Sunday, January 24, 2010

Osteoporosis

Mom got the results from her bone density test back last week, and it showed signs of osteoporosis. This was a bit of a letdown, as she really doesn't want anything else to think about or have to take another prescription for. But, it is a fact... and therefore once a month she will be taking Boniva to build her bones back up.

The osteoporosis could have been there for quite awhile, as this was her first bone density test believe it or not. The chemo didn't help either, and make her weak all around.

She went to Trinity last week to get her port flushed and they were talking about doing the Boniva through an IV so that it would get her going sooner. After awhile she would take the pill form. BUT, it all depends on what the insurance company says! If they will pay for the IV prescription of Boniva, she'll do that, if they won't pay for it, she will take the pill. I'm dumbfounded on how much say an insurance company has over medications.

And recently, (couple of months ago), the insurance company told Mom where she had to go to purchase her prescriptions. She had always had her prescriptions filled at Northside, a family-owned pharmacy in Geneseo. Mom has known the Shannon's (owners) for decades and Tim has always been so helpful and went above and beyond for all his customers. Now she has to go fill her prescriptions at Walgreens (yes there is one in Geneseo now) because the insurance company says she has to, or they wouldn't pay for the prescriptions.

I know, I know... let's not get started on how this broken health-care system doesn't put health-care first...

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Jazzercise here she comes

The Iowa City visit went very well today, the doctor gave mom the clear to go back to Jazzercise. Her CA 125 level came in at an 8, which is an increase over the last CA 125 test she had a couple of weeks ago, however Dr. didn't seem too concerned. There will be fluctuations from time to time, a few points here and there, and is not an issue. If her CA125 level reaches 20 (the very highest mark is 35) then they will start to find out what is going on and discuss options. She'll be keeping her port in for awhile. No one is ready to take it out. She's ok with that as it doesn't bother her much.

She will go back to Iowa City in three months for another review. So, between now and April she'll be bouncing between Dr. Porubcin, getting her port flushed every four weeks, and then visiting Iowa City. The doctors are all keeping very good check on her, and that makes me feel better as they will be on top of it if she starts exhibiting other symptoms (bloating, etc.). For the time being, she's good to go and looking forward to Jazzercising her heart out.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Iowa City visit tomorrow

Mom had her bone density done yesterday - Dr. Porubcin wanted to see what those results would bring. It's an easy procedure so she was in-n-out. We go to Iowa City tomorrow to see Dr. DeGeest for a check-up. He wants to check her post-surgery progress and talk about anything she needs to talk about. Mom is hoping that Dr. DeGeest will give her the green light to go back to Jazzercise.

Yesterday she volunteered at Hammond Henry Hospital and clocked 2.5 miles on her pedometer! I don't know what they had her doing but she did a lot of walking around. And handled the activity pretty well although she said her hip was sore this morning.

Scotty and I went out to see her on Sunday and we went out for lunch (Culver's of course) and she was feeling pretty good despite the cold weather. The hair that has grown back thus far is mostly gray (if not white) so it will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of months.


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