2nd Chemo...

Hello Friends ~

Today we went back to the Oncology office for lab work and a visit with the doctor.

We were surprised when Dr. Moraes said that we were to have chemo today, because our understanding was that it was going to be every 4 weeks. (Some of you knew otherwise!) He asked about how she felt, how she thought she was handling the chemo... When we mentioned the headache, he said that was from the anti-nausea medication – that it was a pretty strong med and headaches were a frequent complaint. Mom said she would rather have the headache than the nausea, so...


Our appointment was at 2:30 – which is rather late to begin a chemo treatment.
They hurriedly rushed us through to the other side of the offices to see if we could get in... It was either do it today, or have to come back Wednesday or Thursday; they had already attached the plastic syringe to the port during the blood draw.
Of course, this was not the first time that things did not go as we expected!


They began with the Pre-Meds at 3:10 – the saline solution, a tylenol, and then the bags of steroids, anti-nausea drugs, and the benadryl. These drugs are so awesome because they take away so many of the side effects of the chemo drug.


After these go in, the cook has put together Mom’s particular chemo mixture and then that goes into the IV. These drugs are very powerful – the nurses always dress with their smocks, gloves, goggles, etc. - even the chemo patients have to use a separate restroom when they have this in their body. They are very particular and specific about the wastes being toxic.

When that was finished, Gina came over to give her the push-drug. Because Mom is slightly anemic, the doctor also ordered Aranesp and will give that every other week. This drug is similar to the drug that she gets on the day after chemo (the one that is the white blood cell booster). She says that it goes right under the skin (not in muscle) and it stings a little bit.

We wrapped everything up about 5:45. It was another long day. And then tomorrow she has that follow-up shot. I think tomorrow, Mom will use her numbing ointment and see if that will take some of the sting out.


~ and personal thoughts ~


Today we sat over next to the windows in an even larger plush recliner. I got to sit in a recliner as well – but did not recline, as the TV headphones did not reach! Honestly, you all would not believe this place! I got us both a coke from the fridge, gave mom a heated blanket, and she took a little nap while I read and watched TV. The world of cancer treatment has certainly changed over the past several years.


A church group from Virginia had made caps for people undergoing chemo and the nurse brought the bag over for us to look at... We had hoped that Mom would hold on to her hair, but it is not looking that way. My boss told me on Monday that it was a good thing, it showed that the chemo was working... And so I needed to hear that. After all, so many times it is not the reality of a situation but how we look at it. So, the chemo is doing its job and getting to all parts of her body. Our mantra is: Every little cell in my body is well.


This afternoon was our first doctor trip without Amy.
Unfortunately, she has a job way up north and she left this past Friday. We miss her. :(


Thanks for you continued prayers, encouragement, and wishes.
We love you