A Trip to Radiation

Wednesday, I got to take Mom to radiation therapy. Bonnie had previously asked the nurses if I could take pictures - which they were fine with, so that was the plan. I followed Mom and a nurse to the room. She laid down on a hospital bed which moves up and down. They placed the mask - a hard, blue plastic thing which covers the entire front of her head - on her and used that to lock her to the bed. This way she can't move, talk or even blink. They raise her up and line up a small X on her temples with laser beams used for placement accuracy. They are just like the laser levels people use to line up picture frames or the like. This set-up process takes just a few minutes. Bonnie also has to hold a small ring shaped pillow to help keep her still.

After she was all set up, the nurses moved the the adjoining room and I went back to the waiting room. Mom is by herself in the radiation room for about 15 minutes while the shoot her brain with laser beams! She actually doesn't mind the process much, even though the machine is fairly loud, she likes the solitude and finds it relaxing. Her only complaint is the mask is very tight; it leaves the weave pattern of the plastic on her face. And some of her medicine is making parts of her swell, so the nurses warned her it may get tighter!

Overall, the trip is relatively quick and simple. Mom has the entire trip down, so if anyone would like the option of taking a trip to radiology, it's not a terrible way to spend the afternoon. :)

A Rainy Weekend

Things are going well albeit wet in Seattle. Mom has been going to radiation for 3 days now, and taking her Chemo pills - which apparently cost over $8000! Thankfully, the cost to my parents was only two hundred, which seems reasonable. So far, Mom hasn't felt any side affects from either treatment - and we are all hoping that is going to be the norm but she's aware the radiation might give her small burns and hair loss in the point of entry. She has to lay underneath her mask, which she says is quite confining. I am planning on taking her on Wednesday to treatment, and the nurses say I can take a picture, so if it's not too disturbing, I will post it.



Friday, Bonnie and I went to Northgate mall. She wanted some new shoes, slip-ons that are comfortable since her anti-seizure medicine swells her ankles a bit. She found a cute pair - the first pair she tried on. Therefore, a very successful shopping trip. She used up the Macy's Gift Card she had received from a handful of Wedgwood teachers (Thanks all!) We also ate lunch at Panera Bread. She had to be home in time to get to radiation, so it was only a couple hour trip but overall, went really well.



Also this weekend, Mom picked up a blanket she started crocheting a few months ago. To everyone's surprise, she had no trouble remembering how to crochet - or how to follow the pattern she was using. She was shocked at how easy it was to pick up where she left off. I think she will probably get her crafting groove on since she has lots of free time!



Misha has been working crazy hard these past few weeks trying to get the kitchen up and running at a new bar in Fremont which opened this weekend. LTD (the bar name) is officially open and busy! Bryce and I went down today for lunch and the place was packed. Misha was pretty busy but still managed to serve us up some delicious appetizers. The mac n' cheese balls were so yummy! I told a few of you I would post the information here about it - so here it is. LTD, a sports bar, is located in Fremont. I don't have the exact address, but it is on 36th and Leary across the street from the 7-11. If you need an exact address, Nana's Soup House is on 225 N. 36th and is 2 doors away. I think he is only supposed to be scheduled until 4 pm each day -but apparently worked a 15 hour day yesterday! Mom and Dad are planning to visit next Sunday.

Surprise for Bonnie!

Yesterday, Mom had her last Occupational Therapy home appointment. Her therapist, Jane, has decided there isn't much else she can do for Mom. She's already shown her the right way to get in/out of the shower, use the walker, and gave her some silly putty for hand exercises. But, since Mom is progressing so well - there nothing left for Jane to teach her. Yeah Bonnie!

Today, Mom and I spent the morning watching Boston Legal and The People's Court. Sasha stopped by with KFC (which Mom loves!) for lunch. We hung out until she had to leave for another Oncology appointment. She went into the radiology room at Group Health and got all set-up for what she thought was a trial-run. She asked the nurse and she said, 'No, we don't do trials - that was your first treatment.' So...as of today, Bonnie has started radiation. A bit of shock to us all, but it's maybe better this way. Mom said it didn't hurt at all - just the mask is a bit confining. And now, Mom doesn't have to worry about it all weekend.

She also is starting her Chemo pills tonight. She has 6 weeks of pills and 30 radiation treatments. Looks like she will be doing all of this up till the first week of December. The doctor says she shouldn't feel too sick from all this, so we will just start keeping tabs on her pain/comfort levels. There is a possibility the combination of surgery, chemo and radiation may change her likes and dislikes, so I will keep everyone posted if it's a change worth knowing about!

**FYI: Bonnie's radiation appointments are M-F at 3:30 pm. She will be gone everyday 3 - 5 pm, so if you are dropping by to bring food or to talk - please take note of these times!! **

Monday's Visit to Oncology

Oncology visit today. I met another amazing GH Doctor who lives just down the street from us. He did say I would be having radiation and the pill form of chemo simultaneously for approximately 6 weeks. He doesn't expect me to lose my hair but the chemo may make me sick at first. They may need to change my pill dosage once we see how I tolerate it. He doesn't anticipate I'll have too many problems. I start my treatment next Monday, 10/26.

I can't say enough about the care I've been receiving at Group Health. For all you folks who still refer to GH as Group Death, just know we are in good hands.

-Bonnie

******

Things have been trucking along normally with us. Peter's body is aching, Misha started working 55+ hour work weeks to get a new sports bar open very soon, I am splitting my time between the parent's home and my own - trying to fit homework in. Sasha is always busy at work, as is Kei - and with a doggy brood of 3 - they have their hands full. And Mom, she just goes with everyone else's flow - doesn't really get much of a say about her day with all the appointments and therapy visits, but I don't think she minds too much yet. I am sure one day soon, the very seldom seen Exasperated Bonnie will come through and she will have some words (probably with Dad -ha!)

Mom says they are going to push back her mammogram. With radiation being 5 days a week for 6 weeks - who really wants one more hospital trip? Honestly.

Here is one of the cards we have made previously. I haven't photographed the new ones from Sunday - but you can get the idea!

'Area of expertise'

Hello all! Sorry posts are becoming more sporadic - Bonnie's recovery is going so well; there is not much to post. But, I have a few notes. Mom visited her surgeon on Thursday. He thinks Mom will just have radiation and no chemo. She has an appointment with the Oncologist on Monday, so I am sure we will hear a more definite course of action. Sometimes it's hard hearing so many suggestions from all the different nurses and doctors - but I know they are just giving their best educated suggestions. They are all there to help so we will just wait and see what the final plan will be. Mom has a funny story about the surgeon which she told a few times this weekend. She mentioned to Dr. Wang that she is scheduled for a mammogram in a few weeks. Without missing a beat, he says to her, 'well, that's not really my area of expertise.' Mom got a chuckle outta that! She did tell him she only was mentioning it in case it would interfere with her radiation - which he doesn't think will be a problem. :)

On Sunday, Mom and I are going to a card party!!! For those of you who don't know what that is, they are in theory like a Tupperware party but way more hands on. We go to our amazing Card Lady's house, where she has designed and set up materials for us to make projects. We stamp and color and emboss and punch all kinds of papers to make 5 greeting cards - along the lines of scrapbooking, but way easier. We have been going to them for 4 years maybe...and we love them! We had to miss September's party due to Mom living at Virgina Mason that week - so I am super excited she's able to go! Ooh, I will post one of the cards we make - well, I will try!

Bonnie's Thoughts

Wednesday:

Another busy Group Health day. At 10:30, a social worker stopped by to help get me started on my VEBA Account, disability insurance and provided me with a good source of information. Then at 1pm a physical therapist came to show me more exercises and was not happy to hear I was moving around the house with out my walker, so I had to promise to always use my walker or a cane. She was worried I might lose my balance and take a fall. She made me do laps with my walker around the main floor - i did 5 laps in 5 minutes. She was impressed with that. Then we did some sitting down exercises to build up my arms and back. Then she left and I had a few minutes to rest before my former "BRYANT Buds" stopped by, Kathy Lee and Mr. Terry Acena. That was entertaining and enjoyable. I had my first "zip"( as grandma would say) of red wine which immediately made me sleepy, I took a short nap, while waiting for my very good corned beef sandwich, courtesy of Misha.


Thursday:

I'm waiting for a speech language path to make a home visit, probably today. It's nice therapists make home visits, but I never know what to expect. Today, I also have a CT scan scheduled for 4:30 at central. So I expect the SLP to call just because I have some free time. Not so much for actual speech help they also work on keeping me focused.

Once again, I can't thank each and everyone of you enough for your continued support. It really makes a difference. I'm feeling better all the time but typing still tuckers me out. So I'll say goodbye for now.

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

Sorry for the long break. I had a friend visiting from Denver so I have been crazy busy and with today being Bonnie's Birthday - lots of things have been happening!

Mom has been busy this weekend with many visitors. I couldn't name them all if I tried. But cards keep pouring in - and with the birthday - even more! We have covered our fireplace with notes of well wishes! Everything from homemade stamped cards and silly comics sent to make Bonnie laugh to Hallmark-esque sentiments.

We took a short visit to the Duchess Tavern on Friday afternoon to hang out with many family and friends. Afterwards, back to Mom's for Maria's enchiladas which were delicious! My Dad wants the recipe! Saturday was a special visit to the University Village to get pedicures!!! Mom, Megan (my visitor) and I all got soaked and scrubbed and had a very nice time. Parking at the U.Village with a 'Handicapped' parking pass on a Husky Saturday was quite possibly my highlight!

Monday was a big day too! Pete, Bonnie, Grandma, Bill and I all went up to Angel of the Winds Casino - North of Seattle about an hour. We played some penny slots and had a very nice lunch. My Mom really wanted a patty melt - which wasn't on the menu - but we asked and they made one just for her! Overall, I think we as a group lost money - but some of us *cough* walked away with an extra $40!

If I have not mentioned it before, thanks everyone - your support is really making this situation a happier one. We get to see friends from years past and far away. We get to eat amazing food - I think Peter is quickly learning to appreciate the food deliveries! My Mom is not really one for being mushy - but it means a great deal to all of us to see how much you care.
From all of us - thank you.

Bonnie's Comment

Hello all - Bonnie made a surprise comment on the blog which I just noticed tonight - so I am reposting here for everyone to see. When I helped her type at Virginia Mason - it was a bit of a struggle for her to form sentences, so seeing her post makes me happy! I can't agree with her more about the support she is getting from her amazing friends. Thank you all for helping make this journey a positive one!

*****

Hi Everyone -- I'm feeling stronger every day and pretty much can get around the house without my walker. Thanks for all for your cards, comments, great food, flowers and well wishes. With all your words of love and support, I feel the healing powers coming through. I'm having a little trouble having bm's but my stool softener is being increased so hopefully, that will help. Probably info you may not wanted to know. I'm also having trouble typing but that's part of my PT to help coordinate with the left side of my brain.Thanks again, hope to see you all real soon.bonnie

*****

Mom, Bryce says that was basically 'too much information' :) Love you!

A Trip to Radiology

Peter, Bonnie and I went to Group Health Radiology today. Today's visit was scheduled to make a mold of her face. They placed a tight layer of mesh fabric over her face and added some markers. This way when she comes in for her radiation treatments, they will line her face in the mold, and use the markers to tell the lasers where to shoot. Sounds very high tech.

The brain tumor has been diagnosed as a Glioblastoma Multiforme. Some websites (specifically the medical sites) have very serious - almost grim - tone while talking about this type of tumor. They really aren't very uplifting, so I recommend staying away from them and the Wikipedia article - but a way better website with more practical information is http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/PatientGuide.htm. This one is a Patient's guide to what is going on and what is to be expected in the future.

Currently the plan is the the targeted radiation and also a chemotherapy pill called Temodar. The new start date for radiation isn't until October 26th. Since she will have to go everyday for up to 6 weeks, we have to be sure she can get in/out of the house. Today was the first day Mom used the stairs since coming home. I heard it took almost a half hour to get her up the stairs her first day home, but today only took about 5 minutes. Improvements everyday!

Weekend Update

Things have been going well in the Melnik household. Some highlights from this weekend:

*Joyce brought yummy soup and pie!
*Visitor count Friday and Saturday = 11
*Homemade play-doh
*Bonnie standing up and moving without her walker to go lock the kitchen door (it's a good sign although a bit worrisome!)
*An almost win for those Huskies
*Delicious cinnamon bread
*Phone calls, emails, cards and flowers!
*A special visit from Sasha and Kei and their 3 little doggies, all shih tzus - 2 are puppies! (that was excitement for everyone especially Emmadog!)

This weekend has been really good for Bonnie. She's been moving a lot on her own, making jokes, petting Emma, watching football, chatting with friends and eating treats! She was very moved by the Food Calender getting so full so quick and is very excited to try out every one's recipes.

**I will make some additions to the food calender in just a bit. If you want to sign up for a delivery day, here is how to do it.
Go to Google, type in Calendar and use the first link or just go to www.google.com/calendar
For the user name: Melnikdinners
For the password: emma2222
Double click on any 'insert food here' and edit the post, adding your name.
** Hopefully that helps people. Contact me with questions!

A Food Calendar

Hey all, here is the scoop! Amy Breiger, a former Wedgwood mom and a friend of Bonnie's, has set up a food calendar through Google! It is actually posted below at the bottom of the blog page now.

As you can see, Joyce signed up to bring food this Friday! I am hoping to have food deliveries on the same days each week (Monday and Thursday) to help my Dad plan. Varying days will throw him off! :) But, if you have something special you want to bring on another day - just add it to the calendar, and I will let Peter know. *As of right now, I am not sure the best way to write on the calendar. I am going to talk to Joyce about the way she did it - and I will post directions tomorrow!*

We talked as a family, and basically if soups can be kept to about a quart (4 cups) and casserole-type things in a normal 12x9 size pan - then we should be able to eat it all and not waste any food. But, again we really appreciate all gifts and don't want to sound like we are being picky. As for the type of food - Bonnie does not like seafood, anything spicy, coconut and curry. But she is a fan of soups, salads (pasta, green, potato, etc...), BBQ, fried chicken, anything italian, casseroles - overall she's not nearly as picky as me!

I didn't see her for too long today since I had class. She was in good spirits for the time I was there, and now she has blue fingernails! Tomorrow, I think we are going to crochet some ghosts.

***A very special THANKS to Amy Breiger for setting up the calendar and providing me with the directions and to Joyce for constantly being our contact to the rest of the world!!***

Welcome Home

Bonnie did not have radiation today. The discharge doctors decided she's not quite strong enough, so we are not sure when treatment is going to start. She has follow-up visits with her doctor, the surgeon and an oncologist in the next 3 weeks - so I think it will be up to them to decide.

Bonnie had a pretty good day overall. I heard getting up the stairs to the house was quite tricky, but after that - there wasn't much trouble. Misha, Mom and I watched Court TV - ate enchiladas and read some blog comments. Mom also had a special bowl of soup from Mr. Spice. She knew right away it was the Italian Soup recipe she makes alot, but at first thought it was from Joyce. But when I told her there was okra in it - she knew it was from Clarence (and was delicious)!

She is ready for visitors - any time of the day is okay for now. We aren't sure when therapy at home will start, but I will post generic times here to help people plan. I am working on a meal schedule/planner - but am having a very hard time finding an easy way to organize and post it...if anyone has ideas - I could use some! I will post some food suggestions tomorrow, but I am exhausted and need sleep!