I took my mom for a chemotherapy training appointment today. We toured the office and learned about the changes that my mom can expect during the next 4 months. Initially, the doctor had wanted to include Rituxan. Mom has chosen to not have the Rituxan included in her treatment because the cost is so prohibitive. The Rituxan quadruples the amount of money my mom would need to pay for each treatment. She simply doesn't have $1500 each month for chemotherapy as well as all the other medical expenses.
The doctor has said that mom will have more nausea without the Rituxan and that she will lose all her hair. Mom and I are going wig shopping before she begins her chemo. I think she'd find it uncomfortable to be going out in public without hair. On the positive side, without Rituxan her treatments will require much less time at the chemo center.
We're trying to figure out how to make sure that mom has healthy quick meal available when she is fatigued. We also discussed that she will be unable to do lawn work and probably won't feel up to cleaning regularly. I'm going to go and mow one full day each week. Mom's yard takes approximately 20 hours each week, to just keep it mowed. My brother is in need of another hip replacement and can't do yard work. Two of my sisters have toddlers, and the third sister is having a severe life upheaval. She's left her husband and has a huge mess in her immediate family. I really can't count on her doing anything to help our mom during this time. My three older children have pollen/grass allergies, so they can't mow either.
Katie and Amy have offered to help keep mom's house work under control. I'm not really sure how this is all going to come together, but it WILL be fine.
Next week mom has her port put in on Tuesday. The following Monday, she will begin chemotherapy. My brother and sister-in-law are having mom spend Monday and Tuesday night at their home. So I'll drive her up on Monday and stay with her through the treatment, then drop her off at my brother's home. On Wednesday, I'll pick her up from my brother's house and take her to the clinic for treatment and then drive her home. I'm really thankful that I don't need to drive on Tuesday. My kids are being understanding about watching the younger girls, but three days in a row will cause friction between the older kids as they each try to gain total control.
3 comments:
And you're worried about being a failure...?
Whoa - you have a lot on your plate! I will continue to keep your mom and the rest of your family in my prayers.
Just send those dust bunnies my way - they can keep mine company! :)
Can someone in your extended family make meals and freeze them for your mom to heat up later?
Thanks for the idea Barb! One or possibly two of my sisters could probably make up some meals. Their young children wouldn't need a babysitter. I know that they would also appreciate being able to do something to help mom.
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