Third Chemo Cycle

Mom just completed her third chemo cycle today. I went with her last Monday and my aunt was with her today. We are both so thankful that we are able to get time off of work to spend time with her.

She's been doing really well. Her nausea, acid reflux, and gas appear to be under control with the medicine she's on. She has noticed lately that her sense of smell has increased. Certain smells are beginning to cause her to get a little nauseous and at times sick. Mom has never had a weak stomach with smells, so this is something she's adjusting to.

Her blood work did show that she has anemia. She will be getting shots every other chemo day to help with this. If her levels get too low, which they doubt will happen since she's getting the shot, they will do a blood transfusion.

We did find out today that the doctor has scheduled for her to have CT scan next Tuesday. This will let us know how she's responding to the treatments. We should get those results at her next chemo appointment.

Please continue to pray for healing, patience, and peace as we wait.

HAT PARTY

On Thursday, my mom was given a surprise "hat party" by the staff at Sunny Heights. Normally on Thursdays she meets with a few co-workers for a weekly book study. This week was different.

She had no idea that the plans came into motion after she asked a friend to make her a hat for when her hair falls out. She has begun to slowly loose a few strands here and there. Mom commented that showering has become an even longer process now that she is gently massaging her scalp to delay any strands from being pulled out of its home.

The staff at Sunny Heights was quick to plan and organize this party in less than a week. My aunt and I were both invited and asked to keep it a secret. We both did a great job keeping our lips sealed. She didn't even catch that we'd both asked numerous times about whether or not she'd be going to her weekly book study. :)

Thursday finally arrived. Hats were purchased and wrapped. Cake and punch were set-up. All that remained was the surprise. My aunt and I arrived a few moments after my mom. We were quickly ushered into the library to wait. An announcement was made for the staff to gather in the library for a quick meeting. This didn't even clue her in that something may be up. After everyone had gathered, in she walked. Her face lit up with surprise and amazement that they were throwing her a party. In her shock, she didn't even see that my aunt and I had joined the celebration as well. She was amazed that we hadn't let it slip...score one for us!

As cake and punch were served, mom began to open all of her hats and scarves. Each hat was a perfect fit for her and she looked great in each one. She's never been one to wear hats, but now it seems that choosing which one to wear will be a challenge.

Thank you so much Sunny Heights for putting this hat party together. It was awesome!! My mom is so blessed to work with such a caring family. Thank you for the love, support, prayers, and now a collection of hats.

Second Cycle Complete

Mom finished her second cycle of chemo on Monday. Mom really appreciates all of the nurses and doctors that are taking care of her. They are wonderful at making her feel comfortable and at ease. Mom feels like she's getting to know many of them now and really enjoys talking with them. This is not a surprise to many I'm sure. Mom loves to talk to new people, so these treatments have been a great opportunity for her to do so.

At her treatment, mom did mention that she'd been feeling short of breathe and had been feeling dizzy at times, so the doctors decided to run a blood test to check her for anemia(which is a decrease in the normal number of red blood cells). I guess there is some medication that they'll give her if the tests do come back showing that she does have anemia. We should know more at her next treatment.

Her next cycle begins on August 24. The doctors also mentioned that she may have another CT scan sometime after this third cycle to determine whether or not the treatment is working.

Again, we want to thank all of you for your prayers and ask that you keep them up. :)

Mom also wants to express her appreciation for the cards, phone calls, and visits. They have been a great encouragement to her. She loves all of you.

Second Round....

Mom began her second round or cycle, as the doctors call it, this Monday. Her treatment went really well. Her white blood count was a little low, but within range. Her platelet count though was really high. I think last week her platelet count was in the 50s and on Monday it was in the 600s. The doctors were pleased with that.

I spoke with her today and she's feeling great. She said that this is the best she's felt after a chemo treatment. :)

My parents were able to go camping for a few days this weekend with some friends at a local campground. The weather was beautiful and they enjoyed sitting outside around the campfire.

Third Chemo Postponed.....

This past week has been great. Mom's been eating, resting, and feeling full of energy. YEAH!!!!
Since she's been feeling so well, she was able to join her small bible study group on Thursday and spent the weekend catching up with family.
Thank you for your prayers!!!!

On Monday, my aunt took mom to have her third chemo treatment. However, after her lab work came back, the doctor decided to postpone her chemo treatment. Mom had a low white blood cell count and platelet count. It was nothing to worry about, but it was too low for her to get the chemo treatment. The doctor said that she might need to have two weeks of chemo and then one week off. So, she rescheduled this appointment for next Monday.

While mom was at her appointment, she did talk with her doctor about her legs. Mom had noticed that her legs were feeling a little swollen and uncomfortable. The doctor went ahead and had mom go to Community East to get an ultrasound done to make sure there wasn't any blood clots or anything else of concern. Thankfully the doctor did not find anything.

My dad is planning to take a few vacation days this week to spend time with mom and to take her to her appointment on Monday. She is so excited to have this week off of chemo and hopes that she continues to feel great.

Second chemo treatment....

Today mom had her second chemo treatment. Mom was able to enjoy time with my aunt and a book on CD during her chemo. She also ate a pretty big lunch. :) Mom did end up losing two pounds since last Monday; however, we feel this was mainly due to the acid reflux. The doctor suggested that she continue to use the Pepcid AC. The Pepcid AC really worked for mom last week, so we're hoping it continues this week. After her treatment, she went home to rest.

Please pray that mom is able to get plenty of rest this week and that she'll be able to eat. :)

Port check-up.....

Mom went to have her port checked on Friday at Community North. The doctor told her that everything looked fine and that she was healing well from her port surgery.

After that appointment, mom decided to stop by the cancer center to ask about some other options to control her acid reflux. The gas that she'd been having did get a little better; however, the acid reflux was worse. She did have a lot of trouble eating anything on Thursday and Friday. The doctor gave her a prescription for the acid reflux, but did suggest trying Pepcid AC first. Thankfully the Pepcid AC has been working. Mom has felt great since she started taking the Pepcid AC. She's been able to eat without worry. Yesterday she even got to get some ice cream at Dairy Queen. :)

On another note, mom had a surprising phone call from her pastor yesterday. Last Wednesday, mom and I met with her pastor to talk about her journey with God. I can say that this was a part of God's timing, because he asked to share some of her story during his Sunday message. Wow, huh?

Today, we went to hear his message. He was speaking about the what the kids at their VBS had been learning about God. The big message was about how we are to not fear, for God is always with us. They learned this through the story of how God used Moses to save the Israelites from their captivity under Pharaoh. He also relayed how God is with us during all our "plagues" or challenges in life and how each one gives God an opportunity to show himself to us and bring us closer to him.

After the service, we were able to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Mom was excited to eat eggs and bacon. She's planning to on eating more later today and finishing the night with ice cream again. :)

For our family, we believe that this cancer is another opportunity for us to share what God is doing. We have been encouraged that mom's journey is already being used to spur others on. We pray that we will continue to be aware of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.