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.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, January 4, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, January 1, 2010
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.
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.
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