Third Chemo Coming Up

I just wanted to let everyone know that Mom's third (of four) chemotherapy treatment is coming up on Monday, February 1st.

Her side effects continue to be limited to fatigue and a little loss of appetite, but beyond that, nothing else.

She is getting physically stronger by the day and continues to want to do more things for herself. This is a big deal to her and I hope we can find a way to make that work out for her.

Mentally, she is still confused at times and not able to communicate what I know she is thinking. This is frustrating to her and I can see that it bothers her. We're not sure at this point if that is something that will work itself out and get better or not. We will just have to wait and see.

Continued thanks to the ESC Region XI team for their dinner support for Mom and Dad. You just don't know how much this helps and how much we all appreciate it. Thank you.

Going Along

Sorry for the lengthy delay between posts. Things have been busy.

Mom had a very good visit with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law toward the end of last week. She enjoyed it so much. It was great to see them as well.

She continues to do as much as she can do, and is pushing herself daily to do more things. You can see that she misses being independent and wants to regain a sense of that independence as soon as she is able to.

There are struggles, of course, but she is tolerating the chemotherapy treatments extremely well. Hopefully after the complete regimen, we will see some improvement in her condition and have a positive medical report. We will see.

Thank you for all your continued support and thoughts. Mom and Dad truly appreciate all the help.

Nice Day Today

Mom had an appointment this morning for blood work. This is a quick trip and has gone well in the past.

Today was no exception. In fact, Mom did very well. I am very happy to report that she walked the entire way into the doctor's office and back out again. Normally, for something like this we will use the wheelchair, but today she was absolutely determined to walk. I take that as a good sign.

Also, speaking of determination, Mom is becoming more and more determined to do things for herself. She explained to me today that she was very frustrated having my Dad and I wait on her all the time. She feels like she won't know what she is capable of doing unless she tries. Makes perfect sense. And another good sign, in my opinion.

I am happy to see that she is reaching towards goals and trying to move ahead as best she can. I would be worried if she suddenly changed into someone who was uninterested in trying things or competing. It just would not be her nature.

She is also excited that her mother, sister, and brother-in-law are coming to visit. I hope she will get an opportunity to spend some quality time with them.

A Bit Rough

The last couple of days have been a little rough for Mom. This treatment has hit her a little harder than the previous one.

I don't know if that is because the effects are cumulative or if it's just that way sometimes.

She's very tired and just a little bit cranky. But cranky is not necessarily bad, just different than usual.

We have a trip to the doctor's office tomorrow morning for labs. I'll see how she is doing then and how well that trip goes.

The Beat Goes On

Not much different going on with Mom over the past couple of days.

She is really tired, resting most of the time, and hanging in there. Her appetite is not as good as it was over the past several weeks, so she is eating a bit less than before.

I suppose that could be another side effect manifesting itself.

Overall, this chemotherapy treatment is treating Mom much the same as the last one.

She continues to give it all she has.

Continuing On

Mom is having an average day today. No big side effects or anything, but she is extremely tired. This matches what she experienced after her first treatment and if it holds true, she will be fatigued like this for the better part of the next week to ten days.

After that, about a week before her third treatment, things should improve.

She is eating well, and continues to have a good appetite. These are good things and should help her recover from the chemotherapy that much faster.

Mentally, she is about the same. I told her today that she was good at using lots of words and not actually saying anything. She does that when she is trying to get a thought across. Dad and I are used to it, but for anyone who doesn't visit with her regularly, take note.

Our next appointment with the doctor's office is Thursday, for lab work. Should be a fast visit.

We continue to be so appreciative of the people, especially from Region XI, that are helping out. Thank you.

Not Bad Today

Mom felt pretty good today, although she was tired. Still no unpleasant side effects from the latest chemotherapy treatment.

My aunt and her husband are coming to visit this weekend, which will really make Mom happy. I know she will enjoy seeing them.

Maybe we will even play some dominoes. It's been a long time since I've played 42.

So Far So Good

Mom is doing pretty well today. She is tired, but beyond that, no major side effects have shown themselves.

We took her over to the oncologist's office to get her white blood cell booster shot. That trip was quick and uneventful. Thankfully.

It has been pleasantly surprising how well she has tolerated this treatment. I think that is a testament to her physical condition before she found out about the disease. I believe it has made a difference in her ability to handle the drugs.

Mentally, she still struggles a bit, especially with short-term memory and immediate recall of things. Also, she still has some issue with explaining things to me. If she gets confused, instead of stopping or saying she's confused, she will just string together some big words. Makes no sense, but sounds damn impressive. I think that's the teacher in her.

She remains convinced that she is going to fight this and be in it for the long haul. Based on how things are going right now, I think we would agree.

Half-Way There

Mom's chemotherapy treatment went off as scheduled today, and went smoothly.

She was there for about four hours, which was longer than the first time, but still within our expectations.

Mom did very well and is resting tonight.

She has two more treatments remaining over the course of the next six weeks. After that, the doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments and see what the next steps are.

Tomorrow, we go back to the office for a white blood cell booster shot.

Mom is still in good spirits and happy to be half-way through with the chemotherapy treatment.

Thanks to everyone for the support and kind thoughts. Mom really appreciates it.

Chemo Fail

Today was the day that wasn't.

Mom's chemo treatment was postponed until tomorrow because the machine the doctor uses to check her kidney function (via a blood test) was broken. According to the doctor, Mom is "delicate", and this was an important test that needed to be run before he could okay her for treatment today.

So, we'll get wrapped up and go back tomorrow. Hopefully, they can skip the lab work and just go straight to the infusion. That would certainly be nice.

It was not a total loss, however. Mom's other blood counts all looked good and the doctor was very happy with how she was handling the treatment.

I guess the only real downside to the visit today was the removal of the stitches from the site where Mom's chest tube had been. Mom didn't enjoy that, but it needed to be done.

So, provided the staff up there can keep the lights on and the water running, and the machinery functioning, we'll give it another go on Tuesday.

Still Here

We're still all here, but not much is happening right now that necessitates an update.

Mom does her second chemo infusion tomorrow, so I expect to have some things to add after that is complete.

She's doing okay, given the circumstances, and trying hard to build up her strength and endurance. Sometimes, too hard. But she is hanging in there.

Beth, the kids, and I are going over this evening. We're taking a pizza. Mom has been craving a pizza for a little while, so we'll indulge her.

PT

Today, Mom went a little over the top with the physical therapy. Everyone knows how competitive she is, and how much she wants to do whatever she is doing, well.

The physical therapist was out today and switched Mom over to a stronger rubber band, which Mom uses to work on leg strength. She didn't let that bother her, though. Mom just went right on through and worked just as hard as she had been.

Then, Mom exercised on a set of bicycle pedals that are placed on the floor in front of her. She went nearly twenty minutes on that, and probably would have gone longer had the physical therapist allowed it.

All of this exercise resulted in a tired individual and so she spent the balance of the day resting and napping.

But you have to give her credit. She really gets with the program.

Not Much Changes

Sorry for the delays in updating the blog, but there really hasn't been much change over the past couple of days.

Mom is still resting a lot and doing her PT. When I've talked with her, she is fairly lucid and able to carry on a good conversation. Her short-term memory is still rather inhibited at the moment, so it can be a challenge sometimes having to repeat what was said 15 minutes ago.

But if that's the worst of it, then we'll take it.

Beth, the kids, and I will probably go over there towards the end of the week and take Mom a pizza. She really lit up when I mentioned we could bring one with us.

I know I've said thanks quite a few times to everyone for their help and support, so please indulge me one more time: Thanks. It is so appreciated.

Nap-less

It was an interesting day for Mom. According to Dad, she was up at 7:30 AM and did not go back to bed the entire day. That is a significant change from prior days.

Maybe it is a sign that the effects from the first chemo infusion are fading. That would be nice. Of course, it's only seven days until the next one, but if she could get a week where she had more energy and felt a little better, that would be great.

Otherwise, it is the same song, different verse. We await the 11th of January.

How many of you are familiar with the phrase "never let them see you sweat?"

I think Mom has. In fact, I know she has, and it is pretty obvious that is how she is conducting herself as she goes through this ordeal. 

Mom is trying really hard to make sure that no one sees just how difficult this is for her, mainly to keep people from worrying so much about her. People worry anyway, but at least this gives Mom something to focus on.

Today was a day much like the last several days. Not much has changed, which represents some good signs if you choose to see it that way. Still no real adverse effects from the chemo treatment, outside of the intense fatigue. But that is one side effect that is easy to deal with: Nap. Mom's great at that.

Next week is a light week with respect to doctor's appointments. Mom doesn't have any. Her next chemo infusion is scheduled for the 11th. That will be the second of four planned infusions.

Her spirits remain good and she continues to push onwards towards whatever goal she sets her mind on. Those goals often switch back and forth between the aforementioned never letting on, and looking cute.

She tries really hard at both. And generally does well.

New Year

Mom welcomed the New Year pretty much the same as she said goodbye to the old one. Either watching TV, doing her PT, or taking a nap.

The periods of time between doctor visits are becoming monotonous, but that can be a good thing with a distinct lack of fires to fight.

She is holding her own, doing the best she can, and still interested in fighting as hard as she is able.

She appreciates the comments from everyone and all the good thoughts sent her way.

2010 is here. Let's get on with it.