everyone she touched.
You also shared her with the friends she made, and she made many in her sixty-five years—I am fortunate to have known Dallas in two ways—first as my mentor and then as my friend. Twenty-three years ago Dallas met a first-year teacher who knew quite a bit about English—and almost nothing about classroom teaching. She took me under her wing. I remember Dallas being hired six-weeks into the school year to teach English and history at John Marshall High School. She had four different preparations and traveled to at least that many different classrooms all over the school. Knowing she needed all her teaching materials with her throughout the day, she bought a collapsible metal two-wheeled shopping cart—about two feet and a half feet deep and about two-feet wide—the kind you can pull behind you. She filled it with all her materials for the day and pulled it to every class she taught. If you saw the cart, Dallas wasn’t too far away. I remember watching her, listening to her comments and feeling comfortable asking her questions—she had that way of making others feel comfortable around her. She always listened and gave wise suggestions. I’m not sure I realized how wise those suggestions were until much later. The next year Dallas and I were part of the team of teachers who opened Taft High School and we taught next to each other—downstairs in the “sub-terranean” rooms for the next four years—she taught freshmen honors, and I taught sophomore honors English classes. I would hear her through the walls (and I’m sure she heard me), and I picked up ideas, techniques, and habits during those four years. One time in an evaluative conference, the vice-principal who evaluated the English department remarked that out of all the different teachers in the English department, only two had similar styles. When I asked who they were, he told me that Dallas and I were the two—I took that as a monumental compliment.
Although I value the lessons I learned from Dallas as a teacher, more importantly, I value the lessons and blessings I learned from Dallas as a friend. When I received a dozen roses from a guy I was dating, no one was happier for me than Dallas; when my that same guy broke my heart, no one hurt with me more than she did either, but she told me that he wasn’t worth my tears.. We had good laughs together, too. If you knew Dallas, you probably remember her old Datsun station wagon that was held together with bailing wire and a wing and a prayer. I remember meeting her at the Sears at Ingram Park Mall one night because her Datsun station wagon had car trouble. I don’t remember exactly what was wrong with the car, only that Sears couldn’t fix it, so I followed her (at about 8:30 at night) from Ingram Mall to the Pep Boys on Bandera Road—through the speed trap known as Leon Valley—all while she had no headlights—only emergency lights blinking down Bandera Road. We were worried at the time but had a good laugh afterwards. I remember going to her home in Leon Springs to share a short story I had written for a writing project we each had had to attend. As I read it to her, she was the one who pointed out that the characters were more teenagers than elementary students and that my story was a reflection of my memories of visiting Dachau when I was a child than one of a child’s first day of elementary school. She had an ear for the melodies of literature and for helping others find things in their writing that they had overlooked.
Dallas always made time for her friends and family—and always told you what you needed to hear, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She knew what you needed and offered it freely. When I left teaching in 1989 and became a legal assistant, Dallas and I still kept in touch. We’d go to movies, have dinner together, or just sit and chat for hours (over numerous cups of coffee). When I was laid off in 1992 and decided to go back to teaching, Dallas was the one to suggest I put in an application with the Schertz school district, one of the districts she had taught theatre in years before and where her son had killed his English teacher’s classroom plant. As always, her advice was sound—I’ve been teaching English at Samuel Clemens High School for the past fifteen years. In 1998 when my mother died, Dallas made sure I knew I had another family here in San Antonio. When I was finalizing my thesis for my Master’s Degree, Dallas learned more about Thomas Hardy than she NEVER wanted to know and helped me edit my thesis. I can honestly say that without her fine editing skill, I doubt my thesis would have been finished on time. She comforted me when my mother died and watched with a mother’s, sister’s, and friend’s pride when I received my Master’s Degree from Texas State. That was Dallas’ way—if you were fortunate to be a member of her family or one of her friends, she gave you everything she had—freely and without anything expected in return.
Dallas Louise Webb Wickham Grodman—a master teacher. She continues to teach us still. Her lessons are all around us—with the love of a wife, the pride of a mother, the doting of a grandmother, the strength of the oldest sibling, and the support of a valued friend. As we remember her life today, we can’t focus on what we have lost, we must remember the gifts and lessons she has taught us in the past and that she continues to teach us into the future. Now she moves on to her final teaching assignment—teaching us and guiding us every day as she watches over the larger classroom of our lives.
So therefore, once more, with apologies to the Bard,
“Good night, [dear Dallas], and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
—Hamlet
In the modified words of the Immortal Bard:
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one [woman] in [her] time plays many parts,”
—As You Like It
We come today to celebrate the life of Dallas Louise Webb Wickham Grodman:
The saying goes that family loves you no matter what—warts and all. Dallas exemplified that phrase. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin,—each of these nouns describes the woman whose life we honor today.
Harold, I remember when you and Dallas were dating—over sixteen years ago—we went to the Texas Star (?) on Bandera Road to go dancing—Dallas was determined I would learn the two-step—and she made sure I did. Vivacious and energetic, Dallas constantly moved, never content to stay still very long: a bundle of loving, laughing energy deceptively contained within a small frame. She loved you dearly.
Jack and Nona—Jack, I remember the first time I met you was because Dallas volunteered you to drive me to the airport when I had to fly to New Jersey to attend my grandmother’s funeral—and I know her love for you never wavered—through good times and bad—no matter what. Nona, I remember being at the house in Leon Springs before you went to your prom and how proud your mother was of her beautiful daughter. I remember, too, the excitement Dallas and I shared as we drove up to Austin to meet you and Matt at the airport after you got married—she was so happy she could surprise you—and boy, did we—balloons, bubbles, and all. Then there was the mandatory cup of coffee—Dallas ALWAYS had a cup of coffee in hand—at the Pancake House before we headed back to San Antonio. She loved to surprise you—which is no easy task—and she repeated so many times on the way back how happy she was to have accomplished that.
Cassel, Becky, Jimmie Bell, and Mitch—“Sissy” always shared your accomplishments with love and pride. She was the older sister to whom everyone could turn with joys and sorrows—she’d always give you her opinion—and she was opinionated—and you might not always agree with her, but you always knew where you stood. I remember her telling me how wonderful it had been to have seen all of you last Christmas and to have shared such a wonderful holiday time with you. When her family was at her house, Dallas was at her happiest.
And no grandmother was ever more proud of her two beautiful granddaughters Winona Jo and Bailey. I remember her pride as she watched the two little ballerinas on stage at Trinity University—her face would light up when she talked about them and played with them. She often spoke about how much they enriched her life.
As an aunt and a cousin, she shared in so many lives—sharing in the good and in the bad. I remember her telling me about a nephew’s performance in Oklahoma and how it was the best high school production she had seen—of course, she admitted to being prejudiced but her knowledge of music and the theatre couldn’t be denied either; I remember her support of a cousin suffering through difficult illnesses, Dallas lending a shoulder and a hand whenever and wherever possible. You were all blessed to have Dallas as a member of your family—you didn’t have to share her, but you did—and did so generously, too.
You shared her with the students she taught throughout the years: theatre, English, history, reading. She touched the lives of so many students—and they can thank her for the reading, writing, and thinking abilities they have today. Her gift was teaching, both in and out of the classroom. She ran a tight classroom, but her students learned, and they knew she cared about them. She loved teaching literature, but she excelled in teaching students to think and to write. If a student came from Dallas’ 9th grade English class, he or she would have learned basic grammar and mechanics and would understand why the sentence worked a particular way. Her classroom bustled—no moment was ever wasted after Dallas closed the door and whirled into her lessons. Trust me, I know—I could always tell which students came from her classes. I was fortunate enough to have students in my classes who had experienced—“endured”—Dallas as freshmen—and they constantly thanked her for those lessons. Even after Dallas retired from public teaching, she had to teach—now through her story-telling time at the Bulverde Library. She loved planning the stories she would share with the students, planning the activities she would have them do, and “staging” the story to make it come alive for the children. Ms. Dallas had to bring the magic wand and cape to story-time so that the “magic” could begin. All those children have been touched by her love and her gift of teaching. And she touched the lives of adults who longed for the gift reading can bring…she was most proud of one man she helped learn English—she said he wanted to learn English so he could learn to read to his children. Dallas’ “magic” lives on in the lives of everyone she touched.
You also shared her with the friends she made, and she made many in her sixty-five years—I am fortunate to have known Dallas in two ways—first as my mentor and then as my friend. Twenty-three years ago Dallas met a first-year teacher who knew quite a bit about English—and almost nothing about classroom teaching. She took me under her wing. I remember Dallas being hired six-weeks into the school year to teach English and history at John Marshall High School. She had four different preparations and traveled to at least that many different classrooms all over the school. Knowing she needed all her teaching materials with her throughout the day, she bought a collapsible metal two-wheeled shopping cart—about two feet and a half feet deep and about two-feet wide—the kind you can pull behind you. She filled it with all her materials for the day and pulled it to every class she taught. If you saw the cart, Dallas wasn’t too far away. I remember watching her, listening to her comments and feeling comfortable asking her questions—she had that way of making others feel comfortable around her. She always listened and gave wise suggestions. I’m not sure I realized how wise those suggestions were until much later. The next year Dallas and I were part of the team of teachers who opened Taft High School and we taught next to each other—downstairs in the “sub-terranean” rooms for the next four years—she taught freshmen honors, and I taught sophomore honors English classes. I would hear her through the walls (and I’m sure she heard me), and I picked up ideas, techniques, and habits during those four years. One time in an evaluative conference, the vice-principal who evaluated the English department remarked that out of all the different teachers in the English department, only two had similar styles. When I asked who they were, he told me that Dallas and I were the two—I took that as a monumental compliment.
Although I value the lessons I learned from Dallas as a teacher, more importantly, I value the lessons and blessings I learned from Dallas as a friend. When I received a dozen roses from a guy I was dating, no one was happier for me than Dallas; when my that same guy broke my heart, no one hurt with me more than she did either, but she told me that he wasn’t worth my tears.. We had good laughs together, too. If you knew Dallas, you probably remember her old Datsun station wagon that was held together with bailing wire and a wing and a prayer. I remember meeting her at the Sears at Ingram Park Mall one night because her Datsun station wagon had car trouble. I don’t remember exactly what was wrong with the car, only that Sears couldn’t fix it, so I followed her (at about 8:30 at night) from Ingram Mall to the Pep Boys on Bandera Road—through the speed trap known as Leon Valley—all while she had no headlights—only emergency lights blinking down Bandera Road. We were worried at the time but had a good laugh afterwards. I remember going to her home in Leon Springs to share a short story I had written for a writing project we each had had to attend. As I read it to her, she was the one who pointed out that the characters were more teenagers than elementary students and that my story was a reflection of my memories of visiting Dachau when I was a child than one of a child’s first day of elementary school. She had an ear for the melodies of literature and for helping others find things in their writing that they had overlooked.
Dallas always made time for her friends and family—and always told you what you needed to hear, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She knew what you needed and offered it freely. When I left teaching in 1989 and became a legal assistant, Dallas and I still kept in touch. We’d go to movies, have dinner together, or just sit and chat for hours (over numerous cups of coffee). When I was laid off in 1992 and decided to go back to teaching, Dallas was the one to suggest I put in an application with the Schertz school district, one of the districts she had taught theatre in years before and where her son had killed his English teacher’s classroom plant. As always, her advice was sound—I’ve been teaching English at Samuel Clemens High School for the past fifteen years. In 1998 when my mother died, Dallas made sure I knew I had another family here in San Antonio. When I was finalizing my thesis for my Master’s Degree, Dallas learned more about Thomas Hardy than she NEVER wanted to know and helped me edit my thesis. I can honestly say that without her fine editing skill, I doubt my thesis would have been finished on time. She comforted me when my mother died and watched with a mother’s, sister’s, and friend’s pride when I received my Master’s Degree from Texas State. That was Dallas’ way—if you were fortunate to be a member of her family or one of her friends, she gave you everything she had—freely and without anything expected in return.
Dallas Louise Webb Wickham Grodman—a master teacher. She continues to teach us still. Her lessons are all around us—with the love of a wife, the pride of a mother, the doting of a grandmother, the strength of the oldest sibling, and the support of a valued friend. As we remember her life today, we can’t focus on what we have lost, we must remember the gifts and lessons she has taught us in the past and that she continues to teach us into the future. Now she moves on to her final teaching assignment—teaching us and guiding us every day as she watches over the larger classroom of our lives.
So therefore, once more, with apologies to the Bard,
“Good night, [dear Dallas], and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
—Hamlet
Monday, September 10, 2007
With Gratitude...
The family of Dallas L. Wickham-Grodman acknowledges with deep appreciation your kind expression of sympathy.
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the Funeral Service and for the many cards, messages of sympathy, donations to the Bulverde Children Library and flowers received, which helped to make Dallas' funeral a loving tribute to a very special woman. Please accept this as our most sincere acknowledgment and thanks.
Remembering with love a dear and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
To view Dallas' slideshow & biography or sign guestbook go to: http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2024049
Click on Movie on right side for slideshow.
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the Funeral Service and for the many cards, messages of sympathy, donations to the Bulverde Children Library and flowers received, which helped to make Dallas' funeral a loving tribute to a very special woman. Please accept this as our most sincere acknowledgment and thanks.
Remembering with love a dear and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
To view Dallas' slideshow & biography or sign guestbook go to: http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2024049
Click on Movie on right side for slideshow.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Dallas L. Wickham-Grodman
Dallas Louise Webb Wickham-Grodman passed away on August 29 in San Antonio, TX at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Preceded in death by her parents Edna and Dallas Webb, her brother David Webb and first husband Donald Wickham. Survived by husband Harold Grodman of Bulverde, daughter Winona Wickham-Miller and husband Matt of Austin, son Jack Wickham, grand-daughters Winona Jo and Bailey Wickham of San Antonio, sisters Cassell Webb-Leon of London, Rebecca Kidwell of Sacramento, California, Jimmie Whipple of New Braunfels and brother Mitchell Webb of San Antonio and many other relatives and dear friends.
The oldest of six children, Dallas was born August 19, 1942 in San Antonio and traveled extensively with her military family. Theatre was a passion and she was the first American accepted to the world renown Cambridge School of Drama in England.
A gifted actress, Dallas appeared in many theatrical productions, but to the benefit of thousands of young people she also acted upon her enthusiasm for literature, drama and life during a much honored 35 year teaching career; the majority of which was as a beloved teacher of English, Speech and Drama in the San Antonio area.
At age 45 Dallas returned to college and earned her master's degree. She became a reading specialist, fulfilling one of her greatest passions, which was assessing and improving reading problems to enrich the lives of area youth.
In 1991 she married Harold Grodman and after retiring from teaching, moved to a country setting in Bulverde. Her work with children continued as the celebrated children's dramatic storyteller at the Bulverde Library. Even after being diagnosed, Dallas continued her passion and volunteered at the library teaching English as a second language.
A loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend, few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm.
The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors at CTRC, Hospice and The Laurels. Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Spring Branch Children's Library would also be appreciated.
Note for blog: The Family address for correspondence/cards is 5925 Green Acres, Austin, TX 78727. We will ensure all family members receive.
Bulverde/Spring Branch Children's Library Info: 20475 Hwy 46 West, Suite 240, Spring Branch, TX 78070, 830-438-4864
The oldest of six children, Dallas was born August 19, 1942 in San Antonio and traveled extensively with her military family. Theatre was a passion and she was the first American accepted to the world renown Cambridge School of Drama in England.
A gifted actress, Dallas appeared in many theatrical productions, but to the benefit of thousands of young people she also acted upon her enthusiasm for literature, drama and life during a much honored 35 year teaching career; the majority of which was as a beloved teacher of English, Speech and Drama in the San Antonio area.
At age 45 Dallas returned to college and earned her master's degree. She became a reading specialist, fulfilling one of her greatest passions, which was assessing and improving reading problems to enrich the lives of area youth.
In 1991 she married Harold Grodman and after retiring from teaching, moved to a country setting in Bulverde. Her work with children continued as the celebrated children's dramatic storyteller at the Bulverde Library. Even after being diagnosed, Dallas continued her passion and volunteered at the library teaching English as a second language.
A loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend, few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.
Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm.
The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors at CTRC, Hospice and The Laurels. Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Spring Branch Children's Library would also be appreciated.
Note for blog: The Family address for correspondence/cards is 5925 Green Acres, Austin, TX 78727. We will ensure all family members receive.
Bulverde/Spring Branch Children's Library Info: 20475 Hwy 46 West, Suite 240, Spring Branch, TX 78070, 830-438-4864
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Dallas Louise Webb-Wickham-Grodman
Our beloved Miss Dallas passed away this morning, Wednesday, August 29 at 10:40 am. Her children Jack and Winona and I were there with her. It was very peaceful.
Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm. There will be viewing at the beginning of the services in the chapel then a memorial, followed by a short graveside service. The family invites you to gather with them afterward at the home of Pat and Ken Taylor at 26003 Shadow Point in Timberwood Park outside San Antonio.
Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Children's Library would also be appreciated if you wish.
Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm. There will be viewing at the beginning of the services in the chapel then a memorial, followed by a short graveside service. The family invites you to gather with them afterward at the home of Pat and Ken Taylor at 26003 Shadow Point in Timberwood Park outside San Antonio.
Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Children's Library would also be appreciated if you wish.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
We Want You to Know
Dallas has taken a turn for the worse. Her pain has increased dramatically and she has to be heavily medicated. Breathing is very labored. She is not able to get out of bed or eat.
Hospice has a nurse staying with her around the clock and she is surrounded by family. It won't be long till she is free of the pain and misery of this disease and we want you to know that your love and prayers are helping us all get through this difficult time.
Hospice has a nurse staying with her around the clock and she is surrounded by family. It won't be long till she is free of the pain and misery of this disease and we want you to know that your love and prayers are helping us all get through this difficult time.
Monday, August 27, 2007
continued...
Dallas is still having a very challenging time today & is considered in critical condition - at least until we get the pain under control. She is bedridden due to pain & increased medication. The next couple of days will be cruicial and hospice will be with her 24/7 as well as family. We will keep you posted....
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Prayer Request Please
Dallas had one of her toughest days yet and sadly was in a lot of pain. Cancer is so unpredictable and the pain hit her without warning Sunday morning when we got back from breakfast, so at least I was with her. Dallas' usual dosage of immediate release morphine was surprisingly not effective at all and Hospice had to increase the dosage for 3 hours (10mg to 75mg) just to get Dallas in a comfortable & resting state. Unfortunately, this all occurred at the same time the Laurel's air conditioning went out. What a day! So, we had to temporarily move her to Jack's house. The air is fixed now & Dallas is back at the Laurel's resting with oxygen.
Sadly, this is the worst pain she has experienced since being diagnosed and was frightening. It was mostly in her right upper torso side - chest, underarm, back w/ her entire right arm going numb. The right lung is where most the tumors have increased & per Dr several are impinging the nerves due to their location. I am staying with mom tonight & will meet with Hospice again tomorrow to continue coordinating pain management. They were very helpful and our goal is to ensure Dallas does not suffer.
Thanks for understanding if mom or us have not been able to return messages &/or are unavailable until she gets through this episode. Due to the increased pain medication, Dallas is more sedated and unable to visit. We don't anticipate this to continue as hopefully we can lower the dosage if/when the pain subsides. As always, we will keep you posted & please feel free to leave a commet for Dallas as we read them to her daily & she really appreciates. Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Sadly, this is the worst pain she has experienced since being diagnosed and was frightening. It was mostly in her right upper torso side - chest, underarm, back w/ her entire right arm going numb. The right lung is where most the tumors have increased & per Dr several are impinging the nerves due to their location. I am staying with mom tonight & will meet with Hospice again tomorrow to continue coordinating pain management. They were very helpful and our goal is to ensure Dallas does not suffer.
Thanks for understanding if mom or us have not been able to return messages &/or are unavailable until she gets through this episode. Due to the increased pain medication, Dallas is more sedated and unable to visit. We don't anticipate this to continue as hopefully we can lower the dosage if/when the pain subsides. As always, we will keep you posted & please feel free to leave a commet for Dallas as we read them to her daily & she really appreciates. Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
New Meds are working
Hi everyone. Just an update that Dallas' appetite is increasing and she is able to eat more. We are so grateful that the new medication seems to be working. Dallas' children & two precious grand-daughters are with her this weekend at the Laurel's. We'll keep posting updates and please continue to keep Dallas in your prayers. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Dr Appt 8/21
We had a very productive appt @ CTRC today with Dallas' favorite Dr. Karnad who has treated her since being diagnosed almost 12 months ago in Sept '06. Due to the extensive progression of the cancer, the Dr does not recommend participating in the Phase I clinical trail as does not think it would be beneficial at this point, nor worth her time, effort & energy. Statistically, only 15% of patients may have some response to Phase I clinical trials, but more often there is no change or gets worse.
This professional evaluation made Dallas' decision much easier & provided her with peace of mind. She wants to use her remaining time focusing on quality of life with family & friends, instead of driving back & forth daily for a clinical trial which is a huge commitment. Plus, due to her weight loss and lack of energy, it would be a strain on her to undergo any experimental treatment and is not recommended. She feels "confident she is receiving the best care with Dr. Karnad" and will have monthly appointments.
The goal going forward is to treat the symptoms and ensure Dallas is not in any pain or suffering. She received new prescriptions to assist with suppressing her consistent cough and medication to stimulate appetite, which we hope is helpful.
Dallas "appreciates and thanks all of you for your concern - you will never know how much it helps." Even through all this, she continues to have an amazing attitude. Please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or visit anytime or leave comment which she enjoys reading.
This professional evaluation made Dallas' decision much easier & provided her with peace of mind. She wants to use her remaining time focusing on quality of life with family & friends, instead of driving back & forth daily for a clinical trial which is a huge commitment. Plus, due to her weight loss and lack of energy, it would be a strain on her to undergo any experimental treatment and is not recommended. She feels "confident she is receiving the best care with Dr. Karnad" and will have monthly appointments.
The goal going forward is to treat the symptoms and ensure Dallas is not in any pain or suffering. She received new prescriptions to assist with suppressing her consistent cough and medication to stimulate appetite, which we hope is helpful.
Dallas "appreciates and thanks all of you for your concern - you will never know how much it helps." Even through all this, she continues to have an amazing attitude. Please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or visit anytime or leave comment which she enjoys reading.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Happy 65th Birthday Dallas!
Dallas celebrated her birthday at home with immediate family. We had a very nice day with fun gifts and Dallas was feeling a bit better. She wasn't able to eat any of the chocolate cake, but enjoyed the ice cream and strawberries. She even had the strength to go out for dinner with her children. We visit the Dr at CTRC again tomorrow, Tues 8/21, at 11:30am and will post any new updates.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
CT & MRI Scan Results
We wish we had better news, though as anticipated Dallas' CT & MRI results showed progression of the cancer, as well as new growth and tumors. Sadly, this increase & development of new tumors appeared in the last 90 days proving this cancer is aggressive. Since we know you care and want to know, below are some additional details.
All tumors increased up to 50% and additional tumors appeared in the lungs, liver, adrenal gland and spine (cervical, thoracic & lumbar). We are especially concerned with the fluid in the right lung which was never present previously and due to excessive disease in right lung, the pulmonary vein and right lower lobe is obstructed. This is making it difficult for Dallas to breath, causing pain and severe shortness of breath, plus strain on the heart. Another concern is the bone cancer that has now moved to her cervical & thoracic areas of the spine as well, so no longer just in the lumbar area. Ugh, this has been a very long & difficult day.
Dallas is still considering the option of participating in a Phase I clinical trail, but due to the progression there may be less benefit of such a trial so don't anticipate us going that route. We are meeting with another Dr at CTRC next Tues 8/21 that we have seen many times to discuss further as the new Dr today was not as informative. As you know, Dallas is one tough cookie, but she is extremely tired lately and still suffering from severe nausea, along with the shortness of breath and coughing. We hope that additional medication can assist to alleviate these symptoms and ensure she is not in pain or suffering.
We continue to thank you for your prayers of support & strength during this challenging time. Dallas' answering machine is now set up so please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or leave comments.
All tumors increased up to 50% and additional tumors appeared in the lungs, liver, adrenal gland and spine (cervical, thoracic & lumbar). We are especially concerned with the fluid in the right lung which was never present previously and due to excessive disease in right lung, the pulmonary vein and right lower lobe is obstructed. This is making it difficult for Dallas to breath, causing pain and severe shortness of breath, plus strain on the heart. Another concern is the bone cancer that has now moved to her cervical & thoracic areas of the spine as well, so no longer just in the lumbar area. Ugh, this has been a very long & difficult day.
Dallas is still considering the option of participating in a Phase I clinical trail, but due to the progression there may be less benefit of such a trial so don't anticipate us going that route. We are meeting with another Dr at CTRC next Tues 8/21 that we have seen many times to discuss further as the new Dr today was not as informative. As you know, Dallas is one tough cookie, but she is extremely tired lately and still suffering from severe nausea, along with the shortness of breath and coughing. We hope that additional medication can assist to alleviate these symptoms and ensure she is not in pain or suffering.
We continue to thank you for your prayers of support & strength during this challenging time. Dallas' answering machine is now set up so please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or leave comments.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Dallas not feeling well this weekend
Dallas is not feeling so well this weekend with increased nausea, shortness of breath, cough and pain in her right chest side. Cancer is so unpredictable with good weeks and bad ones, though we are glad she felt well enough last week to enjoy her family in town. Dallas has been resting all weekend and will have her CT & MRI scans tomorrow which is always a long & difficult day. Our Dr appt with scan results is Tues 8/14 which we are anxiously awaiting. Dallas has not had any treatments (chemo) of the lungs in 8 months - since Dec - so interested to see how the cancer is acting w/o medical intervention as this will be our first scan comparison with no treatment. We anticipate the cancer has progressed, at least in right lung, and will review options & benefits of clinical trials. We'll post an update of the scan results by Wed.
Dallas' new home phone is 210-592-7678. She will have an answering machine set up on Tuesday but can view missed calls & still keeps her cell phone with her.
Dallas and her family thank all of you again for your prayers, well wishes and concern. Such support has helped her tremendously and is extremely appreciated.
Dallas' new home phone is 210-592-7678. She will have an answering machine set up on Tuesday but can view missed calls & still keeps her cell phone with her.
Dallas and her family thank all of you again for your prayers, well wishes and concern. Such support has helped her tremendously and is extremely appreciated.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Update 8/6
Dallas had a good weekend and was able to see her entire family which always makes her happy. Her sister Becky & family from California was in town so we had a little family shin dig at 'the Resort' club house which worked out perfectly. Dallas' other sister Jimmie & brother Mitch with families were also there along with extended family. And, of course, her 2 kids & 2 beautiful granddaughters. She is feeling alright and is more rested not having to worry about everyday chores. She is gaining a bit of weight with the 3 meals a day so we hope that continues.
Moms next CT & MRI scan appointment is Mon, Aug 13th so we'll know more that week about the progression of the cancer, especially in the lungs. We will also review the possibility of the Phase I Clinical Trial that starts Aug 20th. I will post an update once we have the scan results. Oh, and please note Dallas' 65th Birthday is Aug 19th. She says she doesn't want to celebrate but wanted to give everyone a heads up.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support. Please keep visiting if you have an opportunity (or call). Dallas just loves seeing her friends & really appreciates it! Take Care -
Moms next CT & MRI scan appointment is Mon, Aug 13th so we'll know more that week about the progression of the cancer, especially in the lungs. We will also review the possibility of the Phase I Clinical Trial that starts Aug 20th. I will post an update once we have the scan results. Oh, and please note Dallas' 65th Birthday is Aug 19th. She says she doesn't want to celebrate but wanted to give everyone a heads up.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support. Please keep visiting if you have an opportunity (or call). Dallas just loves seeing her friends & really appreciates it! Take Care -
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Dallas' New Mailing Address
Dallas Grodman, #D207, 575 Knights Crossing Dr, San Antonio, TX 78258. You don't have to put The Laurels on the address.
*Please keep visiting if possible - she's loving the company!* Check out below pics of her new place - it's a great place to visit.
Mom will have her home phone set up next week & I'll update # on this blog. Until then, she is available on her cell.
*Please keep visiting if possible - she's loving the company!* Check out below pics of her new place - it's a great place to visit.
Mom will have her home phone set up next week & I'll update # on this blog. Until then, she is available on her cell.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Call Out For Visitors
Dallas is all settled in her new home and would LOVE to have visitors! She is at the Laurels at 511 Knights Cross Drive just off Stone Oak Parkway about halfway between 281 North and Loop 1604. Visit this link for a map. Her room is on the second floor # D207.
This is a wonderful place and you are going to love visiting her there! You don't even have to call ahead, but she has her cell phone. There's a nice playground if you bring children and plenty of seating in her room for company, as well as lovely larger rooms to gather in.
Please plan on visiting as soon as you can - she would love to see you!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Assisted Living
We are fortunate and found a wonderful assisted living home for Dallas at The Laurels off 281 in Stone Oak Parkway. We researched ALL facilities in San Antonio & I personally viewed 8 of them. The Laurles is by far the best - very nice & meets Dallas' medical & social needs. It is highly recommended by CTRC, Hospice, Social Workers & ranked the highest by State surveys (with zeros complains). Mom is glad that it's near Bulverde area close to her home, friends, family and she is familiar with the area.
There are many activities at the Laruels including: elementary book readings at the school next door - perfect for mom, arts/crafts, music, games, weekly shuttle trips to movies/ballet, bible study/church. And has a beauty parlor on-site! She will have her own one bedroom apartment in the large facility with beautiful grounds, including playscape for grandkids. Once we get set up, which may take 2-3 weeks, we encourage you to please come visit. It has several meeting/club rooms and everyone will feel very comfortable visiting with Dallas there. It is an extremely clean, spacious and beautifully decorated facility.
In the interim, Dallas is still staying with her son in Leon Springs & I am here for the week also until we get everything squared away. We'll keep you posted and let you know once we learn when mom can move into her 'resort' as she calls it - she loves it after our visit and appealed to her independent nature. Oh, and they have internet access so she will be able to keep up with this blog, emails and pictures as desired. Mom is feeling alright, just very tired after the long outing today.
Here's the link to The Laruels including pictures
http://www.rsl-al.com/LocationDetail.aspx?cid=1&lid=9
The Laurels are tailored to enhance dignity and foster independence. Our highly progressive approach to assisted living care includes a strong focus on maximizing the activities of daily life, while fostering independence. With licensed, on-site nurses 24 hours a day/seven days a week and offers a progressive approach, which encourages family participation through care planning, education, special events, and support groups.
The basic Laurels Personal Care Service Program includes:
Licensed nursing professionals on-site 24 hours a day/seven days a week
Medication supervision and administration
Participation in The Laurels program of activities and support, including a full-time Activity Director
Weekly housekeeping and personal laundry
Constant monitoring of well-being and comfort
Reminders of daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene
An emergency call system, with 24-hour-a-day response
Nutritious meals and snacks
All utilities except telephone and cable
Scheduled transportation
There are many activities at the Laruels including: elementary book readings at the school next door - perfect for mom, arts/crafts, music, games, weekly shuttle trips to movies/ballet, bible study/church. And has a beauty parlor on-site! She will have her own one bedroom apartment in the large facility with beautiful grounds, including playscape for grandkids. Once we get set up, which may take 2-3 weeks, we encourage you to please come visit. It has several meeting/club rooms and everyone will feel very comfortable visiting with Dallas there. It is an extremely clean, spacious and beautifully decorated facility.
In the interim, Dallas is still staying with her son in Leon Springs & I am here for the week also until we get everything squared away. We'll keep you posted and let you know once we learn when mom can move into her 'resort' as she calls it - she loves it after our visit and appealed to her independent nature. Oh, and they have internet access so she will be able to keep up with this blog, emails and pictures as desired. Mom is feeling alright, just very tired after the long outing today.
Here's the link to The Laruels including pictures
http://www.rsl-al.com/LocationDetail.aspx?cid=1&lid=9
The Laurels are tailored to enhance dignity and foster independence. Our highly progressive approach to assisted living care includes a strong focus on maximizing the activities of daily life, while fostering independence. With licensed, on-site nurses 24 hours a day/seven days a week and offers a progressive approach, which encourages family participation through care planning, education, special events, and support groups.
The basic Laurels Personal Care Service Program includes:
Licensed nursing professionals on-site 24 hours a day/seven days a week
Medication supervision and administration
Participation in The Laurels program of activities and support, including a full-time Activity Director
Weekly housekeeping and personal laundry
Constant monitoring of well-being and comfort
Reminders of daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene
An emergency call system, with 24-hour-a-day response
Nutritious meals and snacks
All utilities except telephone and cable
Scheduled transportation
Monday, July 23, 2007
Update
Harold's condition has worsened and he is not able to care for Dallas. Sunday her kids moved her to her son Jack's house in Leon Springs and Nona has taken a week off from work to find an assisted living home for her. This is what she prefers to do.
There's no internet access where she's staying now, but we'll relay messages to her.
There's no internet access where she's staying now, but we'll relay messages to her.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Greetings
Hello everyone, thanks for visiting my blog!
Wednesday, I was able to go to my book club, I sure enjoyed seeing everyone. In fact the conversation was like a breath of fresh air. Wonderful not to hear mention of the word "radiology". Thank goodness those treatments are over.
Today I am recuperating further and hope to get out again soon.
You'll never know how much your comments and concern have helped me.
Oh by the way, have you had enough rainfall??
Take care
Love,
Dallas
Wednesday, I was able to go to my book club, I sure enjoyed seeing everyone. In fact the conversation was like a breath of fresh air. Wonderful not to hear mention of the word "radiology". Thank goodness those treatments are over.
Today I am recuperating further and hope to get out again soon.
You'll never know how much your comments and concern have helped me.
Oh by the way, have you had enough rainfall??
Take care
Love,
Dallas
Monday, July 16, 2007
Dallas' last day of Radiation...
is this Wed 7/18 & we are all looking forward to that. We hope that she is less nauseous once radiation is complete. Her lower back pain has subsided with the radiation already. Dallas spent the weekend with her children & precious grand-daughters who always cheer her up. Please feel free to call anytime & hopefully she'll be up for more visitors next week.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
A bit of good news...
Dallas is feeling better thanks to changing her anti-nausea medication. Yeah! We take any good news we can get. Her back pain is not as severe lately either so hope that continues. Dallas has one more week of radiation & should be complete next Wed 7/18.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Dallas Update 7/8/07
Dallas has been at home with Harold resting all weekend & is very nauseous due to the radiation & increased pain medication (morphine). We do have a new anti-nausea prescription that hospice provided so hope that will assist. Mom will be receiving radiation every day this week @ 10:30am which we really hope will help with her lower left back pain which is still severe. They will also determine if she'll receive her monthly Zometa treatment(intravenous medication for the bone cancer to help reduce fractures). Thanks in advance for your prayers!
Dallas received a nice visit today from family (Deidra, Ann & Casey) who prepared lots of home-made high calorie meals for mom & Harold. Thank you so much for that the thoughtful gesture! Mom looks forward to feeling better so she can eat more & needs to keep her weight up. Her Hospice Nurse will be out to the house every day this week and Dallas' children Jack & Winona will be spending this upcoming weekend with her.
Again, we appreciate your well wishes and prayers for Dallas. We hope that she is feeling better and in less pain very soon.
Dallas received a nice visit today from family (Deidra, Ann & Casey) who prepared lots of home-made high calorie meals for mom & Harold. Thank you so much for that the thoughtful gesture! Mom looks forward to feeling better so she can eat more & needs to keep her weight up. Her Hospice Nurse will be out to the house every day this week and Dallas' children Jack & Winona will be spending this upcoming weekend with her.
Again, we appreciate your well wishes and prayers for Dallas. We hope that she is feeling better and in less pain very soon.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Radiation Schedule
Dallas will receive radiation every day @ 10:30am for 2-3 weeks. Thus, Harold & Dallas will not be at their house from 9am to approx 1pm Monday thru Friday. Just wanted to let everyone know in case no answer at the home phone.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Dallas is back home
Dallas went back home to Bulverde Sunday afternoon. We had the radiation consult appt on Monday which she will probably start this Thrusday for 2-3 weeks every day. Hospice also came out on Monday afternoon & we set that up. Mom, Harold & I all really liked the nurse so that was helpful. Harold drove mom to her radiation follow-up appt today at CTRC. I'm back in Austin working for now but checking in daily, as is family.
Unfortunately, Dallas is having lots of pain due to the bone cancer in the lower back/spine area so please don't be offended if she's not on blog this week. The hospice nurse is assisting with pain management and due to the additional morphine, Dallas is resting a bit more. We look forward to radiation as that should significantly assist with the pain. Other than that, she is happy to be back home.
Thanks again for all your kind comments, call and cards - ahhh, mom LOVES cards & has them all up around her. I'll post more later this week or next with update. Take Care -
Unfortunately, Dallas is having lots of pain due to the bone cancer in the lower back/spine area so please don't be offended if she's not on blog this week. The hospice nurse is assisting with pain management and due to the additional morphine, Dallas is resting a bit more. We look forward to radiation as that should significantly assist with the pain. Other than that, she is happy to be back home.
Thanks again for all your kind comments, call and cards - ahhh, mom LOVES cards & has them all up around her. I'll post more later this week or next with update. Take Care -
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dallas Home & Radiation/Hospice Appt
Hi everyone -
Dallas will be going home to Bulverde this Sun 7/1 afternoon. We have an early 10am Monday appt @ CTRC for Radiation consult then Hospice is coming on Monday afternoon as well. We should know more about Dallas' radiation treatment (every day for 2 weeks) and exact date Hospcie will begin. I'll update blog early next week to advise when mom will be up for visitors at her house.
Dallas' son Jack and her lovely granddaughers, Win & Baily, are coming up to Austin today to visit. YEAH! Dallas is VERY excited to see the girls and will be a great moral booster.
Dallas will be going home to Bulverde this Sun 7/1 afternoon. We have an early 10am Monday appt @ CTRC for Radiation consult then Hospice is coming on Monday afternoon as well. We should know more about Dallas' radiation treatment (every day for 2 weeks) and exact date Hospcie will begin. I'll update blog early next week to advise when mom will be up for visitors at her house.
Dallas' son Jack and her lovely granddaughers, Win & Baily, are coming up to Austin today to visit. YEAH! Dallas is VERY excited to see the girls and will be a great moral booster.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
MRI & Bone Scan Results
We received Dallas' scan results today which unfortunately confirmed what we anticipated - cancer has metastasized to the bone, especially in the lower lumbar area of the spine & sacrum. The tumors in the sacrum (most lower part of spine) are most concerning due to two or three nerves are impinged and this is area causing the most pain & trouble walking. Plus, Dr doesn’t want any weight on that left hip due to fear of fracture. Positive news is scans show no metastasized cancer in the cervical or thoracic region of the spin or left leg. The pain in left leg is due to all the tumors in the left lower spine & sacrum tumors.
Next Step – Radiation
The recommended treatment for the metastasized tumors in the lower spine & left sacrum is targeted radiation immediately. This will assist with moms pain, symptoms and growth of the tumors to reduce risk of fracture. So, we have a radiation consult this Mon 7/2 @ CTRC in San Antonio. Dallas will receive radiation every day for 2 weeks. Hopefully Harold will be able to drive her out to CTRC (Cancer Therapy & Research Center) but if anyone else is available just in case please let us know. Also, hospice is still being set up & we're meeting with them early next week in Bulverde.
Clinical Trial Options
Dallas is on the waiting list for Phase I Clinical Trial at CTRC which is world renowed for their Clinical Trials. She must complete her radiation therapy before starting a clinical trial. CTRC has been conducting such trials for 20 years while MD Anderson has only done Phase I studies for 3 years so mom is at a great place. Dallas is anxious to start the radiation treatment in hopes to relieve her lower back pain & be stronger when she starts the clinical trial.
Dallas is enjoying her time in Austin and this blog so thank you for leaving comments. She checks it daily and is actually getting the hang of it!
Next Step – Radiation
The recommended treatment for the metastasized tumors in the lower spine & left sacrum is targeted radiation immediately. This will assist with moms pain, symptoms and growth of the tumors to reduce risk of fracture. So, we have a radiation consult this Mon 7/2 @ CTRC in San Antonio. Dallas will receive radiation every day for 2 weeks. Hopefully Harold will be able to drive her out to CTRC (Cancer Therapy & Research Center) but if anyone else is available just in case please let us know. Also, hospice is still being set up & we're meeting with them early next week in Bulverde.
Clinical Trial Options
Dallas is on the waiting list for Phase I Clinical Trial at CTRC which is world renowed for their Clinical Trials. She must complete her radiation therapy before starting a clinical trial. CTRC has been conducting such trials for 20 years while MD Anderson has only done Phase I studies for 3 years so mom is at a great place. Dallas is anxious to start the radiation treatment in hopes to relieve her lower back pain & be stronger when she starts the clinical trial.
Dallas is enjoying her time in Austin and this blog so thank you for leaving comments. She checks it daily and is actually getting the hang of it!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Dallas is feeilng better 6/25
Dallas is throughly enjoying her time in Austin with me (her daughter) and relaxing a LOT. Plus, we're keeping her well fed to try and get back the 5lbs she lost during the hospital stay. Thankfully, her legs are not hurting as much. Dallas will probably be going back home to Bulverde later this week or weekend and we'll set up Hospice.
We have the MRI, bone scan & Xray all day tomorrow in Austin and look forward to the results to determine the bone cancer severity &/or fractures. Then CTRC (cancer therapy & research center) can determine if radiation is needed & when the Phase I Clinical Trial can start.
Dallas has learned how to use this blog & really enjoys all the comments so please keep them coming. This gives her something to do while she's at the house all day & really means a lot to her. Thanks!
We have the MRI, bone scan & Xray all day tomorrow in Austin and look forward to the results to determine the bone cancer severity &/or fractures. Then CTRC (cancer therapy & research center) can determine if radiation is needed & when the Phase I Clinical Trial can start.
Dallas has learned how to use this blog & really enjoys all the comments so please keep them coming. This gives her something to do while she's at the house all day & really means a lot to her. Thanks!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mom & Hospice Update 6/22
Hi everyone -
Sorry for delayed update as things have been so hectic. Dallas (call her mom in most blog entries) is feeling somewhat better, at least in her legs. She is resting a lot which is very needed. We have a bone scan & MRI scheduled for this Tues 6/25 to determine if any fractures in the pelvis/legs area. Or if the bone cancer has progressed to where bone fractures may occur than radiation &/or medication may assist. This has to be determined before mom is eligible for Phase I Clinical Trials at CTRC (Cancer Therapy & Research Center).
CTRC social worker referred the Hospice agency A-Med which sounds like a very helpful option. Mom qaulifies and her insurance will cover all of it. I talked with the clinical director for an hour today and we'll set up a home assessment next week to finalize. Main goal of hospice is to monitor & control systems and pain for better quality of life. She stated this is best time to set up hospice while there is more benefit to the program than just end of life assistance. They help with insurance, medical equipment needs, prescriptions, arranging dr appts etc.
A CNA (certified nurse aid) comes to house 5 times a week & RN (register nurse) once a week. They have a San Antonio location & an Austin location so if mom wants to come visit we can have hospice here as well.
That's it for now & we'll keep you posted. Thanks again to everyone for your support and love during this challenging time for Dallas! Take Care -
Sorry for delayed update as things have been so hectic. Dallas (call her mom in most blog entries) is feeling somewhat better, at least in her legs. She is resting a lot which is very needed. We have a bone scan & MRI scheduled for this Tues 6/25 to determine if any fractures in the pelvis/legs area. Or if the bone cancer has progressed to where bone fractures may occur than radiation &/or medication may assist. This has to be determined before mom is eligible for Phase I Clinical Trials at CTRC (Cancer Therapy & Research Center).
CTRC social worker referred the Hospice agency A-Med which sounds like a very helpful option. Mom qaulifies and her insurance will cover all of it. I talked with the clinical director for an hour today and we'll set up a home assessment next week to finalize. Main goal of hospice is to monitor & control systems and pain for better quality of life. She stated this is best time to set up hospice while there is more benefit to the program than just end of life assistance. They help with insurance, medical equipment needs, prescriptions, arranging dr appts etc.
A CNA (certified nurse aid) comes to house 5 times a week & RN (register nurse) once a week. They have a San Antonio location & an Austin location so if mom wants to come visit we can have hospice here as well.
That's it for now & we'll keep you posted. Thanks again to everyone for your support and love during this challenging time for Dallas! Take Care -
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
6/19/07
Jack and Nona took Dallas to CTRC today and met with her main doctor from 8-2. He confirmed the progressed lung cancer & suspects pain in legs is due to progressed bone cancer in the legs/pelvis area. Bone scan, MRI & Xrays are scheduled for Thur. She may need radiation if hip bone is bad so she does not fracture & can be mobile. Then met with the clinical trials group which have 2 trials Dallas can participate in and she seems to want to. She doesn't want to just sit at home & do nothing. In a clinical trial she will see the Dr weekly, be monitored closely & the medicines could help keep the tumors from growing & maybe keep them same size. Goal is treatment of symptoms & quality of life.
Harold is still not well but has decided to leave the hospital. Dallas will be staying with Nona this week and she's taking a week off (FMLA - family medical leave act) to hang with her mom & coordinate everything.
Harold is still not well but has decided to leave the hospital. Dallas will be staying with Nona this week and she's taking a week off (FMLA - family medical leave act) to hang with her mom & coordinate everything.
Dallas is having a lot of pain in her legs and hips but they have given her a better form of morphine to help with the pain. Nona will try to update this blog tomorrow as today was very long and difficult.
Leave a Message, Please!
You can use the comment feature below this post to leave a message for Dallas. We'll make sure she gets it even if she won't go near the computer.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Let's Bring You Up to Date
9/6/06 Dallas has a CT scan which shows tumors in the lungs, liver and adrenal gland.
There is a biopsy performed and on 9/14 she is diagnosed as having Carcinoid (atypical) cancer.
9/26 Gets second opinion from San Antonio Cancer Institute confirming diagnosis and stage 4 metastasized lung cancer and begins treatment at CTRC (Cancer Treatment & Research Center in SA)
10/24 Begins 3 rounds chemotherapy treatments in Oct, Nov & Dec. CT scan in Nov shows her condition to be stable and improving and the one in Dec shows a 70%+ decrease in tumor size.
3/13/07 CT Scan shows no tumor growth
5/16/07 CT Scan shows dramatic increase in tumors - size and number. It is too soon to try chemo again so the only treatment option is a clinical trial.
6/6/07 Dallas, Winona and Jimmie fly to Sacramento, CA to visit Becky and family
Dallas has a low grade fever and difficulty breathing.
6/9/07 Dallas is taken to the emergency room in Sacramento and admitted for two days. Given breathing treatments and antibiotics.
6/14/07 Dallas and Winona fly home. They find Harold is ill and he is admitted to the VA hospital.
6/19/07 Dallas has an appointment at CTRC to decide on clinical trial options, assess current status and decide on immediate and future care needs.
There is a biopsy performed and on 9/14 she is diagnosed as having Carcinoid (atypical) cancer.
9/26 Gets second opinion from San Antonio Cancer Institute confirming diagnosis and stage 4 metastasized lung cancer and begins treatment at CTRC (Cancer Treatment & Research Center in SA)
10/24 Begins 3 rounds chemotherapy treatments in Oct, Nov & Dec. CT scan in Nov shows her condition to be stable and improving and the one in Dec shows a 70%+ decrease in tumor size.
3/13/07 CT Scan shows no tumor growth
5/16/07 CT Scan shows dramatic increase in tumors - size and number. It is too soon to try chemo again so the only treatment option is a clinical trial.
6/6/07 Dallas, Winona and Jimmie fly to Sacramento, CA to visit Becky and family
Dallas has a low grade fever and difficulty breathing.
6/9/07 Dallas is taken to the emergency room in Sacramento and admitted for two days. Given breathing treatments and antibiotics.
6/14/07 Dallas and Winona fly home. They find Harold is ill and he is admitted to the VA hospital.
6/19/07 Dallas has an appointment at CTRC to decide on clinical trial options, assess current status and decide on immediate and future care needs.
Welcome
This is a place where you can check on Dallas' condition. We'll share as much as we can about what's going on with her and let you know what you can do to help out.
Thanks for stopping by.
Nona and Jack - Dallas' children
Becky, Cassell, Jimmie and Mitch- Dallas' Siblings
Thanks for stopping by.
Nona and Jack - Dallas' children
Becky, Cassell, Jimmie and Mitch- Dallas' Siblings
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