CT Scan Results & Holidays

Results

Mom and Dad met with Dr. Xiong yesterday to hear the latest CT scan and lab work results. Clinically, Mom is doing well. The Cancer Markers came down to 42,000 (139,000 at diagnosis) and her red blood cells, white blood cells and liver function all slightly declined, but were still okay. Also, she looks good overall and is in much less pain. These are all blessings!

However, the CT scan showed that the largest tumor in the liver has grown and there are multiple small tumors forming around the large tumor. This was difficult news to hear and surprising, especially because her liver pain has decreased substantially. 

Moving forward, they are planning to do three more rounds (over six weeks) of the current chemo, FOLFIRINOX, with a slight modification in a couple medications to hopefully reduce the side effects. They will meet with the doctor every two weeks to reevaluate. Her next chemo will begin this Thursday (1/15), as scheduled.

We appreciate you continuing to lift Mom and Dad up in prayer. For those that would like specific prayer requests, please pray for her body to remain strong throughout chemo, for the tumors to miraculously shrink, for the pain to continue to decline, for the side effects to subside and for the best medical decisions to be made. Also, please continue to pray for her support system, most importantly, our amazing Dad. We remain hopeful this treatment will make a difference, along with your prayers and love! Mom has been incredibly strong throughout this entire journey and Dad has been so supportive.

A Coats Holiday!

Even through Mom's treatment and recovery time, we had lots of fun, shared many laughs and made memories at Thanksgiving and Christmas! Thanksgiving was wonderful, even with the Cowboy loss. :) Dad was so sweet and did most of the decorating and gift wrapping for Christmas. We had our usual busy Christmas Day, starting at Mom & Dad's house, going to the Mobley's for lunch, then back at Mom & Dad's for Coats' Christmas that evening. Mom was even able to make Christmas dinner with help from Dad. It was the perfect day.

Mobley / Wyatt / Coats / Cervenka / Powell Thanksgiving -- Go Cowboys!

Coats / Karaguleff / Cervenka Thanksgiving Dinner

Cedar Ridge Dental Christmas Party -- Mom's Work Family

Haleigh & Elaine helped decorate Mom & Dad's house for Christmas!

Granna & Granddaddy gave Jillian new ornaments for her tree // After Christmas Eve Service

Merry Christmas Night

PS ~ All comments are shared with Mom & Dad. Thanks so much! :)

Latest Update on Mom

It's been a while, but we're back with an update! Mom has now completed 15 rounds of chemo, including 5 of the stronger chemo (FOLFIRINOX) she started in November. She and Dad both had a bad cold after her first round of the new chemo and that was crazy. She still struggles with a cough due to asthma and the cold weather, but we're hopeful and pray they both get through the rest of cold and flu season without any other major illnesses.

Ready for infusion -- isn't she beautiful?!
She even wore her blue hair and Cowboy gear to chemo before a big game!

Cancer Markers, Side Effects & Liver Tumors
It has been a roller coaster with the cancer markers over the last several months. They spiked to 93,000 at the November 20th appointment (they have been as low as 22,000 and as high as 139,000 when she was diagnosed). The doctor said not to be too alarmed, because many times the count is inflated after changing chemos. Thankfully, they came down to 63,000 at the December 18th appointment and Mom, Dad and the doctor were pleased with the substantial decrease.

Mom's white blood cell counts have been recovering, especially with the help of the Neupogen shots she gives herself after each round of chemo. Her red blood cell counts are decreasing and the doctor expects she will need a transfusion at some point. She has had an increasing amount of fatigue in the last couple weeks, so this could be in the near future. If you are interested in donating blood in Mom's name, we are gathering that information and will share it on the blog soon.

The side effects have been hard on Mom with the lack of energy and nausea being the most difficult. The three days during chemo are the hardest and it usually takes about a week after starting chemo for her to feel pretty good again.

The pain from the tumors in her liver has been much better over the last few weeks. It had gotten pretty tough during November and early December, so this has been a blessing and we're praying it's a sign the treatment is working and "killing the cancer," as Mom says! The doctor also said the tumors felt smaller and softer during the last physical exam.

CT Scan & Update Tomorrow
Mom had another CT scan today (1/12) and we are praying for miraculous news tomorrow! The doctor will review the CT scan with Mom and Dad tomorrow, along with the results from her blood work, including cancer markers, red and white blood cells and other items.

Please continue to pray with us for Mom and her heroic fight. We are so incredibly grateful for your support of Mom and Dad throughout this journey. We will provide another update tomorrow... along with a few holiday pics!