Update

Dad and I took Mom to the doctor today for a regularly scheduled appointment. She had lab work done and we met with Dr. Aurora.

Getting her to the doctor was not as bad as my Dad had feared. In fact, it went about like it has gone for the past several months, so that's a load off my mind. I was expecting, based on some of Dad's input, for it to be a pretty difficult experience. Luckily, that wasn't the case.

Her lab work went well and her results were good. Her weight was stable as well. Both good signs.

We then saw Dr. Aurora, and after his examination and assessment, we discussed taking a somewhat extended break from chemotherapy treatment. The premise is simple: There is a concern that Mom will be further weakened by more chemotherapy and be unable to bounce back, therefore leaving her in worse condition than we started. Dr. Aurora advised that since she has had such a large amount of chemotherapy over the past six months, she wouldn't be hurting anything by taking a break. She will use this time to hopefully regain some strength and stamina.

We will see Dr. Aurora again on the 28th of June to reassess. If her strength has returned to a good level, she may start chemotherapy again. If not, then we will discuss a more long-term strategy regarding her treatment options. Although the options are simple: Either have chemotherapy or do not. We will just have to see how the next several weeks transpire.

Mom is feeling okay, but she is very weak and tires easily. She spends many hours a day in bed asleep. Her cognitive abilities are about the same, and it is hard for anyone to really get a good answer from her about something. If you ask her a question, you are very likely to get a completely different answer five minutes later. In addition, she continues to have very little short-term memory. Her mother, sister, and brother-in-law were here Saturday and Sunday, and she doesn't remember that they came. Such is the way things are.

For everyone who has continued to help, we certainly appreciate it. Everyone has gone above and beyond what most people would have and it has made a huge difference. Thank you.