Well, mom went in for chemo #5 yesterday. Alli went with her and spent the day with her, making sure all was well. Mom was nauseous going in, even the thought of the chemo clinic does that to her now. While getting her blood drawn, the nurse told her it is called anticipatory nausea. She is all done with the "cherry lifesaver", which is a blessing, because it made her so, so sick. We are thankful she had it, because we know it will help her get better, but we are sure glad that part is over with.
Today she started a new chemo drug, Taxotere. She'll have that for the last three treatments. She knew this drug would have different side effects, and, here's the bright side...no nausea!!! Yeah! She has had a good appetite and has been able to eat normally. She was nauseous all during chemo (with a little residual anticipatory nausea) and the patient in the chair next to her was enjoying a big, juicy, fragrant hamburger-so that didn't help. But by the time she got home she was feeling good, with just the usual exhaustion and headache. I guess that part won't go away yet. The nurse told her she probably won't start to feel like herself again for about a year. It's a good thing time flies!
She felt pretty good yesterday, and we were all relieved! Catherine and Dad spent the day with her today, and she had some new side effects this afternoon. She is flushed and really hot, but no fever (thank goodness!). She still has the headache, and is starting in with the bone aches that she was told would accompany this treatment. She has a back ache, her ribs ache, her hands, wrists, and arms ache, and I'm sure there will be more bones involved tomorrow. She is generally miserable, but it's all tolerable when there is no nausea to deal with. She has no energy, but that's OK, because her only job right now is to sit back, relax, and let us take care of her! We love her and we are thankful she is such a trooper! Dad is awesome, too. He is handling this so well and takes such good care of her!
Aunt Mary called her today and told her that Sarah and Laura, (mom's nieces) both cut their long, blond hair and donated it to Locks of Love in mom's name. You gals are so cool! We need some pictures of you with your new, shorter locks! We are so thankful for the love and support from our great family and our great friends. It helps so much! Who knows what interesting new symptoms tomorrow will bring? We will just try to focus on the bright side!
1 comment:
Kristin, as always, I appreciate your posts about your mom. It always amazes me the stark contrats between her and my aunt who is in the final stages of breast cancer. She chose not to do chemo and traditional methods of treatment and is now struggling so much. Despite all the side effects and all your mom is going through, I'm grateful for her strength and your family's support. I can't imagine going through what she has been through, but I am greatful you all are helping her look on the bright side.
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