From 280, to 40, to 6 ...
What does this mean? These are the results of the cancer cell count from Mom's blood work. This was what we were told this week, and this is great news! The downside is that MDA continues to hit Mom with the heavy chemo, and that means it will be several months until she'll be her old self again. But "several months" has a nice sound to it...right?

Mom's birthday is next Wednesday! Send her cards to my address below!

Monica (Wiseman) Latin came by to see mom last night (9/21/07).

MDA Results: Great response to chemo — more to come...
Last Wednesday mom, dad and Dawn (Charisse) went to MD Anderson. The blood work showed mom's blood cancer cell count was at 40, down from 280 - the results in the view that the cancer is no longer growing and under control (for the time being)! So the doctor ordered a more lengthy chemo session and added another, more potent chemo mixture, and that she stay overnight for monitoring.

Mom endured the treatment (asleep most of the time) for several hours. They then hydrated her though most of Thursday and released her that later afternoon. Since mom's been back, she's slept most of the time. They also prescribed a drug that will improve her appetite.

It appears we will be going back next week for another round of the same chemo regiment - will report then how things are going.

Picture of mom with my wife, Suzanne, at the Water Street Oyster Bar in San Antonio on 9/15/07.

Visit at MD Anderson
Anyone who's been to MD Anderson would understand my description - it is a massive collection of physicians, nurses and patients. It's overwhelming to say the least - what a business cancer is. It makes you wonder what would happen to the US economy if a cure were discovered...

We met with Dr. Millikan who is about 6'3" but speaks very softly. His bedside manner was the best we've encountered so far - it was apparent his concern and compassion for mom. Clearly, this is a bad cancer. He outlined goals and objectives, which includes a regimen that initially includes a moderate treatment intended to get mom's strength up while minimizing the pain she's been experiencing. If it works, then we will move to a more aggressive treatment.

That was three weeks ago...

Mom went to MDA today and she's responding notably well to the treatment, so they will give her a stronger dose and keep her overnight for observation. This is good news!

Also, Mom's birthday is October 3. If you'd like to send her anything, please send it to:

Rita Harlien
c/o Mark Harlien
126 Abiso
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-710-4491 (my cell)

Mom's getting better, every little bit...
Mom's had two really good days. On Saturday, she was alert and did a set of exercises. On Sunday, she doubled her exercises and walked around the house! She ate (mostly) well on both days, but she really sucks down the Boost. We hope she will continue improvements, but we just go day-by-day at this point (picture shown is mom and Suzy at a San Antonio **healthy** Mexican restaurant called Adelante). She still has significant pain in the surgery area and down her leg - she can only walk for so long until it is unbearable. And unfortunately, yesterday her new companion, our dog Jax, jumped on her as she was lying on the couch and hit her stomach area. This is likely the source of her pain today.
Mom and dad are looking to stay longer and are concerned about their dogs. They are looking for someone to take over watching and feeding them at their house. If anyone can do this, please email me or call.