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
Friday, August 31, 2007
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!
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