I just miss you mom.

I think about you everyday. I dream about you all the time. This it makes hard to wake up. I wish we could back in time. I wish you were here. I love you and I miss you so.

Some time has passed....

I know it's been some time since I last posted, but it's been really difficult trying to adjust to life without my mom. My family has had a hard time coming together. We are all very much apart right now and grieving in our own way. I currently am seeing a counselor to help. Life has been so lonely and it's been really trying.

I do have a new phone number but anyone can reach me through this email.

Thank you and God bless!

Mom honored by Texas Senate

Mom has been presented with Senate Proclamation 609 which Senator Jeff Wentworth sponsored in memory of Cindy Sue Derby Hudson.

With this proclamation, the Texas Senate officially recognizes Cindy's civic and professional leadership. She will be remembered as an exemplary citizen whose contributions to her community positively affected the lives of many people. This proclamation will remain in the permanent records of the Texas Senate in her honor.

A special note from Senator Wentworth: "I grieve with you in the loss of your mother. May her noteworthy contributions to family, friends and neighbors be remembered with praise and gratitude."

Viewing and Last Respects

Viewing and last respects:
Family viewing is from 4-5pm, public viewing is 5-7pm

Friday, May 4, 2012
5pm to 7pm
Mission Park Funeral Chapels
3401 Cherry Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78230

Funeral Service:

Saturday, May 5, 2012
12:00pm
Mission Park Funeral Chapels
3401 Cherry Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78230

Mom has passed...

Mom, please be at peace. I hope that tomorrows viewing and saturdays is service is how you wanted it. My brothers and I are trying really hard. I still cant believe all of this. I keep waiting and praying. I understand, but I don't. I know life isn't fair, but this just seems too much. I love you mom. Everyone loves you. You have been an amazing inspiration and angel and saviour to so many people. Please be at peace and know that you have raised 3 strong, resilient children. Our love is with you and we know you are always with us and watching over us.
-Vanessa

Thank you everyone so much for the thoughts and prayers regarding the passing of our mother, Cindy Sue Hudson. She was a great mother and incredibly strong woman. She is at peace now and will be deeply missed.
-Hudson family
Funeral arrangements are below:

Viewing and last respects:

Friday, May 4, 2012
5pm to 7pm
Mission Park Funeral Chapels
3401 Cherry Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78230

Funeral Service:

Saturday, May 5, 2012
12:00pm
Mission Park Funeral Chapels
3401 Cherry Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78230

Still here and resting peacefully

It has been a really rough month. Mom has really declined so fast and now that we are at the end time seems so slow. I think in the family we are all exhausted and emotionally drained. I know I feel like a bit of a zombie. My brothers are here and one is in the living room resting on the couch and the other upstairs trying to get a little rest too. I am in the room with mom and the hospice nurse. My brothers and I are helping each other and are beginning to tell stories together and share in laughter.

Today has been the most peaceful. She has been so restless, but today she has been calm. Her breathing is stable, slowed but steady at about 15 breaths per minute. Her heart is slowed and she is sleeping but does wake a little and hears us talk to her and pray with her.

She wanted to make to today, wednesday May 2. She has officially made it a year since she was told it was cancer. Even though her official diagnosis of cancer wasn't till friday the 13th of May last year, she was told it was most probably cancer before then and that they just needed to figure out what type. So she has now made it one year.

I think May 2nd holds another meaning for her, but I'm not sure what. Throughout her battle with cancer each change in treatment or condition has coincided with some form of a holiday. I'd be curious to know if anyone knows if May 2nd has another special meaning to her that maybe we as the children don't know.

If she does pass on tonight, my older brother has let me know that the memorial will be friday and the service on saturday. There's still a lot of work to do, but my brothers have done a really great job trying to organize her affairs.

Anyway, I will write more tomorrow.

God bless! And thank you for your continued prayers.

-Vanessa

Transitioning

My brothers and I are with mom at her side. She has begun to transition again and is passed the stage of terminal restlessness. She is now calm and her breathing has slowed as well as her heartbeat. We are together with her and she knows she is loved by everyone. Thank you all.

She is ready to let go, no more visitors...

She is in so much pain and has verbalized that it is torture. She is asking for help to pass on. All we can do is give her more drugs to try to take the pain away so that she can let go. Her body is in a state of terminal restlessness. My brothers and I are with her and even though her mind is ready, her body is not. Hopefully she will relax enough and go home peacefully. Thank you for prayers and God bless.

Hospice at Home and Care Calender

Hello All. Cindy is home now. She was brought to house yesterday. While a hospice nurse will be there at all times, a friend or family member must be present too. Many people have asked what they can do to help, we have set up a care calendar. We a...sk that you sign up for a amount of time to sit with Cindy. The Link to the website is http://carecalendar.org/logon/111140 The Calendar ID: 111140 and the Security Code is: 4483 All further details are on the care calendar. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. The Hudson KidsSee More

CareCalendar - Filling the needs

carecalendar.org

Web based system to organize meals and other help for families during a time of illness or life changing event, such as the birth of a baby or death of a family member

Hospice and Mom are at the house.

So mom is home and mostly resting. Hospice is here at the house and she is in a hospital bed that they brought in and is receiving oxygen. We are trying to get ahead of the pain, but hospice is slowly increasing the dosages of her pain meds. She still has swelling but it has gone down. We encourage all visitors to come to the house. There is nothing else we can do except be near her and pray. It is a very difficult time and there is tension in the family. Everyone's emotion are raw and it is hard to express ourselves. Anyway, call or come visit. We appreciate all your prayers and support.

God bless.

-Nessa

Advice

Haas Blaag: Advice From Haas: 1. If you love someone make sure they know it 2. Don't take things for granted 3. Live your life to the fullest 4. Enjoy the great da...

Mom is in room 888 on the 8th floor at Methodist hospital.

Still in ICU and trying to get a room, trying to get her home.

Please visit her at Methodist. She is in ICU still but should move to oncology in the morning. 8th floor is oncology. She will be able to have visitors at any time and we appreciate it and accept it. Please show your love. It is one thing to write it, it is another to show it. I know that everyone can't because of travel, distance, personal issues and what not. I know and appreciate your love, but if you want my mom to know please come and let her see your face and feel it herself. Even if it is for a minute. She will then know for herself. The most I can express is my own true love for my mother. I cannot express the love of others. I, my mom, and my family appreciate your love and support. Thank you all and God bless.

-Vanessa L. Hudson

Mom is in ICU and in a lot of pain. Surgery was not able to be performed.

Surgery was unsuccessful. Mom is in ICU at methodist hospital. The doctor had opened her up to see if they could do the procedure and what he saw was that her lung was completely encased by tumors. She is in ICU and trying to heal as much as possible. Our hope is to be able to take her home by end of weekend so that we can all be there together with her and she can be as comfortable as possible at... home. She is in a lot of pain constantly and she is unable to talk most the time. She is on pain meds and antibiotics. It is really hard to see her like this. I just want her wishes to be carried out and if anyone needs to make peace with her please contact to make arrangements. I don't want to lose her. This is so difficult. She is loved and God is with her!

 

Room 787 on 7th floor of Methodist Hospital. Visiting hours are 10-2, 4-7, and 9-11pm. Thank you all.

 

-Vanessa

Decortication

Decortication
In thoracic surgery, decortication refers to a surgical procedure done to free a fibrous capsule that has formed around the lung, secondary to an inflammatory process, such as an infection. Ordinarily there is a potential space between the lung and the inside of the chest wall, with this space "lubricated" by a thin layer of fluid. In some conditions, such as pneumonia, or after an episode of bleeding in the chest, this space can fill with fluid which can eventually solidify and form a capsule around the lung. As the capsule grows, it can entrap the lung and cause problems with breathing. In a decortication operation, the surgeon works to remove this capsule and free the lung so that it can function normally.

The pleural lining surrounding an internal organ is either partially removed with the removal or several layers, or in some cases completely removed, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. The procedure can be performed on many of the major organs, such as the heart, liver, brain, although a majority of the time it’s performed on the lungs. There are a handful of conditions that can be successfully treated with decortication.

How Decortication Can Help With Many Different Conditions

Through decortication excess (infected) fluid that has accumulated in the pleura lining of an organ is removed. This is fluid that when left untouched can build up to cause severe pain and discomfort, and when infected can cause severe illness and possibly death if left untreated. When dealing with fluid that isn’t infected decortication is used for relief rather than a cure. There are many illnesses that can cause fluid buildup in organs and while removing the fluid through decortication likely won’t completely solve the problem it will relieve most of the pain associated with the condition. When dealing with infected fluid decortication is a very effect cure, as the fluid buildup is caused by the infection itself; remove the infection and fluid accumulation will in most cases cease.

Is Decortication Safe and Effective?

Decortication is a procedure that holds a very low mortality rate; only 1-2% of patients die during, or due to decortication (the chances being much lower if you’re being seen by an experience surgeon). About 90% of patients see improvement of their symptoms and the most common side-effect, prolonged air leaks, only occurs in one of ten patients.

The Procedure – A Closer Look

Thanks to modern technology decortication is usually a very simple procedure. The procedure differs very little when done on different organs. Open decortication is not recommended unless absolutely necessary – it can cause significantly more scarring and possible complications.

Lung Decoritcation Surgery

1. The patient is laid out horizontally and sedated through the use of anesthesia. Once the patient is completely unconscious the surgeon makes a small posterolateral thoracotomy incision (incision made on one side of the chest used to enter the chest wall) about 2-4 centimeters long. An index finger is used to enter the incision to fully inspect and asses the severity of the present infection.
2. A Thoracoport is inserted and attached to a camera and TV – this will act as the surgeon’s “eyes” during the surgery, allowing the surgeon to perform the surgery without making any large incisions.
3. Fibrous deposits on the Lung and chest wall are removed through the use of a suction device. A second Thoracoport is inserted to prevent the lung from attaching itself to the chest wall while the suction device is used. Deposits that cannot be removed with the suction device are removed using medical forceps. Completely removing fluid from the costo-phrenic sulcus is stressed to prevent any kind of future immobility. When the lung is fully dethatched from the chest wall the surgeon can proceed to the next step.
4. A third Thoracoport incision is made, which will also serve as a forcep entry. This incision is identical to the first. A dissection planeis created between the lungs and tissue surrounding the lungs – the layer surrounding the lungs is fully dissected and separated from the lung. Forceps are then used to remove the dissected tissue. This process of steps 3 and 4 continue for 1-4 hours as the lung is completely decorticated and the pleural peel is completely removed.
5. When the entire pleural lining is removed two chest tubes are inserted through two of the Thoracoport incisions. The operated cavity is then rinsed with a Salt solution to ensure sterility and the operated lung is inflated to end the surgery.

Post-Decortication Recovery

Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for several days, up to a week, after surgery to assist in recovery and ensure no serious complications arise. The first few days after surgery the chest wall usually continues to lose a little blood and there’s also the possibility of air leaks occurring during the first week after surgery. After about a week or so patients can safely go home where they’re expected to rest for another 3-4 weeks while the operated areas fully heal; if the decortication was performed on a lung deep breathing exercises are recommended to help strengthen the muscles as well as promote flexibility. It’s very important to avoid physical activities during the first 2 months of recovery. Any kind of blow dealt to the chest area could potentially open partially-healed wounds inside.

In Cancer:

A procedure involving lung decortication is usually recommended when the patient’s lung is not able to fully expand due to the collapsed tissue that encases the lung. This causes breathing problems and often pain. It is also a procedure that is used to clear away malignant tissue, if the disease has set in around the lungs. To reduce the risk of lung damage, this operation has to be performed with extreme care. In addition to clearing away the tissue, the surgeon also has to locate and drain any fluid or pus that has accumulated. A successful decortications of the lung can yield a beneficial sigh of relief for the patient, but not all people are considered good candidates for this procedure. It is up to the surgeon to determine if the operation should be performed on an individual.

Surgery in the morning

So surgery is tomorrow. They will take her in at about 10am and the surgery is at about 11. It will take time and it is a high risk and invasive procedure. It should go well and she will be moved to ICU after. Hopefully this will eleviate her pain and help her to be more comfortable. Thank you all.

Major surgery is scheduled for monday morning... It is a serious concern, but I believe in her strength

okay well mom has been moved to the oncology floor at Methodist hospital (8th floor). She has been having trouble breathing and the fluid in the pleural space has basically congealed in a way to where it is not draining and thus building and pushing on the right lung. The thoracic dr and pulmonologist have conferred and decided to perform a major surgery on the pleural lining. It is called decortication. It is very serious and we all have to keep positive and maintain our faith in the Lord. I will write more tomorrow. God bless and continued prayers.

Moved to oncology floor

Mom is still in hospital. They were going to let her come home last night but then after looking at chest x-ray the doctor saw that there were fluid pockets in the pleural lining that were crushing the right lung and making it difficult to breathe. They discussed repositioning the pleural drain but instead performed another thoracentesis. She will see a pulmonologist this morning. Other than that she is okay and really just wants to come home. They have moved her to the oncology floor because she may wind up staying through next week and receive her chemo treatment there. She may also get another blood transfusion cuz her red blood count is low. Will update more later.

Still recovering, but with some difficulty breathing

Mom will be in hospital through weekend most likely. She is getting oxygen now because it is really difficult to breathe and of course she still has the pleural drain in her back and the infection in her leg is going down, but will take time to heal. She is in a lot of pain and so with IV fluids and IV antibiotics she is now getting IV pain medicine. Continued prayers. Her will is strong and she is antsy to get out of the hospital, but it is good that she is under observation and getting fluids. Thank you all.

Recovery

Mom is healling nicely, but last night they did give her another blood transfusion. Hopefully she will be feeling much better and going home this weekend. It was good that she went to hospital when she did because this infection (tho bad enough) could've been worse. It is still draining and the swelling is gone and looks like it is lessening. She is getting pumped full of antibiotics and though she's uncomfortable, she is doing much better!!! Thank you all!

Surgery went well.

MOm was only in surgery for about 30 minutes but it took a while because of the anesthesia. She is doing well and is resting tonight. She has had some visitors which has been really great for her. She is uncomfortable, but doing much better. Thank you all!! She will most likely be at hospital all week to monitor the healing infection. We get the culture results tomorrow and she will be evaluated again in the morning. Here is to hoping that everything heals well and the way its supposed to!

Surgery at Methodist today.

Unfortunately, mom will have to undergo the surgery on her leg. They will cut her leg open to see how it looks and what is going on inside. They may just be able to drain it, but they may be cutting out the infection from her leg. This is really scary because we don't know what is going on inside her leg with the infection. She is in room 304 at methodist hospital, but surgery is scheduled at 4:30. She is scared, we all are. She will come out of the surgery and be groggy as she will be out. Hopefully her body will recover nicely from it and the infection will dissipate and heal. Continued prayers and faith always!!!

Gonna be at Methodist for the week....

Well mom has a staff infection and they are trying to control it. Her infection has spread in the leg a bit more, but the swelling has gone down some. They are using a heating pad to try to get the infection to localize to one area so that it will stop spreading. If the antibiotics don't kick in and start reducing the infection by tomorrow then the doctor will lacerate her leg and try to relieve t...he infection. We'll see what happens. She is still at Methodist in the medical center and getting IV antibiotics twice a day. She is okay, but will not be working this week downtown. Her immune system is week so it will take longer for her to heal than most people would with an infection. We are not really sure how she got it, but she's been in and out of dr's offices, giving lots of blood, and getting injections, fluids all kinds of things. It could've been a small scractch, abrasion, anything. Anyway, she will get better, but it will take some time. Thank you and God bless.
-Nessa

Doing okay, but at Methodist hospital for an infection

Okay well today mom went to the ER because she has been having fever and she has an infection in the skin in her right leg. They took a CT Scan of her leg and abdomen and the great news is that there are no new tumors and the infection is just that, an infection. Its an infection like strep that will take a couple days to go away. It most likely started from a small abrasion or tiny cut that never... would have been noticed. The doctor says the reason the infection became so bad is becuase her immune system is compromised the way it is. She did receive antibiotics already and is getting fluids. She has now been admitted and will stay at Methodist in the medical center for a couple days under observation and to just keep an eye on the swelling and make sure it goes down. At first when she arrived they notified a surgeon just in case they needed to do surgery. The hope is that becuase antibiotics were administered early enough that it will fight the infection and she will be just fine. She is doing well tonight and is resting. She has her own room and is responding to text messages and email. Anyway, thank you all for your continued support, love, and prayers.

 

-Vanessa

Back at Methodist hospital for the night because of an infection.

Well, unfortunately mom is in the hospital again. She is resting. She called the on call oncologist at the START center because she had a bump on the back of her leg and overnight it seemed to enlarge quite a bit. The oncologist said to go ahead and go to the ER at Methodist in the Medical Center. She is there now and is resting and getting fluids and antibiotics. They did a scan of her leg and it shows that it is an infection of some sort. Anyway, the antibiotics are necessary and will help. She is going to be admitted again for observation of the infection. She will be alright tonight, but we are waiting for her to get a room. God bless you all and thank you.

Buzzed head and wigs!

This week Mom buzzed her head and is looking like a young Sinead O'conner! I love it!! She looks really cute and the wig she wears is a nice cut! I really like it. Anyway, she is doing okay. The chemotherapy has many side effects and she is feeling the fatigue pretty strongly. She is still making out downtown to work and doing what she can!So mom has been having fun with her buzzed head and wearing the wigs this week.

On wednesday, she was leaving the courthouse and though always being fatigued, she became very hot and pulled the wig off her head and strutted her stuff very proudly down the courthouse steps! (I think it was a fun moment for her to let it all out!). She is resting this weekend and did have fever again last night. We think the tumor fever may be back. Its been a difficult journey, but we continue to take it one day at a time. I pray that we all find peace on earth and forgiveness in our hearts. Thank you all!

-Vanessa

Easter was good, mom is okay... but new treatment side effects are kicking in

Easter mom and John and Darinka went to church which was really nice. After that I met them for brunch and we ate at the Egg and I. It was good and of course it was a beautiful day!! Mom went home and spent the remainder of the day resting. Her second round of chemo IV infusion was last wednesday and so now the side effects are kicking in. This round of chemo is Taxol (taxotere) and Carboplatin combined. It is extremely fatiguing to the body and her hair has officially come out and so on monday she buzzed the rest of it. I think she looks really cute like a young Sinead O'Conner. She is still working half days and resting at home in the afternoons.

Tomorrow we have a doctors appointment where she will get IV fluids with iron and some medicine that helps red blood cells (I forgot the name). Anyway, this is to prevent her from having another blood transfusion. We will also be scheduling her biopsy of the lymph node that is kinda protruding from her neck. The biopsy will confirm what is going on with her lymphatic system and see if the cancer has moved there or not officially.

She is well, but she is really tired. Please contact me if you need to get a hold of her and are not able to get through. She hasn't really been answering her phone much. Thats okay though. Anyhoo, well good luck and God bless!!!

-Vanessa

Its hard keeping up with everything that needs to be done...

I apologize for my delay in posting over the last month... Other than my mom going through cancer, I am having other difficulties in my life. I understand that it is my responsibility to be here and help (which I do), but I have lacked a bit in giving updates. I hope that all our readers can appreciate that it is difficult and I am doing what I can. It is easier to update on facebook, so those of you who have a facebook account you can like our Cindy Sue Hudson's Cancer Fighters page. I will post here weekly until things settle down in my life a bit more. I am trying to get situated and move back in with mom (as my marriage has failed), I am also in school again taking my prereqs for nursing school, I have started a wonderful part time job, and am still taking care of mom and helping her with her work and everything else.

Mom is doing well this weekend and we hope to have a great Easter Sunday! God bless!

-Vanessa

Treatment 5, round 2 of intravenous chemo was a tough start for the week

Well last week we were in the hospital for fluids because of dehydration and this week we wound up in the hospital for blood transfusion.

Mom is doing much better, but wednesday was really tough. Its been an emotional rollercoaster and we all have frustrations in fighting this cancer. Its just really difficult knowing that mom is in pain and is uncomfortable all the time.

Anyway, wednesday I picked up mom and drove her to the START center for IV chemo treatment of carboplatin and taxol. It takes time to get set up and started with the chemo treatment and they do bloodwork first to check her vitals. Well, her vitals came back and showed her hemoglobin was really really low. Since her red blood count was so low we were informed that she needed a blood transfusion. She's never had one and it was a little scary to think about, but we had to get through the chemo treatment for the day.
Mom was feeling pretty bad and was hurting and weak. They hooked her up for chemo, but the iv drip was too fast and mom wound up having an allergic reaction. Her blood pressure and oxygen dropped and her heartrate rose very high. She became flushed and dizzy and couldn't breathe. She began to crash from anaphylactic shock. My older brother was by her when it happened and it was certainly hard to see her go through it. The nurses immediately stopped the chemo drip and gave her intravenous benadryl. Her body was able to recover and we waited to try the chemo again when she stabilized. The benadryl knocked her out pretty good and she was able to sleep after that. After a while they started the chemo drip again, but at a slower pace and she was good. We were there all day long and I think we finished at the START center around 6:30/7pm. From there we left and headed over to the Methodist hospital off Medical drive to get her admitted for the blood transfusion.

We were on the first floor in the Clinical transition Unit and we had a comfortable nook for her lie in and they drew more blood to match for the transfusion. Its a very interesting process and I wish I could've given my blood, but my mom is A positive and my blood is A negative. She wouldn't have been able to use it. I will still donate, but I've been pretty exhausted and busy the last couple weeks. Just a lot going on.

Anyway, they didn't start the transfusion till around 10pm and we were done around 5:30am, but we were able to leave around 6am. We stopped for breakfast tacos and then went home. I tried to nap for a little while, but I was unsuccessful. Its been a long day, but I hope to get a lot done this weekend. There's just so much to do and not enough time or help.

Please if anyone has any questions don't hesitate to email or respond. I do put up more updates on the facebook page, but I know not everyone has a facebook.

Thank you all again for your love and support!

-Vanessa Hudson

The San Antonio Ladies Empowering Group on Friday Night!!!

Hope to see you there!
Friday, March 30, 2012
7:00pm until 10:00pm
Al Bustan Mediterrenian Resturant, 4841 Fredricksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 525-1231

Start of the week was in the hospital, but everything is good and mom is okay!!!

So mom was doing alright over the weekend after getting fluids last week, but was really fatigued and feeling weak. Then on Sunday she was having difficulty breathing and was having pain. We called the on call doctor at the START center and they told us to go ahead and go to the Methodist hospital ER. They also called ahead and let them know we were coming. The difficulty breathing was brought on by fluid building up again around the lung. When we arrived they brought us to the back and put us in a room where mom was able to get IV fluids, be put on oxygen, an ekg was done, and x-rays were done. The consensus was that the fluid needed to be drained, but being that it was a Sunday night in the ER they wanted to go ahead and admit mom for the night so that she could easily have the procedure done the next day. Monday morning, our oncologist confered with the hospital and it was decided that not only would the fluid be drained but an outpatient surgery where they install a pleural tap (a tube that is inserted through the back in the pleural space outside the lung). This pleural tap will provide a constant drain for the fluid being produced so that it won't build up and crush the lung. She is feeling sore and it is uncomfortable, but it has helped her to be able breathe easier. They kept her overnight on monday again for observation. She was released tuesday morning and then she was off downtown to work that afternoon. She is strong and continues to fight.

Please if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

God bless and good night!

-Vanessa

Dehydration is a major issue, here's why...

So, last wednesday (the 14th) mom started chemotherapy again because the trial drugs just haven't been working. Her cancer has grown in her lungs and all the medications she had been taking were affecting her liver. Her liver is okay though. Its just been working really hard to process all the medications. She is very dehydrated, and so the doctor has ordered her to get fluids every couple days when she feels up to it. Her vitals also show that she is malnutritioned- low albumin levels (when they test for albumin levels in your blood, they are checking your protein levels in the blood plasma that are water soluble).

*Dehyrdation: "The two types of dehydration, chronic dehydration and acute dehydration, can be caused by many things. The most common are: flu, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, malnutrition, and plain old failure to replenish liquids lost from sweating and urination (Not drinking enough water). Many illnesses and diseases can trigger acute dehydration due to the increased body temperature and sweating that usually occur. This is why your doctor tells you to drink plenty of fluids when you are ill. Your body uses fluids to expel toxins as well as to keep your system flexible, lubricated and running smoothly. Dehydration and blood pressure problems often go hand in hand due to the loss of electrolytes.

If the dehydration is allowed to continue unabated (without reduction in strength or intensity), when the total fluid loss reaches 5% the following effects of dehydration are normally experienced:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiration
• Decreased sweating
• Decreased urination
• Increased body temperature
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tingling of the limbs

(information from http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/ )"-all legit information.

Let it be known that mom has been experiencing all of these side effects. This morning I picked her up and drove her to START so that she could get IV (intravenous) fluids to help rehydrate her. Every time we arrive the first thing the nurses do is take blood to check her vitals and they get her blood pressure, heart rate, and O2 (oxygen) levels. Her heart rate was at 181. This is an extremely high heart rate for someone who isn't at the gym and doing an extremely hard cardio workout. To give you an idea of what this means I will explain maximum heart rate:
Maximum heart rate is the highest heart rate an individual can safely acheive through exercise. Maximum heart rate depends on a persons age. To find your maximum heart rate subtract your age from 220; e.g. 220 - 39 = a maximum heart rate of 181 for a person age 39.
Mom is 56, so you can see that 181 is way too high of a heart rate for her age as well as the fact that she was in a state of rest and has been very weak. Needless to say, the nurses gave her a liter of fluids and that really helped. Her heart rate lowered and when we left they checked her again and her HR (heart rate) was at 108. 108 is not ideal, but it is A LOT better. They only gave 1 liter of fluids because really when you are trying to hydrate a person, you don't want to give more than that as the person will just pee it out. That is why 1 liter a day or every other day is good as it will slowly absorb into her organs. If we were trying to flush her liver or get something out of her system then the nurses would give more than that and then the goal would be to pee it out. So, we will go back tomorrow and get more fluids in the afternoon. She is feeling much better this evening and I will pick her up in the morning and take her to work. She's fighting this with all that she is!!!!
God bless her!!!

Thank you all.

-Vanessa

Walk, Run, Wag 5K by the Petco Foundation on April 1st

Mom and I will be walking this 5K on April 1st, 2012 (a sunday) at 8am. I encourage everyone and anyone who like to join us to come out. It is in support of local charities for animals. We are animal lovers and will be out there to help support and of course it will be wonderful to just be outside with mom and our German shepherd/lab doggie, Bathsheba.

The official website is www.walkrunwag.com
Walk or run a 5K or 1 Mile course with your dog, or without a dog. Register for either 5K or 1 mile. A portion of the proceeds from your registration will benefit local pet charities in the San Antonio area through the Petco Foundation.

Be sure to sign-up and receive your member DISCOUNT CODE for 20% off any registration through the website early!

Additional Date Information

5km & 5K9 Run/Walk - 8am
1MI & 1MI K9 - 9am

Address

PETCO Headquarters
654 Richland Hills Drive San Antonio, TX

Fees

5k9 & 5km-$39/ 1M K9 & 1M - $24

Enjoy and we hope to see you out there!

-Vanessa

Chemotherapy again - 5th line treatment.

Today I picked mom up and took her to the doctors for chemotherapy again. No more clinical trials right now because of the growth of the cancer and the pain she has been experiencing. We believe that because she did so well with the chemo last year, she will again have success with it. This time she is getting Carboplatin (she had it last time as well and worked) combined with Taxol (she has not tried this one and I will post info later). She did well today. They gave her pain medicine and she was a little loopy, but she seemed better today than she has in a couple days. The chemo does wear you down and she may loose all her hair now (they told her she would last year, but she didn't lose it all. It does fall out so it most likely will, but after chemo is out of her system, it will grow back!). I don't know how many rounds of it she will have to do and radiation may become a suggestion down the road for a few hot spots where most pain is, but for now we wait and see what happens. She will also experience nausea (which has already started) and a side effect of the Taxol is mouth sores. She may not be able to talk as much because of the dehydration and dryness, but her energy is up and she looked great this morning and of course she is still going everywhere in her high heels!!!!

-Vanessa

More obstacles this week, the most pain yet, but doctor is positive about finding a solution!

Hello everyone, I apologize first for the delay in posting. I have been having a problem with my laptop the last week and a half, besides helping mom in the current battle against her constant pain and frustration.

Today I picked up mom at the house at 7am and we made it to the Doctors for an 8am bloodwork. Mom has been in so much pain that it has been really difficult for her to get up and get ready. The pain is really taking a lot out of her. Perhaps part of the problem is finding a solution for managing the pain and trying to stay ahead of it rather than waiting for the pain to get so bad that she waits to take it.
When we made it to the doctors, the nurses saw how much pain she was in and even though our doctor appointment wasn't for another 2hours the doctor came out and ordered CT scans. She wasn't supposed to get the CT scans for a couple more weeks with the clinical trial she was on, but the amount of pain she was having suggests that the cancer has grown. We waited a few hours to get the scans and sure enough the cancer has grown rather aggressively. Fortunately it has not metasticized elsewhere though. So the cancer is not attacking any other organs or bone or brain! Though it has gotten bigger and is encroaching on the liver and rib. The doctor said no more of this trial drug and tomorrow I pick her up in the morning again to take her back to the doctors so that she can start conventional chemotherapy again. This time she is going to take a combination of carboplatin and taxol! Both are very good. She will have side effects, but as we have seen throughout this journey she is kicking cancers butt!!!

Anyway I am tired and will edit this post tomorrow. I haven't had much sleep in.... I couldn't even say. So, till tomorrow.. may everyone have a good night and keep your spirits up! God is with us and with my mom!!!

-Vanessa L. Hudson

Last weekend was the most difficul yet. 3/8/12

Friday night was okay with mom. We had a good night together talking and hanging out and spending time on the computer. Saturday, I was at house and was doing yard work while mom rested and was having pain and fever. Sunday, mom was not able to get out because the pain was becoming too much. It was hard to see her cry because of the pain. Monday, mom was not able to get up and go to work. It was very hard to see her so frustrated and hurting. I know she is sad and feeling awful. I know she is angry and depressed. There is no answer why, there is no answer of how this happened. Her cancer is the rarest of the rare and so is she is. She is fighting and has surpassed so much through all of this ordeal. She is amazing.
We went to the doctors on tuesday and we met with Dr. Rassco. He is a wonderful doctor at the START center and he informed us that "tumor fever" isn't necessarily good or bad because it is hard to determine what the cause is actually. He also noted the pain and suggested getting CT scans next week is a good idea see what is going on in her. She did receive fluids and was remarkably better on wednesday!!! She was able to get out and go downtown for work.
She is strong and stubborn! And determined to beat this!!!!

God bless!

-Vanessa Hudson

Hmmm....its friday night and this weather isn't helping..

Well, mom is resting after a long week of pulling through and getting downtown to help others. She is having this fever at night and it is now every night with night sweats and chills. Tonight she has started a cough. Its hard for her to sleep because she is in discomfort always. We see the doctor on tuesday and will find out what her vitals were from the blood draw this week and of course she will have more blood drawn and we will talk with the doctor about what this fever is. Mom wants to work tomorrow, but I feel that getting some rest will be good. We are planning on going to CBC on sunday to the 11am service. Continue with prayers. I'm hoping its just the weather....

Thank you

-Vanessa

Tumor Fever ... what is it? and does mom have it?

So we are in week 3 of the 4th treatment and the second clinical trial drug. Mom is probably taking 15 pills a day and that doesn't include the vitamins she should be taking (or the 7 that I want her to take anyway) and she definitely needs to hydrate more. Anyway, she's been having fever at night and last night it rose to 102.6. The fever is relatively new. It has been off and on, but it is now more frequent. Mom called the doctor this morning and he said it could be "tumor fever".

I am trying to research what "tumor fever" is and so far I'm not coming to a very conclusive discovery of what it is. I have discovered that it is difficult to diagnose because there are too many potential causes and it is hard to exclude them. Some of the potential causes include all the different meds she is taking and how they react with each other as well as individually their side effects alone could cause fever. Another possibility to include is the dehydration. Anyway, the point is that it may not actually be "tumor fever" and just a fever.

Now that I have said that, I will first explain the negative meaning of "tumor fever" and then I will give the good explanation, but try to keep in mind that it may not be "tumor fever" and know that mom is still getting up every day and continuing to stay strong and fight. She is in control of her life and this cancer is not controlling her. She will not succumb to it and she knows that God is with her and healing her too.

The bad:  'In solid malignancies, tumor fever is commonly associated with rapidly progressive metastatic disease and a limited survival. Liver metastases are present in many of these patients and some of them may display significant systemic inflammation. We report two unique patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung associated with tumor fever, necrotic liver metastases and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) driven leukocytosis(Conn Med. 2010 Aug;74(7):389-91).' This basically is just saying that when fever is caused by the tumor it means that it may reflect the growth or spread of a tumor and meaning it has spread to the liver.
*I would like to point out that mom's vitals show that her liver enzymes are in range and that is a good thing.

The good: I found one site where a patient noted that their oncologist stated that "tumor fever" is when the tumor cells start "melting" the toxins are released and that can cause fever. I also found another patient who has stated that "tumor fever" is a good thing and it means that the tumor is dying and that the dead tissue ends up in your liver and colon and this is what causes the fever.

Finally, the immune system in cancer patients is compromised and weakened so it could be caused by environmental factors. Right now in San Antonio the weather has been weird and its a cool humidity, wet, and overcast which is a perfect environment for bacteria and molds in the air and plenty of people are feeling sick and being affected by allergies.

If you have any more questions, concerns, or your own input I welcome it always.

Thank you and God bless!

-Vanessa

Lent and the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Brownsville, Texas

Rector's Reflections
Here it is, it's Lent.  I don't believe that it's a coincidence that it begins at a time of year that is unstable.  The coming of Spring is a season that seems to be trying to give birth to itself  The days are cold one day, hot the next, wet one week, dry the next, cloudy, sunny - you get the picture.  In a way, it's not unlike our spiritual lives at times, our relationship with God.  Actually, Spring is the perfect time to jump into the season of Lent for exactly that reason.  It matches us.

The goal, the plan for Spring is to produce beauty.  So is the heart of Lent.  When all the turmoil and vacillations of Spring and Lent are over, hopefully, something of joy and beauty will have arisen in us.  the important thing to remember here is that all this takes intentional effort.  Nature, God's skilled gardener, knows just what to do each year in preparing the soil, softening up the seeds, awakening the trees and flowers; each plant responds in its own way to the prodding of life with a steady and determined growth.

Our Lenten disciplines are much like the hand of that skilled gardener shaping and coaxing our souls to respond to what God has already planted in our souls and is now hoping will grow.  It is a real time of discovery.  It is a time of becoming who we were created to be.                
 
Faithfully,
 Fr. Reese+

ABOUT LENT                                                                                                  
Lent is the 40-day period of repentance and renewal preceding Easter.  It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter.  Holy Week, the week before Easter, is commemoration of the last days in the life of Jesus on earth.  Lent is the time set aside for meditation, prayer, fasting, self-denial, seeking forgiveness and holy works in God's Name.  Lent is several weeks in the church year for increased understanding of the life of Jesus of Nazareth -- his ministry, sacrifice, and death.  Lent is a special opportunity in which baptismal vows may be renewed and a new commitment may be made in one's faith and life.  Lent is a liturgical season that can help one prepare and experience the full joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day. 

Thank you for taking the time to read the Advent E-pistle.  If you have any comments or suggestions or would like to submit an article, please contact the church office at 542-4123 or secretary@adventbrownsville.org.

Side effects are really kicking in this week and its been painful for mom

I think mom is having a stronger mix of emotions this week. I think we all are. Mom is starting her 4th week of this new trial drug tomorrow and the side effects have started and are taking a toll. She has been in even more pain and is struggling more with keeping upbeat. She is doing her best and trying so hard. It is difficult to go about each day with the pain and changes. She is so wonderful to be around and is always helping others, but I see her trying to hide what she is really feeling and overall we just feel like crying.We, also, lost a good friend and a great man of God this last week who has been an ispiration for all humanity. He prayed with mom and was comforting, but he has returned home. He left behind a wonderful family and we are praying for them and know they will get through this and honor him.

There are just so many questions and confusion. There is depression and lonliness. There is a loss of identity. We all suffer in some way or another, but this by far the most difficult we are facing.

Mom will answer texts if you have her number and she will check email. Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers.

-Vanessa

Jeff Markin: Back from the Dead, Reborn Into the Light

Jeff Markin: Back from the Dead, Reborn Into the Light

God's message is clear and understood. Thank you.

This week went by really fast and I am thankful for that because mom starts her next treatment on tuesday. She goes in tomorrow just to give blood and then Valentine's day we will just be there in the morning. I really hope this one works.

I know God is working and is healing her. She is faithful, humbled, trusts in the Lord and is waiting patiently. Today we went to church at Oak Hills Church with Max Locado and is really wonderful. It was a little emotional for us because the theme was accepting, dealing with, and getting through trouble times and that here in this life we are in God's "waiting room". We must all be patient and trust in Him, and that He is working while we wait.

It was perfect and it was a perfect example of God's work. We needed to hear this message. Even though we believe and trust in His work, it was the icing on the cake just to hear the message through Locado and be comforted by his message.

So even though we are all waiting, we must accept the things we cannot change, have courage to change the things we can, and have faith in God's wisdom that he will guide us and direct our path.

Have a wonderful Sunday! Thank you.

-Vanessa

New Information on ALK resistant NSCLC

New Research in Resistance to Xalkori (crizotinib) for ALK-driven NSCLC

• By CraiginPA · Today at 1:34 am · 8 replies
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[Note: This is not a professional opinion, but a report of some very interesting research I read.]

There’s valuable information on resistance to Xalkori (crizotinib) in a newly-published article by Katayama & Shaw (as lead co-authors) and their colleagues in their article titled “Mechanisms of Acquired Crizotinib Resistance in ALK-Rearranged Lung Cancers” in the research journal Science Translational Medicine: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22277784
(Yes, that’s Alice Shaw, MD, PhD again, my oncologist at the Harvard-affiliated MGH in Boston.)

The research looked at just 18 patients with crizotinib-resistant cancer, but that’s enough to gain a lot of insight because of the deep lab analysis work done on those cancers. Although the odds of an individual having the different kinds of resistance won’t be reliable across all crizotinib patients, the value comes from being directionally insightful, not numerically precise.

For starters, only 28% (5/18) had either a resistant ALK mutation or an amplification of the ALK-fusion mutation. These are cases we’d hope would benefit from a 2nd generation ALK inhibitor. We don’t know if this percentage is representative of all crizotinib-resistant patients, but if it were it would imply only a “fair to good chance,” not a “likely chance,” that a 2nd generation ALK inhibitor would be helpful for crizotinib-resistant cancer.

The insights don’t end there, though. For example, the 2nd generation ALK inhibitors were found to vary in their effectiveness against the various resistant ALK mutations and might be less effective on the resistant cancer than crizotinib had been before resistance. And a couple of cases (2/18) developed an additional simultaneous route to bypass ALK inhibition via a gene called KIT.

Hmmm . . . That doesn’t sound so good. Is that all there is? Um, . . .

“There's one more thing” . . . (said in my best understated Steve Jobs / Detective Columbo voice*): . . .

If I’m reading the study correctly, most crizotinib-resistant ALK-driven cancer may have something you didn’t expect, and it might offer hope of being somewhat co-treatable with an additional inhibitor drug: EGFR! Not an EGFR mutation, but an over-active *normal* EGFR gene, pushing the cancer along. And it looks like this was found to some degree in almost every case they could test.

*(BTW, if you don’t understand the Steve Jobs / Detective Columbo reference, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevenote#.22One_more_thing....22)

=== Resistant ALK Mutation Variants ===

The first form of resistance is the emergence (in survival-of-the-fittest style) of drug-resistant variants of the ALK mutation (4/18 cases) and “amplification” of the ALK fusion mutation (1/18).

The four crizotinib-resistant ALK variant sequences in these patients are named L1196M (an important ‘gateway’ mutation), S1206Y, G1202R, and “1151T insertion”. (These would be in addition to some previously-reported ones named C1156Y and L1152R.) In the lab, S1206Y wasn’t as resistant as the other three, suggesting crizotinib might still slow some weakly resistant variants even if unable to stop them.

The team lab-tested three 2nd generation ALK inhibitor drugs (TAE684, CH5424802, and ASP3026) against some ALK mutations. I might be misinterpreting the data, but against the original ALK these three drugs and crizotinib looked comparably effective. Against the four resistant ALK mutations, their effectiveness varied and the best wasn’t always the same. None were as effective against the resistant mutations as crizotinib had been against the original ALK mutation (and none was very effective against 1151T ins).

At first glance this might suggest shrinkage might be less common when treating resistant mutations with 2nd generation ALK inhibitors, but neither LDK 378 nor Ariad AP26113 were tested or mentioned and only a few mutations were tested. So for now, I’ll remain hopefully optimistic that at least one drug will be found effective enough to do the job for a particular resistant ALK mutation for a while.

(BTW, the marketing material from Ariad on their own early lab work for AP26113 suggested it might work on many ALK variants, including T1151, L1152, C1156, I1171, F1174, V1180, R1181, L1196, L1198, G1202, E1210, E1241, F1245, I1268, G1269, Y1278, and S1206 [that last one requiring a very high dose]. I think most of these were synthetically mutated using lab techniques rather than naturally occurring in patients, but clearly some show up in patients and any of them potentially could.)

=== Amplified ALK Mutation ===

One patient had resistance from amplification of the original “ALK fusion” mutation. (I think this might be what some studies refer to as gene “copy number gain” (CNG).) Basically, it’s the same original ALK mutation, but just more of it, too much for the crizotinib to block it all.

Hypothetically, I’d guess this might mean that a higher dose of crizotinib might help a little more for a while if the patient’s health can tolerate the side-effects and the FDA allowed it, or maybe a 2nd generation ALK inhibitor might help for a while (if one is more potent or more narrowly targeted to the ALK mutation, e.g., maybe the TAE684 column in article’s graph 1E ). Your oncologist should be able to discuss whether something like this could be testable or treatable in an ALK-targeted way.

=== HSP90 Inhibitor ===

With that as context, the research team’s lab work also found that a different kind of inhibitor might sometimes be more effective than the ALK inhibitors they were testing. HSP90 (heat shock protein 90) assists ALK fusion proteins. HSP90 inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials. The research team tested the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG (a derivative of natural geldanamycin) and found it was highly effective against the ALK mutations they tested. At the concentration they used, it seemed more potent than all the other drugs they tested, but it also was potent against the normal non-mutated ALK gene, which could mean stronger side effects, too. Other clinical research studies will have to determine the right HSP90 inhibitor and dose level to balance effectiveness vs. tolerable level of side effects.

=== KIT Amplification ===

Two of the 18 ALK resistance cases also had a second simultaneous resistance mechanism: amplification (e.g., copy number gain) of the KIT gene which led to over-expression of both KIT protein and a KIT-assisting ligand called “stem cell factor” (SCF). In engineered cells this combination made the cells resistant to crizotinib, yet sensitive to crizotinib if KIT were inhibited using Gleevec (imatinib).

So apparently there can be multiple simultaneous mechanisms of resistance in crizotinib-resistant cancer cells. For patients whose resistance is known to involve KIT/SCF, it sounds promising that an existing drug might eventually be available to help control the KIT route.

=== EGFR Activation (Phosphorylation) ===

The big surprise was phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) mediated resistance, detected in all but one of the cases that could be tested. This is not an EGFR mutation, nor EGFR amplification (e.g., copy number gain), but EGFR activation (phosphorylation, i.e., charged up and working). FWIW, according the article this might possibly be caused by up-regulation of the EGFR receptor itself and two ligands (EGFR ligand amphiregulin and ErbB3 ligand NRG1).


From that data presented, it seems the EGFR activation is usually present even before starting crizotinib and might limit response to crizotinib. In an experiment on a patient’s pre-crizotinib cells which were sensitive to crizotinib but less than normal, treatment with both Xalkori (crizotinib) and Iressa (gefitinib) suppressed cell growth more potently and induced significant apoptosis. In another experiment, it appeared an improved response might be possible by inhibiting both ALK and EGFR, even though the effect wasn’t as potent as crizotinib alone had been on cells that didn’t have EGFR activation. (This suggests there’s more going on here than just these two tyrosine kinases.)

=== It’s So Complicated ===

Yes, it’s complicated. Some ALK inhibitor resistance is due to a resistant ALK mutation, some is due to amplification … amplification … amplification (yes, I’m repeating myself more times than you can handle), some is due to KIT amplification, some is due to EGFR activation, and sometimes inhibiting multiple resistance routes still isn’t enough to lock down the cancer. (We obviously don’t know all the biochemical players in the cancer orchestra yet.)

This sounds like an example of how amazingly adaptable the human body is. You can inhibit or break a gene and you’re your body will try to compensate; you inhibit something more, and it tries to compensate again. That makes it hard to stop cancer, but research like this gives me hope that someday science will learn all the things we’ll need to do to control this beast for many years (most of the time).

=== So What Do We Do? ===

So what should we do when we develop crizotinib resistance?

Ask your oncologist (once they’ve had a chance to read the article). If they have questions, they can contact one of the authors.

For myself, I’d ask my oncologist if it’s possible to have a fresh biopsy of my resistant cancer tested for resistant or amplified ALK mutations, phosphorylated EGFR, and other possible mutations (e.g., KIT), and then treat the resistance accordingly.

Even without testing, I might ask my oncologist if he/she would consider giving ALK+EGFR combo inhibition a try (if the FDA would allow it), especially if my initial response to crizotinib was less than good. If not, I’d hunt for a combo-drug trial of it if one exists. Maybe one of us will find that answer and share it.

Sooner or later, a jump from the ALK inhibitor track to another track will be needed. In this research article, the HSP90 inhibitor experimental trial track seemed promising for crizotinib-resistant ALK-driven lung cancer. Your oncologist may be able to suggest which HSP90’s look most promising. (Other possible tracks: surgery, radiation, chemo, other chemo, immunotherapy, or other experimental things, if time permits.)

This summary and the abstract at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22277784 may suffice for most, but your oncologist and some of you will want to buy and read the full article. It’s available by just following the below-the-abstract “LinkOuts” expandable-menu to the publication. (And if you find errors in my summary, please let me know so I can fix it promptly.)

Best hopes

The History of Cancer

The History of Cancer

By Lisa Fayed, About.com Guide
Updated July 08, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
See More About:
hippocrates
cancer causes
cancer treatment
diagnosing cancer

"The History of Cancer"

The History of Cancer: How Cancer was First Discovered and Treated
Believe it or not, cancer has afflicted people for several centuries. It is not a new disease. It is because of the early research that we hold a greater knowledge of cancer today.

Origin of the Word "Cancer"
The word cancer came from the father of medicine, Hippocrates, a Greek physician. Hippocrates used the Greek words, carcinos and carcinoma to describe tumors, thus calling cancer "karkinos." The Greek terms actually were words to describe a crab, which Hippocrates thought a tumor resembled. Although Hippocrates may have named "Cancer," he was certainly not the first to discover the disease. The history of cancer actually begins much earlier.

The First Documented Case of Cancer
The world's oldest documented case of cancer hails from ancient Egypt, in 1500 b.c. The details were recorded on a papyrus, documenting 8 cases of tumors occurring on the breast. It was treated by cauterization, a method to destroy tissue with a hot instrument called "the fire drill." It was also recorded that there was no treatment for the disease, only palliative treatment.

There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians were able to tell the difference between malignant and benign tumors. According to inscriptions, surface tumors were surgically removed in a similar manner as they are removed today.

What Early Physicians Thought Caused Cancer
Today, we know so much about the human body; however early Greek physicians weren't so fortunate. Hippocrates believed that the body was composed of four fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. He believed that an excess of black bile in any given site in the body caused cancer. This was the general thought of the cause of cancer for the next 1400 years.

In ancient Egypt, it was believed cancer was caused by the Gods.

The Birth of the Pathological Autopsy
Autopsies done by Harvey in 1628 paved the way to learning more about human anatomy and physiology. Blood circulation was discovered, opening the doors for more research on diseases. It wasn't until 1761 that autopsies were performed to research cause of death in ill patients. Giovanni Morgagni of Padua was the first to do such autopsies.

More Theories on the Causes of Cancer
The lymph theory developed in the 17th century, replacing Hippocrates' black bile theory on the cause of cancer. The discovery of the lymphatic system gave new insight to what may cause cancer. It was believed that abnormalities in the lymphatic system was the cause.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that Rudolph Virchow recognized that cells, even cancerous cells, derived from other cells.

Other theories surfaced, such as cancer being cause by trauma, parasites, and it was thought that cancer may spread "like a liquid." It was later concluded that cancer spread through malignant cells by German surgeon, Karl Thiersch.

In 1926 a Nobel Prize was wrongfully awarded for the discovery of the cause of stomach cancer a worm.

The 20th century saw the greatest progression in cancer research. Research identifying carcinogens, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and better means of diagnosis were discovered.

Today, we are able to cure some types of cancer, and research is ongoing. Clinical trials and research studies are our key to finding a cure, or a definitive method of prevention.


Sources:
American Cancer Society - History of Cancer.
The Chemical Heritage Foundation -Chemotherapy Timeline.
National Cancer Institute - Closing in on Cancer: Solving a 5000-Year-Old Mystery).

http://cancer.about.com/od/historyofcancer/a/cancerhistory.htm

Prostate Cancer Found in Egyptian Mummy

This is an interesting article. Of course, some cancers are genetic and some cancers are due to environmental impressions. My mom's cancer is not genetic, but we don't know what environmental factor or factors have mutated her genetic DNA causing this to happen. We may never know. It is in God's hands.
-Vanessa



Prostate Cancer Found in Egyptian Mummy

Posted by Caitlin Bronson on January 30, 2012 9:08AM Boomer Health and Lifestyle.

A 2,200-year-old mummy was found to have prostate cancer, leading scientists to question whether genetics played a role.

The world’s second oldest case of prostate cancer was found in a 2,200-year-old mummy, the Canadian Press reports. According to American University in Cairo professor Salima Ikram, extensive testing of the mummy revealed that the disease was not caused by environmental influences, but rather by genetics.

“Living conditions in ancient times were very different,” Ikram explained. “There were no pollutants or modified foods, which leads up to believe that the disease is not necessarily only linked to industrial factors.”

Whether prostate cancer is caused by genetics or environmental factors is a big question in the field of cancer research, the Canadian Press said. While scientists often link cancer to diet and industrial toxins, older cases of cancer suggest that genetics may play a role as well.

Ikram and her team have been studying the ancient Egyptian mummy in Portugal for the past two years. The prostate cancer was discovered by using a high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) scan, which revealed lesions on the mummy’s lumbar spine.

The man died in his forties, researchers say. The mummy is kept at the National Archaeology Museum of Lisbon.

The oldest known case of prostate cancer was found in a 2,700-year-old skeleton of a Scythian king in Russia, AUC said in a statement. His skeleton was found in a steppe in Southern Siberia.

http://www.thirdage.com/news/prostate-cancer-found-in-egyptian-mummy_01-30-2012

Ups and downs, ups and downs... but always end up : )

Okay, so this week has been a bit of a roller coaster, but mom is staying strong and taking one day at a time. Last weekend was good. Saturday mom went over to my older brother John's house for salmon burgers. Mom said they were very good and she had a nice time. Sunday we went to a wonderful new church on the Southeast side of town for a really nice Healing service. We had a good time and everyone there was so kind and loving and expressed their faith and belief in God. It was a beautiful experience and mom really felt great afterwards. So did I. It was really comforting and was a good release. On Monday, the pain in mom's back subsided and it felt miraculous. It was amazing because it was the first day that mom had no constant discomfort or pain for at least 2 weeks. Tuesday the pain came back and was pretty strong by evening. It really scared me and affected me to hear her in that much pain. It was difficult that night emotionally. Wednesday, mom was up and out and trying to do everything she can and did very well for most the day, but after a while the pain can get to be too much and its hard on her. Oh then she got a flat tire that afternoon. Nice. It was okay though triple A came out and changed the tire. I was going to it, but mom didn't want me to. Besides the triple A guy came very quickly after about 15 minutes. So, after that mom went home and I came over a little later and stayed the night. Thursday (today), mom rested this morning and then made her way to the courthouse. Her case was reset and she stayed for a little while downtown, but came home after. It was a little rough with some people there, but we forgive those who trespass against us. Anyway, I picked up some dinner which was good, but I think I'm going to buy a juicer and try to get more fresh vegetables in our diet. I've read so much about juicing and its just really good for you all around. Perhaps we can find some concoction that we will enjoy. Anyway, I am here with mom tonight and she is feeling better. We are enjoying each others company and having a nice night.

Thank you all for your prayers and compassion.

-Vanessa

Damn You, Cancer | Owning Pink

Damn You, Cancer | Owning Pink

I found this website tonight and I wanted to share it. It is another blog and it discusses a lot of different things not just cancer. Some of you may know of it already. It has been noted in the media (Oprah show and others).

I especially like this blog topic- http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/owning-pink/understand-why-you-may-be-sick-suffering . This blog explains that the reason we are here and exist is to continue God's work, the reason we encounter pain is to better understand ourselves, our needs, and the needs of others. It is because we as a society don't know how to appreciate perfection, the world we live in, we have to keep learning and working to create the world we are hoping for- a world of understanding, love, tolerance, and kindness.

Anyway, I have enjoyed it and I hope you do too.

-Vanessa Hudson Reyes

Exhausted.

It has been a long week and mom is wiped out. We started with a 13hour doctor visit monday, and a half day tuesday of scans and bad news of the tumors growing, and then wednesday we saw the doctor to discuss the next step of treatment. It was wednesday when mom was approached by Darlene Dorsey of WOAI at the courthouse and she was just amazed that after hearing bad news, and being stage 4 that mom went back to work after. Thursday she followed mom around in the morning and then we just talked about the journey we've had so far dealing with this. We were pleasantly surprised for the exposure and we are truly grateful to everyone who is supportive, encouraging, and compassionate. Today was a long day and mom was downtown again and running through the court house. She got home around 6:30 and has fallen asleep. She will get a good nights sleep and be able to relax.

Thank you again and we will have a good weekend enjoying our time together.

-Vanessa

Attorney fights for clients as she battles cancer

Attorney fights for clients as she battles cancer

WOAI Channel 4 news recognizes Cindy Hudson's plight of cancer.

4th line treatment.... We have a great doctor.

We saw Dr. Tolcher today and he is continuously optimistic and encouraging. He is so wonderful and uplifting. Yesterday was really hard and we were bummed out about the news of the medicine not working. I think I knew it wasn't, but I/we were still so hopeful. When we left the dr's yesterday we felt so downtrodden. Its been one treatment after another ending in failure. Even still, mom has her head up and is ready to take the next step. I know she feels better having the stronger pain medicine and it is not affecting her in woozy way at all. When she explained that the pain medicine wasn't having any affect on her, the doctor explained how pain medicine works (he explains Everything!!! He's amazing!). Pain medicine works by counteracting the pain-nerve receptors. So if someone is in pain the pain meds essentially turn off the pain receptor and so the person is their normal alert self (unless they take too much or mix). If someone is not in pain and takes pain medicine, well then the medicine doesn't have anything its working against and so the woozy/weird side effects become present (that's my understanding/layman's guide of it).

Anyway, last night's stormy weather was refreshing in its own. It was as if the hard rain was washing away any feelings of hopelessness or defeat. This morning the sun was out and it was beautiful. My mom, older brother, and I met at the doctors office and waited to hear his words of encouragement. His demeanor is jovial and he enlightens us with his knowledge and compassion. He explains the next clinical trial (I'll write more on it in a separate post) and how its supposed to work. Mom, my brother and I are ready to move on in this direction and mom is ready to head back downtown for a Mediation hearing (still working). I stuck around to get the final copies. After getting the copies of we needed to keep I went back to Dr. Tolcher and his nurse to say thank you. I wanted to thank him for being our doctor and being the amazing doctor that he is. We are so grateful to be at the START center finally and have such a compassionate medical team working with us. He said to me that he really does care about my mom and loves working with her. I started to cry and he immediately brought me a tissue and gave me a big, comforting hug! He truly is a gift from God and Canada!!  ; )    -He's from Canada.

So we go back next week and mom will start the new trial on Valentine's Day.

-Vanessa

Cindy Sue Hudson's Cancer Fighters

You can find us on facebook for more updates. I put updates on both the blog and on facebook. Facebook is a very useful tool of communication and expression. If you prefer facebook you can find us by using the link below and the facebook page title is "Cindy Sue Hudson's Cancer Fighters", when at the page Click "Like" and you can see our updates, thoughts, and words of encouragement.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cindy-Sue-Hudsons-Cancer-Fighters/218024158215301

Thank you.

-Vanessa

Help Cindy S. Hudson Fight Cancer!

We often ask Why?

"Why". Such a small word with an endless thought process and a neverending road to more questions than answers. I ask why has this happened to my mom every day and I ask hasn't she dealt with enough in life? I can only come to one answer and my answer is that if we were not dealt anything else in life than we wouldn't be living. Yes, my mom has had a constant barrage of things to deal with and overcome in life thus far. The most difficult being the drowning of my brother 30 years ago. My mom has been through a lot. She is a single mother of 3, a teacher, a nurse, a geologist, a lawyer, an avid church goer, and a giver. She is an amazing woman and is always there for everyone else. So I can only think that God ran out of difficult things to put in her path because she overcame every obstacle that has been put in her way. The only thing left is cancer. Cancer. How do we deal with cancer? I look to my mom and she gets up every morning and continues to work and help others. We just don't give up and we keep on living and building on our relationships and finding new things to appreciate and enjoy every day.

-Vanessa

Today was tough, but mom is hanging in there and waiting for a cure

I will edit and write more tomorrow, but for now I will just give a little update. Mom was in some really excruciating pain yesterday and that made the oncall doctor very nervous as to whether or not the medicine was working so he ordered unscheduled CT scans. She had the scans this  morning and unfortunately it showed that the tumors have continued to grow and a moderate pace. So, she did not take her dose for today and is starting the wash out period before we can move on to trying something else. She is positive and hopeful and determined to get better. On the bright side the tumors are not imposing on any arteries or major organs so that is something that we have to keep in mind as good news. Also, the cancer has stayed in the chest cavity and has not shown up anywhere else in the body. That is extremely important and really great news. The bad thing is that the tumor mass in her right lung is brushing up on the rib cage and possibly attaching itself there. As long as it does not get in the bone is what we have watch for. Of course this brushing up on it is excruciatingly painful and it was really hard to see her in that much pain. The doctor did prescribe a stronger pain medicine and I filled it today so she has it and it seems to work well. We go back tomorrow to see her doctor and discuss all of this and our next steps.

Keep praying, keep your faith, and smile because she is here and being so strong and encouraging.

Thank you.

-Vanessa Hudson Reyes

Long day today and still here at the START center.

I first just want to say how much I appreciate the nurses and staff here at the START center. They really are so wonderful, kind, and caring. I also am so grateful for our doctor. Dr. Tolcher is so personable and kind. He has a wonderful and enlightening sense of love about him. I am very pleased that he is my mom's doctor and is helping us.

So anyway, today is a long day for mom and she was here at the START center about 7:45am and was given her medicine around 9am. The nurses took blood at 30mins, 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, 8 hour, and last 12 hour. We have one more to go.

She has been doing well in the mornings and feels okay, but as the day drags on she has pain in her back (where the lung is). This has been getting worse over the last week that I know of. I know she's been uncomfortable, but more recently its turned into excruciating pain. She has pain medicine for it, but may need something else to manage it better. We will ask the doctor tomorrow.

Today I brought lunch and we hung out together and played on the computer for a bit, but then the pain was becoming unbearable and she took some medicine and wanted to try and nap. I asked her on a scale of 1-10 how painful it was and she answered 11. She has a high pain tolerance, so when she says she's in pain its serious. I left a little before 4pm and went to the house. I came back over around 7:00pm and the nurse let me know that they had given her dilaudid after I left. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) belongs to a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers, also called opioids. It is similar to morphine, but is synthetic. She is allergic to morphine and so can't take that. She was in a lot of pain. Anyway, I've been sitting here with her while she has slept peacefully. She just woke about 20 minutes ago and the nurse is finishing up with her last EKG and blood draw. She is feeling better and will be alright. She's a tough cookie!

Tomorrow we will see the doctor and she will only have to be here for the first part of the day.

Thank you and keep praying!

This week has been okay...

Well, still not much to report on the clinical trial drug. We have to wait for the scans, but mom is doing well enough and isn't suffering from any new symptoms. Her current symptoms have increased in intensity though. She is now losing her hair which I think is really emotionally difficult. We can't be too sure if its the medicine or residual from the chemo medicine before and a combination of stress. We have been pretty stressed out because we are in a state of uncertainty and not knowing if it is working. Of course we are all praying and hopeful that it is. The nose bleeds have increased a bit, but not to a point of dire concern or hospitalization. The fatigue and exhaustion has increased, but she is getting up every morning and getting out of the house. So she is getting exercise which is great. Her appointment this last tuesday went well enough and the doctor told her that he is hopeful that this medicine is working because her lab work has been good and because she looks great!!! She has been there today as well for more blood work and ekg's. We will go back next tuesday and schedule the scans then.

Thank you for your prayers and God bless you all.

-Vanessa

Happy New Year to All from Cindy Hudson

To all this New Year, I send blessings and the wish that you remain healthy and safe.  I so much wanted to be able to say things are doing well and the tumors are shrinking.  But I can't.  I can say, however, that I have not given up and we continue to try another direction.

After going through 6 chemotherapy sessions there was some shrinking, so that was a good sign.  Then the doctors thought this new drug, having been on the market for 2 months would be a positive step.  So at $10,000 a month, I went through 2 months.  I had some pain, but then it went away.  The doctors let me fly to visit my son and grandsons for Thanksgiving.  Great visit, very cute boys.  I was feeling good but my fingernails were getting very brittle.  We did the ct scans on my return, and the tumors had grown.  So no more $10,000 a month drug and we set off to find another path to follow.

My children have been so strong for me, I am so grateful for their love and support.  This is a tenuous fight and anyone who can be supportive for them too, I am most grateful.

As this new year begins, I hope to be in a clinical trial treatment program or on a drug treatment that proves positive in its effect. I want to be able to experience this year and many to come.  To be able to work and continue to do my job.  To be able to receive the hugs of so many and give hugs.

I care about life, I will stay strong and continue to appreciate the gifts God has put in my path.  I thank you all for your prayers and support.  I hope that as this new year begins and continues, that you continue your prayers and good thoughts.  It can be very depressing knowing your life is being tormented by a disease that is unknown.  I find comfort knowing you care, and will continue to draw strength from you.

Please read the blog, Vanessa is so strong in placing information: cindyhudson.blogspot.com.  Any assistance and thoughts to share can be placed through the blog also.

I wish good cheer and lots of love, in God's name.
Love
Cindy

Electrocardiogram use in Cancer research

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart.

An ECG is very useful in determining whether a person has heart disease. If a person has chest pain or palpitations, an ECG is helpful in determining if the heart is beating normally. If a person is on medications that may affect the heart or if the patient is on a pacemaker, an ECG can readily determine the immediate effects of changes in activity or medication levels. An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.

Abnormal ECG results may indicate:

Myocardial (cardiac muscle) defect

Enlargement of the heart

Congenital defects

Heart valve disease

Arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms)

Tachycardia (heart rate too fast) or bradycardia (too slow)

Ectopic heartbeat

Coronary artery disease

Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)

Changes in the amount of electrolytes (chemicals in the blood)

Past heart attack

Present or impending heart attack

Clinically stable lung cancer patients without cardiac symptoms suggestive of myocardial injury indicates the possibility of myocardial metastasis. Myocardial metastasis is often elusive, thus careful observation of ECG changes is of primary importance for the antemortem diagnosis.

To put it simply, ECG's help to let us know the condition of her heart, changes due to medications, but can also inform us of metastis (cancer spreading) to the heart.

-Vanessa

Appointment was good today and went well.

Mom has an appointment every tuesday and friday where she first has blood drawn to check the levels of the medicine in her system and check her blood counts among other things. On tuesday's she visits with Dr. Tolcher to go over any symptoms, check her lungs, breathing, ask her questions, answer questions, do a general check up, and see how she is doing. After seeing the Dr. she has an ECG (electrocardiogram-test to measure the electrical activity of the heart-will post more on this later). After a while, she gets the medication for the week until friday's visit. Friday is about the same only she doesn't see the Dr. (unless its necessary).

Today's visit was good. There's not a whole lot new. Mom isn't experiencing any of the normal side effects (luckily theres not really any bad or crazy side effects noted with this drug). Mostly she is experiencing extreme fatigue and she has noted that her hair has been thinning, but now comes out when she runs her fingers through. Though she is still working, she is not working much. The days are exhausting, but she is doing so well and still wearing high heels!  : )

I asked the Dr. if we could get scans early, but he explained that although we could it probably wouldn't show much because the medicine is still just building up and we really should give it the alloted time. Its only been 2 weeks and although I'm anxious, I do understand. We would have to do it again later anyway and so it would be an unnecessary expense to do it, plus it just wouldn't show enough information this early. So, we will wait 2 more weeks to get scans and in the meantime we will all keep praying.

Mom is feeling well enough and we are having good days together hanging out. We had a great day today just sitting and chatting together and then mom and I had dinner at Willies Grill and Icehouse (great place) -food was alright and I had a coupon, but the best was just being with mom and talking.

Tomorrow she will work some and then in the afternoon we will do some light grocery shopping together.

-Vanessa

A new diagnostic technique. It’s called EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound)

A fairly new diagnostic technique is allowing lung cancer to be staged more accurately than a few years ago. What this means is you have better information to begin with the best plan of action and, ultimately, get best possible outcomes. It’s called EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound), and what brings it up a level from previous procedures is it enables visualization of lymph nodes beyond the airways. Not only can doctors visualize your lung and surrounding tissues, but they can do it without invasive surgical procedures they have had to rely on before.
Exactly what is EBUS and how is it done?
It’s a quick, relatively pain-free outpatient procedure performed during a bronchoscopy. This involves inserting a tube through your mouth or nose into the large airways leading to the lungs. Then an ultrasound probe (part of the bronchoscope) is used to visualize surrounding areas, including the lungs and mediastinum (chest area between the lungs). If something is seen warranting a closer look, your doctor will take a sample of tissue with a small needle guided by the ultrasound and send it to a lab for further evaluation.
“Because we can get to previously hard-to-reach places, and with minimal intervention, we can better understand the stage of lung cancer, if, and where it has spread. We can often avoid unnecessary interventions that require recovery time before moving to the next step,” says David Finley, MD, a thoracic surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
“What we can do with EBUS is significant because PET scans can produce false positives, as inflammation in the lymph nodes that is not cancer will light up on the scan. Conversely, up to 15 percent of PET scans and 30 percent of CT scans produce false negatives for lymph node involvement in the mediastinum and hilum,” says Dr. Finley.
Benefits
Beyond that it yields more accurate information, patients may be spared unnecessary surgeries, and there is less risk than with exploratory procedures. Less tissue is taken; there are no incisions and no scars.
What does EBUS mean for patients moving forward?
“We know exactly what treatments are indicated and which are not. It is not uncommon for patients who have been told they have no or very limited options because the disease is advanced to learn their cancer is only stage 1 or 2. We find out they are actually candidates for surgery. For people who are not surgical candidates, if we discover there is no node involvement we might be able to use radiation therapy to treat the tumor in the lungs.”
EBUS has something to offer late-stage patients too.
“Patients who are stage 4 will not have to endure treatments that won’t help. We do not say there are no options, but we have the knowledge to move on to the most appropriate individual plan, whether that be palliative radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination to alleviate pain, improve survival and quality of life,” says Dr. Finley.
Just what will EBUS tell my doctor?

• Whether tumors or enlarged nodes seen on CT scan are malignant or benign
• Help diagnose (stage) tumors within the lung or mediastinum or hilum
• Help diagnose (stage) lymph nodes in the mediastinum

“In the last 10 years, imaging has significantly changed our ability to stage. Now the question is to confirm what the imaging tells us. And EBUS has been the next step forward to pathologically confirm what we see,” says Dr. Finley. “Better staging typically means the best possible outcome.”
To learn about clinical trials for EBUS:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01467635

I found this at: http://www.1uponcancer.com/lung/

-I don't know if this would apply for mom or help much, but I will bring it up to Doctor as something interesting.

-Vanessa