Today was chemo school for Mom. We went over to Dr. Aurora's office and met with his nurse, Terry.
She took us through a very comprehensive presentation on what to expect when Mom starts the chemotherapy on Monday. Terry explained that while the side effects can be unpleasant, not everyone experiences the same level of side effects, and some people are not affected very much at all. Different people react differently.
It would appear that Dr. Aurora received the necessary approvals to administer cisplatin and Alimta. I know this made Mom happy because she feels like these are state of the art drugs and have a good chance of having a positive effect.
The cisplatin is the platinum-based drug that will likely wield the big hammer when it comes to unpleasant side effects, according to Terry. One thing that might bother Mom a bit is developing a metallic taste in her mouth. I suppose that's what you get when platinum is involved.
Overall, Mom is ready to get started. As I was wheeling her out of the doctor's office (more on that in a moment) she exclaimed, "I want to win." I know she does and Dad and I are very happy that she still has that competitive spirit.
On the wheeling out: The radiation treatments and the resulting steroids that she has been taking have caused a good amount of weakness in Mom's thighs. It makes it particularly difficult to get up and down, if the seat is not elevated. So, in order to minimize her fatigue, I have decided that for the last couple of doctor's visits that I would push her around in the wheelchair. It's nice to push her around, for a change.
Thanks to everyone for the continued support. My good friend since seventh grade, Billy Craft, brought food for Mom and Dad yesterday. It was much appreciated. As was the food from the Service Center team.
Thank you all so much.
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Hi Norma,
ReplyDeleteSo glad the "chemo school" went well and that your "drugs of choice" have been approved. As for the wheel chair, let Mike "push you around"--kids like to be able to do that to their mom's for a change! And actually, if you will let yourself, you can enjoy having him do it for you.
Hope the next few days without treatment will give you a chance to get some rest and some strength. Prayers and good thoughts to all of you.
Nancy(L)
Pat and I are happily ensconced in funky Taos. We have some snow and more coming.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness we have your site, Mike, to keep up informed about your mom and our dear friend Norma. Tell her a couple of New Mexico friends are sending positive energy her way. It's the Taos way. Love and keep writing, Kathy (& Pat)