Today sucked

Yes, today sucked.  We knew the hard part was coming, and it's here. Anti-nausea drug has helped, but Mom is tired, not eating, and probably dehydrated. 

Sucks sucks sucks.

Side effects

Some side effects are just starting. Mom mentioned over the last couple of days her "taster" is off. This morning she said her mouth was sore, so she's starting on baking soda rinses; appetite is down. The perky action from the steroid is gone, so pretty tired again.

But we went to the flying club dinner this evening. Some guys were up to date, some not, but all were very kind. Our table ended up swapping boat stories!

Lab tests; Got Blood? And thanks to all.

Regular lab tests today (there will be another next week). Mom's counts (hemoglobin at 7) are down a bit from last week, and the chemo will likely lower it even more, so she got a unit of blood.  Fortunately she hasn't had any dramatic side effects yet from the chemo and, with the steroid, seems to have even more energy than usual.

I've been remiss in thanking so many people who care so much for Mom.  Letters and visits and emails and texts and calls. 

I asked Mom if she wanted to make sure anyone got special "thanks;" she said "Everybody."  I'm taking a risk of missing someone, and offending anyone who thinks they should be 'higher' on this list (no, it's my random access memory). Char, Jo, Susan, Judy, Lynda, Sabrina, Theresa, neighbors, Bill K, Bill and Vicky Z, Missy and Brad, Regan, Julie and John, Rick, Rhonda, Rhoda and Scott, Rhochelle, Rhea, Fernando, Bill and Joan, David, Michael and Julie, Bill and Terra, Ben (especially for holding down the house for me), Brooke and Nate and Ky, Dianne, Christine, Charlotte C, Linda, Donna, Camille, Danny and Hannah, Emily, Walt and Dianne.  Plus her own personal mafia of doctors (small town, they've all known each other 20+ years), and the super nurses.  And 9-1-1 services...three times. 

Apologies in advance to whomever I missed (and thank you too)

Doing well, still has hair

This update isn't much, just enough to say Mom is doing well. 

The steroid (Prednisone) could be a big player in keeping her so awake and alert. Saturday was a bit silly, as she said she couldn't get to sleep at 1 am. I tried a soothing voice, "See yourself in a boat, fishing, warm day,...". But she couldn't hear me (hearing aid out, of course) and my loud voice isn't so soothing. 

"Okay Julie, I'm going to work really hard at going to sleep."

"Mom, you can't work hard. You need to stop working your brain."

"Okay."

Wait for it, five seconds, "Oh, and tomorrow I want to call Alice........."

Second round of chemo - October 6

Mom had her second round of chemo. The oncologist said the first round was a little more than half of a normal dose. He took a lot of time to talk about how aggressive her cancer is -- they continue to look at samples from the biopsy ("they" meaning the experts at OHSU). He also went through her blood test numbers thoroughly, all leading to a conclusion that she should have the full dose of chemo for this round.

A very full day, getting to the appointment at 9:00 and leaving just after 4:30. She went home with a Nulasta pack attached to her belly, which will release hormones in about 24 hours to boost white blood cells.

She will have labs next week, and a third round of chemo in three weeks (October 26). She loves the nurses. 

She came home, opened mail, and took a three-hour nap.

No broken nose; chemo Friday

Mom was trying to make her follow-up appointment with ENT, but the office called back and said she does NOT have a break. Okey dokey, less appointments is better.

Chemo Friday! Some people have Taco Tuesday; she gets Chemo (every other) Friday. During the call to set the time, the nurse asked, "How are you after your fall?"  Word gets around in a small town.

One adventurous woman

4:35 this morning I called 9-1-1.  Nothing cancer related.  Just Mom keeping things interesting for all you dear readers who have been waiting nearly a week for updates!  Truly, though, I think Mom didn't want to bother waking me for help, tried to get out of bed herself, and fell.  Right onto her nose.

Yes, her nose.

Lots of red stuff that she really can't afford to waste.

We got back home four hours later.

The initial read of the CAT scan was no broken nose, but the ER doctor called later to tell her the in-house radiologist believes there is a slight break. Mom has to give it about a week for the swelling to go down, then see an ENT for follow-up.  The bruising is interesting; no, just icky. 

Luckily my brother Bill built (just yesterday) a ramp in the garage so Mom can have easy entry/exit.  It was convenient for the ambulance gurney this morning. 🚑

It's a beautiful ramp. Broad, Burley, Blonde.  Believe me. Bro-Bill-Built.