12 pounds

After mom's blood transfusion last Tuesday, she began to experience some swelling in her stomach. The swelling caused mom a lot of discomfort. After a call in to her oncologist, she was scheduled to have an ultrasound on Friday. The ultra sound confirmed that there was fluid in her abdomen. The fluid is a common occurrence for patients with the type of cancer mom has. The doctors went ahead and scheduled to have the fluid removed. Once they inserted a small needle into her abdomen, the fluid just poured out. They were able to remove 12 pounds of fluid. Amazing, huh? Mom had immediate relief. She was able to move, bend, and even able to sleep on her side for the first time in months. The doctors said that the fluid will return again. Mom is supposed to call when she begins to experience discomfort again. She was encouraged to not wait as long as she did this time.

Today, mom had her regular chemo appointment. She was feeling great. In fact, she's felt wonderful all weekend long. Yea!! Having the fluid removed, increased her energy and appetite. She even ate some steak this weekend. Mom was able to have chemo today. Her blood work came back fine. Her red blood cell count was way up. The only complaint mom had today was some leg pain. A few days ago, she began experiencing some discomfort in her calf. The doctor was a little concerned and decided to send her for an ultrasound. The ultrasound confirmed that it was the beginnings of a blood clot. Thankfully we caught it early. The blood clot is located right behind her knee and causing her calf to hurt because it's cutting off the blood flow. The doctor has now put mom on blood thinners to help get rid of the clot. She has to take a pill and also give herself a shot everyday. They will continue to monitor her blood and increase/decrease the medication as needed.