Thursday, June 26, 2008

Thursday

Just talked to Mom. She isn't feeling well today. She had her shot yesterday (Neulasta) and the day after is normally a down day, but today she had to take her meds for naseau, which is unusual for her. Her tummy was not feeling well this morning. She has been laying in her chair all day. :(

I worry about her so much. Please continue praying..........................................

Maureen

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

3rd Chemo Treatment Today

Gosh, I am horrible at posting, aren't I? I must try and do better. Mom is having her 3rd chemo treatment as I type. (5 more to go.) Still no nausea; thank you God!

Today and tomorrow she will have less energy than usual, but other than that, she has been feeling good. She has developed a nagging cough, which Dr. Simons said was a side effect of both the chemo and the Neulasta shot. Mom's lungs and heart are in good shape AND her veins are holding up wonderfully. She absolutely does not want that port inserted!

Brittany being home has helped increase her spirits. Now that she is back, it is hard to believe she was in Australia for so long. The time went by so quickly.

Emotionally, she has both good and bad days. She hasn't contacted a support group yet, or reached out to anyone else w/cancer. When she is ready, she said.

My Aunt Bonnie was diagnosed with breast cancer recently...she will have the lump removed and then radiation. She has survived open heart surgery, so this should be a piece of cake. We hope, anyhow! Please pray for Aunt Bonnie as well as my mom.

This is a short one because I am working. I will let you know how Mom is feeling tomorrow.

Maureen

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Cupie Doll

It is Wednesday June 11th and I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. Mom had a 2nd chemo treatment on Tuesday June 3rd, and her Neulasta shot on June 4th. She usually feels crumby after she gets the shot. She told me she has been coughing; thus taking her temp. every 5 minutes. With chemo, you have to watch your temperature, as you are more prone to getting sick.

I went to Mom & Dads for dinner on Monday and Mom said she looks like a "cupie doll". I told her that she looks beautiful, but she wasn't buying it. She was crying and said how hard it is to look in the mirror. Again I told her that she is beautiful. Whether she has 1 hair on her head or 1,000 hairs on her head! We decided that if the small amount of hair that is left, remains, we are going to put a little baret in it and let it stick straight up!

She went for bloodwork this Tuesday and everything was o.k. Her platelets are down about 3,000, but the nurse said that the levels are normal for someone who has had 2 chemo treatments. I have yet to find the time to research this info. Deb, I believe I will be calling you one of these days for some expert information!

Mom has 6 more treatments to go; she was scheduled for a total of 8. This should take us through September at which time she will be scheduled for surgery. We see the surgeon in early August, so we will know more than.

One of Mom's friends from Westminster took her to lunch and a movie on Saturday June 7th. They ate at Bob Evans and then went to see Indiana Jones. Mom sounded so happy when she got back. I was working at Joey's, but she called and told me she had a really good time. That is what she needs. Friends and family supporting her. It is amazing what love and laughter can do for a person's spirits.

Speaking of spirits, Mom's will be wonderful this Friday evening at 9:55 P.M. We are picking up Brittany at the airport, as she is returning from Australia (FINALLY!). My mom is going to cry hysterically, I just know it. There shall be lots of Kodak moments that evening!

For the most part, (back to the "c" subject) Mom has been feeling pretty good, despite the chemo. She has not been sick to the stomach or thrown up or been in bed all day one time. Her energy level is down, of course, but she is such a trooper. The nurses told us that as long as she feels up to doing her normal day-to-day activites, let her do them. And of course, Mom insists on doing what she normally does.

I am so proud of her and how well she is handling all of this. I know she has her bad days, angry days and extremely sad days, but she still has that beautiful smile on her face and keeps on trekking.

Well, as I am at work, I suppose I should get to work. Please continue praying.

Maureen

P.S. Happy 21st birthday, Joshua Trey!!!