Poor Mom can't seem to get herself more than one or two really good nights of quality sleep in a week. This week she's dealing with the symptoms from chemo that are accumulating as time goes on, plus really intense chest pain brought on by the neulasta injection. Because it is stimulating the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, pain can be severe anywhere there are large bones.
Last night, she left her computer at work, took a bath, meditated, drank some chamomile tea, wrote a list of things she's thankful for, and still couldn't sleep. If you can't cleanse your mental palate after doing all that, I don't know how you can. Not to mention, that she's fatigued all the time. It's just not fair!
Her spirits are excellent though, and she's really beginning to think about her life holistically rather than compartmentally. We talk a lot about cleansing, whether it's in regards to clutter, diet, or stress. It's been remarkable to see her commit to making these positive changes in her life.
The hair is still hanging on for dear life. I'm heading home Saturday or Sunday with scissors and clippers in hand, just in case.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Half Way There
Mom completed week 2 of cycle 2 yesterday, which puts her just about at the half way point of her 4 total cycles. All of her electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) were perfectly on target, and her creatinine was 1.1 which is the lowest it's been since her surgery in December! These are the sorts of things that really get us pumped in this household. She was slightly anemic, so Judy administered an EPO injection. Erythropoietin is a natural hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Most people who have little to no kidney function need regular EPO injections, but this was not due to lack of kidney function, but more the common side effect of cellular lysis (or destruction) by our good friend, chemo.
Her white blood cells were within normal limits, but trending downwards, and since her team would prefer to avoid another neutropenic (or neutral penis, depending on how you role) episode, she'll also get another neulasta injection this afternoon at 2pm. Overall she's feeling pretty tired today, but is going to try and get a few hours of work in before her injection, then head home for a siesta.
To every one's surprise, Mom's hair is still hanging in there. We have reason to believe that this might be so because she gets her cisplatin split over the course of two rounds rather than in one shot. In other words, she gets 1/2 week 1 and half week 2 of each cycle, whereas it is typically administered all at once during the first week. It might be taking twice as long to really rampage her hair cells, which I was assured is not any sort of indicator of if the chemo is doing its job or not- some people are just lucky!
Sure enough, today on the commencement of her 55th year, she thinks way more hair bit the dust when she was blow-drying than normal. She's going to ride it out for the day and see what happens, but I have a feeling the ceremonial buzz may be in our near future. I personally think everyone should ring in their mid-50's bald.
Her white blood cells were within normal limits, but trending downwards, and since her team would prefer to avoid another neutropenic (or neutral penis, depending on how you role) episode, she'll also get another neulasta injection this afternoon at 2pm. Overall she's feeling pretty tired today, but is going to try and get a few hours of work in before her injection, then head home for a siesta.
To every one's surprise, Mom's hair is still hanging in there. We have reason to believe that this might be so because she gets her cisplatin split over the course of two rounds rather than in one shot. In other words, she gets 1/2 week 1 and half week 2 of each cycle, whereas it is typically administered all at once during the first week. It might be taking twice as long to really rampage her hair cells, which I was assured is not any sort of indicator of if the chemo is doing its job or not- some people are just lucky!
Sure enough, today on the commencement of her 55th year, she thinks way more hair bit the dust when she was blow-drying than normal. She's going to ride it out for the day and see what happens, but I have a feeling the ceremonial buzz may be in our near future. I personally think everyone should ring in their mid-50's bald.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Here's to Hoping
You may have picked up on the fact that things have been going along- dare I say- well! So from here on out, I'm going to stick to a bi-weekly posting schedule. I'll always report on chemo day to let you know how things went, and then a few days following, unless any important information needs to be shared with the masses.
Tommy and I arrived back to Boston from a much needed and restful trip to sunny Tejas just as Mom was arriving back from her day trip to NYC. She met with a prospective client, and they signed with her, on the spot. Talk about a kick-ass-chick.
Don't let no cancer stand in yo' way girlfriend, uh hum, that's right. You do yo' thang girl.
Tommy and I arrived back to Boston from a much needed and restful trip to sunny Tejas just as Mom was arriving back from her day trip to NYC. She met with a prospective client, and they signed with her, on the spot. Talk about a kick-ass-chick.
Don't let no cancer stand in yo' way girlfriend, uh hum, that's right. You do yo' thang girl.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Now I Know Where I Get It
Mom called me in Texas this evening, sounding tired but in excellent spirits. She was in and out in 5 hours today, but is feeling the symptoms more than ever. Determined to get a good night's sleep, she was trying to stay up until at least 9pm, plus, she said, she hadn't whiped down the counter since yesterday and it was really bothering her. I've gotten eternally made fun of by friends for my obsession with a tidy countertop, but at least now I know where I get it.
She was delivered an out of this world dinner, that will feed her for at least a week, and fortunately her nausea was at bay enough for her to enjoy it.
She's going to try and head to the office tomorrow, but knows she really shouldn't push it. So a successful start to round to two, and she couldn't be happier.
And Mom, when you get around to reading this, here's some kisses from brown horse :)
Okay and from Callah too...
White horse was too busy rolling in the mud (so she's really black horse till the rainy season is over) and Oklahoma was occupied sleeping in the sun, but you'll get kisses from them tomorrow.
Chemo Day 3: We're a Go
I just spoke to Mom and all her lab values were peachy keen, so all is well in the chemo world. She's beating herself up a bit because Dr. K had given her a homework assignment to be completed during her off week (last week): not one, but two 24 hour urine collections. One to be refrigerated, one non refrigerated and as far from her last treatment as possible. She got the first one done last week, but totally spaced this weekend and forgot to do the second. Blame it on the chemo brain!
She struggles with getting a good night's sleep, which is most likely due to how much she is trying to get accomplished during the day, and she's also complaining about her voracious appetite. She never feels satisfied, but is finally within the healthy limits her cardiologist suggested for her and she doesn't want to undo the one benefit of that miserable December.
It can be such a double-edged sword because on one hand it is amazing that she is finally feeling herself again, but on the other hand, this is the opportunity to make positive lifestyle modifications, and it's so much harder said than done!
She is toying with the idea of meeting with a certified dietician, and looking into the Benson Institute of Mind Body (I'd mentioned it a while back) to learn ways to reduce stress and help institute all those positive changes we all know we could benefit from.
Sometimes I worry that we've created a world in which we need bonified institutes that specialize in stress reduction. What are we doing to ourselves? Stress is actually recognized as a risk factor for cancer, modifiable no less! Moral of the story- take some time for yourself every day. Everything else can wait, but your health can't.
PS- Know what stresses me out? The fact that blogger.com has not had spell check for about a month now. It's a problem they claim to be fixing. It's not the broken spell check that stresses me out, so much as the fact that I can't spell to save my life (a sign of genius, I've been told). My younger sister is kind enough to point out the endless gramatical and spelling errors, but I refuse to not post for fear of being scrutinized for my imperfections. How's that for being zen?
Ommmmmmmm.
She struggles with getting a good night's sleep, which is most likely due to how much she is trying to get accomplished during the day, and she's also complaining about her voracious appetite. She never feels satisfied, but is finally within the healthy limits her cardiologist suggested for her and she doesn't want to undo the one benefit of that miserable December.
It can be such a double-edged sword because on one hand it is amazing that she is finally feeling herself again, but on the other hand, this is the opportunity to make positive lifestyle modifications, and it's so much harder said than done!
She is toying with the idea of meeting with a certified dietician, and looking into the Benson Institute of Mind Body (I'd mentioned it a while back) to learn ways to reduce stress and help institute all those positive changes we all know we could benefit from.
Sometimes I worry that we've created a world in which we need bonified institutes that specialize in stress reduction. What are we doing to ourselves? Stress is actually recognized as a risk factor for cancer, modifiable no less! Moral of the story- take some time for yourself every day. Everything else can wait, but your health can't.
PS- Know what stresses me out? The fact that blogger.com has not had spell check for about a month now. It's a problem they claim to be fixing. It's not the broken spell check that stresses me out, so much as the fact that I can't spell to save my life (a sign of genius, I've been told). My younger sister is kind enough to point out the endless gramatical and spelling errors, but I refuse to not post for fear of being scrutinized for my imperfections. How's that for being zen?
Ommmmmmmm.
Friday, February 15, 2008
TGIF
Sorry I haven't posted more this week, but consider it a good thing because there hasn't been much to tell. Some days have been better than others, some nights more restful than others, but overall Mom is just trying to find the right balance as she gets back in to the swing of work. Even though her team did an exceptional job while she was away, there is still a lot for her to do in order to catch up.
As you may remember, we were supposed to buzz her hair Monday because that's when we were told it would fall out, but it still hasn't, so the ceremonial buzzing has been postponed.
Last night she had over some Helping Hands groupies just to thank them for all their hard work thus far. Shame shame on you no-shows, because apparently there was wine, bubbly, and a comical misunderstanding of the word "neutropenic" for "neutropenis." Mom said it was wonderful to see friends and get to thank everyone in person.
What I am especially thankful for is that at her mention of thinking she might not need the meal deliveries any more, everyone immediately put their foot down! Yes, she is supermamasan, but not super woman, and I think not having to commit energy and thought to creating nourishing and delicious meals continues to be the absolute best gift ever. She keeps telling me, "I don't want them to think I'm taking advantage when I'm perfectly capable of doing things myself," despite my reassurance that she can't do everything, and this is just as much a gift for her friends to be able to contribute as it is a way for her to rest.
This was the first week in a long time I haven't been home, thanks to a lovely head cold I've been nursing, and next week I will be in scenic Tejas visiting my dad with my husband. Looking forward to the break, but a little sad about not seeing my Mom for such a long period of time. I worry she might lose her hair while I'm gone, but things always happen for a reason so I'll just have to let go of what is not in my control.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
As you may remember, we were supposed to buzz her hair Monday because that's when we were told it would fall out, but it still hasn't, so the ceremonial buzzing has been postponed.
Last night she had over some Helping Hands groupies just to thank them for all their hard work thus far. Shame shame on you no-shows, because apparently there was wine, bubbly, and a comical misunderstanding of the word "neutropenic" for "neutropenis." Mom said it was wonderful to see friends and get to thank everyone in person.
What I am especially thankful for is that at her mention of thinking she might not need the meal deliveries any more, everyone immediately put their foot down! Yes, she is supermamasan, but not super woman, and I think not having to commit energy and thought to creating nourishing and delicious meals continues to be the absolute best gift ever. She keeps telling me, "I don't want them to think I'm taking advantage when I'm perfectly capable of doing things myself," despite my reassurance that she can't do everything, and this is just as much a gift for her friends to be able to contribute as it is a way for her to rest.
This was the first week in a long time I haven't been home, thanks to a lovely head cold I've been nursing, and next week I will be in scenic Tejas visiting my dad with my husband. Looking forward to the break, but a little sad about not seeing my Mom for such a long period of time. I worry she might lose her hair while I'm gone, but things always happen for a reason so I'll just have to let go of what is not in my control.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Looking Good
Mom's appointment with Dr. D went well. She's being prescribed Ambien CR which is a controlled release sleep aid that will hopefully help her fall and asleep and stay asleep, and the pulsating pain I mentioned before is very common in patients receiving Neulasta. It signifies that the bone marrow is working hard to increase white blood cell production, and that it has because her values were back within normal limits.
Although this means she can have a raw fruit or veggie here and there, she should probably stick mostly to things with peels and not fill the house with flowers just yet. This will probably be something she battles with for the duration.
Overall Mom's not feeling 100% today: upset stomach, aches and pains, but that is to be expected. These are just one of those days she'll have to lay low and take it easy.
Cycle two starts next Monday, providing the two 24 hour urine collections show that her kidney function is still in tip top shape.
Although this means she can have a raw fruit or veggie here and there, she should probably stick mostly to things with peels and not fill the house with flowers just yet. This will probably be something she battles with for the duration.
Overall Mom's not feeling 100% today: upset stomach, aches and pains, but that is to be expected. These are just one of those days she'll have to lay low and take it easy.
Cycle two starts next Monday, providing the two 24 hour urine collections show that her kidney function is still in tip top shape.
Super Slacker
That's me. But trust me- it's for a good reason: there's nothing to tell! Mom is having some difficulty getting a good night's sleep, has a little anxiety she has to work through from time to time, but otherwise is doing well. The only new problem is a recurring pain she gets in her very lower back, which goes away just as quickly as it comes, and pulsates in rhthym with her heart rate. She just takes a few deep breaths and it's gone, but it's happening so frequently that it is keeping her up at night. It's no where near Lil' Lefty though, thank goodness- more in the sacrum.
Today is week 3, and her day off from chemo, which will complete the first of four cycles. She's meeting with Dr. D mid day to discuss her blood lab values, kidney function, symptoms, and the sleep issue. I generally meet my mom at all her appointments, but after I said goodnight to her, I felt the slightest itch in my throat, and today it's a full blown soar throat. Not sure if it is or isn't anything, but I'm going to play it safe and hang back in Boston till I'm sure this is nothing or something.
Thankfully, her hair hasn't started to fall out yet, so if we have to put off the ritual buzzing, it can wait a day.
One little ditty I wanted to share with everyone: I spent the weekend taking a two-day intensive course called "Care for the Caregiver."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Forgive me, I digress with laughter...
Anyway, it was a brilliant course, led by a man who works at The Benson-Henry Institiute for Mind Body Medicine (say that five times fast). If you're unfamiliar with Benson, he's worth a google! We learned a ton about the stress response, how that manifests physically, our thought process, and how we can turn it around with rational thought and make it a positive experience. Sounds crunchy, I know, but hear me out. The exact opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response, which takes practice and dedication to illicite, but can be done. Do you know the average person has the stress response 50 times a day? That's madness!
So not only did I learn to reflect on what stresses me out and understand my triggers, and therefor how to avoid them or learn from them, but I also learned that drinking in moderation is actually good for you. Since moderation for a woman in the US means 1 drink daily, and in France it means 3 drinks daily, I'm half French so I'll just take the mean, thank you very much.
Being silly (who me?), but I did learn a lot and I hope that anyone who has a few free minutes will check out the institute's link.
Will report back after Mom's appt, whether I am there or not.
Signing off, Monica Talbot McKnight, legit R.N.
PS- That's the other reason I haven't posted in a few days: I took my state board exam on Thursday, had to sweat it out until Saturday, and have been in a state of shock ever since.
Today is week 3, and her day off from chemo, which will complete the first of four cycles. She's meeting with Dr. D mid day to discuss her blood lab values, kidney function, symptoms, and the sleep issue. I generally meet my mom at all her appointments, but after I said goodnight to her, I felt the slightest itch in my throat, and today it's a full blown soar throat. Not sure if it is or isn't anything, but I'm going to play it safe and hang back in Boston till I'm sure this is nothing or something.
Thankfully, her hair hasn't started to fall out yet, so if we have to put off the ritual buzzing, it can wait a day.
One little ditty I wanted to share with everyone: I spent the weekend taking a two-day intensive course called "Care for the Caregiver."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Forgive me, I digress with laughter...
Anyway, it was a brilliant course, led by a man who works at The Benson-Henry Institiute for Mind Body Medicine (say that five times fast). If you're unfamiliar with Benson, he's worth a google! We learned a ton about the stress response, how that manifests physically, our thought process, and how we can turn it around with rational thought and make it a positive experience. Sounds crunchy, I know, but hear me out. The exact opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response, which takes practice and dedication to illicite, but can be done. Do you know the average person has the stress response 50 times a day? That's madness!
So not only did I learn to reflect on what stresses me out and understand my triggers, and therefor how to avoid them or learn from them, but I also learned that drinking in moderation is actually good for you. Since moderation for a woman in the US means 1 drink daily, and in France it means 3 drinks daily, I'm half French so I'll just take the mean, thank you very much.
Being silly (who me?), but I did learn a lot and I hope that anyone who has a few free minutes will check out the institute's link.
Will report back after Mom's appt, whether I am there or not.
Signing off, Monica Talbot McKnight, legit R.N.
PS- That's the other reason I haven't posted in a few days: I took my state board exam on Thursday, had to sweat it out until Saturday, and have been in a state of shock ever since.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
So Many Treats, So Little Belly Space
Mom's friend Beth H., who loves to bake, sent a loaf of lemon pound cake, a batch of shortbread cookies, and a batch of ginger cookies with walnuts. Somehow I don't think Mom will have much of an issue increasing her caloric intake for the next few days!
She is eating so well, and very healthy, but let's face it, nothing raises the spirits like a sweet treat.
The only new development as of yesterday is that she is oficially neutropenic, meaning her mature WBC's (aka neutrophils) are below 1,000. The Neulasta injection she was given yesterday will hopefully help, but she needs to combat infection on her own as well. I'm attaching the Fever and Neutropenia Treatment Guidlines for Treating Patients with Cancer in case anyone is interested in learning a bit more about the immune system. If you don't breeze through it, here is what you need to know:
1. No one is to lay a hand on anything in Mom's house without washing their hands.
2. No fresh flowers in the house.
3. No raw ingredients, including fruits and vegtables.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Wash your hands.
I stress hand washing, yet again, because this is numero uno in preventing hand washing. It's something even I need to remind myself of when I am at home, but is crucial in keeping Mom healthy.
She is eating so well, and very healthy, but let's face it, nothing raises the spirits like a sweet treat.
The only new development as of yesterday is that she is oficially neutropenic, meaning her mature WBC's (aka neutrophils) are below 1,000. The Neulasta injection she was given yesterday will hopefully help, but she needs to combat infection on her own as well. I'm attaching the Fever and Neutropenia Treatment Guidlines for Treating Patients with Cancer in case anyone is interested in learning a bit more about the immune system. If you don't breeze through it, here is what you need to know:
1. No one is to lay a hand on anything in Mom's house without washing their hands.
2. No fresh flowers in the house.
3. No raw ingredients, including fruits and vegtables.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Wash your hands.
I stress hand washing, yet again, because this is numero uno in preventing hand washing. It's something even I need to remind myself of when I am at home, but is crucial in keeping Mom healthy.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Oatmeal Date Chocolate Cookies
Lynn G. made these for Mom last week. You don't feel quite as guilty as when you scarf down her M&M brownies (which I ate no less than a dozen of the morning of my wedding), but they are nonetheless delicious! She even shared the recipe with us from Health magazine.
Makes 32 cookies.
Preaheat oven to 350. Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Stir until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup all purpose flour, 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1.5 cups regular oats, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Combine the butter mixture with the dry ingredients, and add 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, plus 1 cup chopped pitted dates. Fold in 3 ounces coursely chopped bittersweet chocolate. Mix well and spoon mixture by tablespoon-fulls out onto lightly greased (or silicone baking mat-covered) baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, until tops are dry to the touch.
Makes 32 cookies.
Preaheat oven to 350. Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Stir until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup all purpose flour, 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1.5 cups regular oats, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Combine the butter mixture with the dry ingredients, and add 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, plus 1 cup chopped pitted dates. Fold in 3 ounces coursely chopped bittersweet chocolate. Mix well and spoon mixture by tablespoon-fulls out onto lightly greased (or silicone baking mat-covered) baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, until tops are dry to the touch.
Wig: Check Double Check
Mom had a wonderful experience with Sally at The Hair Stop in Windsor. She owns the shop, and has been heavily involved in The American Cancer Society for about 15 years. She even testified a few years ago for having insurance companies reimburse for wigs, which they now do! Good thing, cause they ain't cheap! She also leads some of those "Look Good...Feel Better" classes like Mom took last week. We didn't ask if she'd been personally effected by cancer, but based on her long standing dedication towards helping women, I would imagine she has been. The best part is, she refers to her cancer clients as "my girls." It doesn't get more endearing than that.
It wasn't something Mom was really looking forward to, seeing as losing her hair still provokes some anxiety. It's not so much a vanity issue as it is a fear that this will stare her in the face every day. You can't escape a bald head. Ask my father.
Sally put Mom at ease, kept it light, listened to her concerns, and took every opportunity to educate us about scalp and wig care. The one Mom got is dead on in terms of color, has a style similar to Mom's in the front, but with a little spunk in the back. It's cute, and I'll be sure to post some before and after pictures next week.
When we got home, we wolfed down the most delicious food and settled in to watch the latest installment of The Complete Jane Austen. This one was by far the best- "Miss Austen Regrets," which we highly recommend.
Otherwise, Mom was up at 6:30am, slept well, and feels great today. She's going to try and put in a few hours at the office after her shot at the cancer center this afternoon, and cross some things off her list this morning. As I type, she is enjoying a super smoothie and shopping for cozy hats.
It wasn't something Mom was really looking forward to, seeing as losing her hair still provokes some anxiety. It's not so much a vanity issue as it is a fear that this will stare her in the face every day. You can't escape a bald head. Ask my father.
Sally put Mom at ease, kept it light, listened to her concerns, and took every opportunity to educate us about scalp and wig care. The one Mom got is dead on in terms of color, has a style similar to Mom's in the front, but with a little spunk in the back. It's cute, and I'll be sure to post some before and after pictures next week.
When we got home, we wolfed down the most delicious food and settled in to watch the latest installment of The Complete Jane Austen. This one was by far the best- "Miss Austen Regrets," which we highly recommend.
Otherwise, Mom was up at 6:30am, slept well, and feels great today. She's going to try and put in a few hours at the office after her shot at the cancer center this afternoon, and cross some things off her list this morning. As I type, she is enjoying a super smoothie and shopping for cozy hats.
Monday, February 4, 2008
At Least We Beat the Yankees
And that's just about all I'm going to say about that. I woke up sick with emotional stress and a belly still full of chicken enchiladas and cupcakes, but knew I had to put on my game face and hit the road for chemo day 2.
Mom did great. Her creatinine held steady at 1.2, so she was able to get the cistplatin again, as well as the gemzar. Her white blood cell count (WBC) was borderline low, so tomorrow she will have to go back to the cancer center to get an injection of Neulasta, which will hopefully offset the low WBC count and prevent infection. Otherwise, things looked good.
Her blood pressure is lower than it has ever been (90s/50s) which is low, but not alarmingly so.
She was warned that cistplatin can lower blood pressure, so between that and the three BP meds she is already on, some adjustments may need to be made. As of now, she is showing no signs
or symptoms that cause alarm (lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, etc).
The other great news is that her fatigue seemed to disappear today. I don't know if it was my stimulating conversation, or just the fact that she bounced back on her own. Either way,
she's been shakin' and movin' since we got home. The nurse taking care of her today said that some people can experience extreme fatigue when weaned off Decadron too quickly. Decadron is a glucocorticosteroid, which can help with nausea, but also has some anti-inflammatory effects as well. Mom had been instructed to take it the three days following treatments to help with discomfort, but this time around she'll wean off it much slower until Saturday to see if the fatigue is more managable. It gave her a bit of a high, basically (cue Jimmy Hendrix guitar solo), and she needs to be eased off of it (cue sappy rehabilitation music, like Kenny G).
She's taking a "20 minuter" (which Gwennie and I both know means "wake me up in two hours") before we head to meet Sally, who will be helping Mom select and purchase a wig.
Susan E. dropped off a delicious dinner, very nausea friendly, just in case. You'll need to post where that bread is from. I don't think there will be any left come dinner! Mom keeps having "just one more tiny slice."
Mom did great. Her creatinine held steady at 1.2, so she was able to get the cistplatin again, as well as the gemzar. Her white blood cell count (WBC) was borderline low, so tomorrow she will have to go back to the cancer center to get an injection of Neulasta, which will hopefully offset the low WBC count and prevent infection. Otherwise, things looked good.
Her blood pressure is lower than it has ever been (90s/50s) which is low, but not alarmingly so.
She was warned that cistplatin can lower blood pressure, so between that and the three BP meds she is already on, some adjustments may need to be made. As of now, she is showing no signs
or symptoms that cause alarm (lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, etc).
The other great news is that her fatigue seemed to disappear today. I don't know if it was my stimulating conversation, or just the fact that she bounced back on her own. Either way,
she's been shakin' and movin' since we got home. The nurse taking care of her today said that some people can experience extreme fatigue when weaned off Decadron too quickly. Decadron is a glucocorticosteroid, which can help with nausea, but also has some anti-inflammatory effects as well. Mom had been instructed to take it the three days following treatments to help with discomfort, but this time around she'll wean off it much slower until Saturday to see if the fatigue is more managable. It gave her a bit of a high, basically (cue Jimmy Hendrix guitar solo), and she needs to be eased off of it (cue sappy rehabilitation music, like Kenny G).
She's taking a "20 minuter" (which Gwennie and I both know means "wake me up in two hours") before we head to meet Sally, who will be helping Mom select and purchase a wig.
Susan E. dropped off a delicious dinner, very nausea friendly, just in case. You'll need to post where that bread is from. I don't think there will be any left come dinner! Mom keeps having "just one more tiny slice."
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Go Pats
That has nothing to do with Mom, but whatever. Today, I put everything on the back burner and send Tom Brady all the positive energy I can muster up. It's funny to look back and read entries I wrote from the sofa in Avon, when Coco and I were hanging around right after Mom's surgery. "New England Patriots Remain Undefeated, So Does Mom," well let's just keep that theme going then, shall we?
Mom is doing well, but fatigue continues to rule the roost. It will always be a struggle for Madame Productivity to learn to build in periods of rest. To her credit, she is really trying to honor the signals her body is sending her.
I had to share this email from Mom's friend Sally A. in Colorado, which she sent in response to the pictures I posted of Mom last week. She is refering to me in the following...
Isn't she cute....bringing you your very first Helping Hands meal. She looks exactly like you......aren't you both lucky.
We look alike, but not that alike! It must be the enormous toothy smile people keep telling me I have. I don't see it though.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Freebies Rule, Cancer Drools.
Last night Mom & Coco went to the class I'd mentioned earlier. There were only six participants, but almost everyone brought a friend. Mom said she was the only patient who still had hair, so it was both frightening and reassuring to interact with these women.
She decided that she's going to be proactive on the hair front. Hearing other women's stories of how traumatizing it was to get off the sofa, but leave your hair behind, was motivation enough. Typically, hair loss occurs within 14 to 17 days of the first treatent, so around February 11. I offered to bring Tommy's clippers and buzz it all off, to which she said, "wouldn't that be too traumatic for you?" Come on, who here wouldn't love to buzz their mom's head? If Gwennie were in this country, I bet we would have a full on smack down for the honor!
The class went over by an hour, everyone got a free hat or wig, and a colossal bag of very fancy cosmetics that are considered "cancer friendly."
Earlier in the afternoon she had an appointment with Dr. K, who helped address some minor issues Mom has been having. Nothing major, more bothersome than anything. Her bladder is a complete war zone, and sometimes her bladder capacity isn't what she'd like, especially considering she's downing all this water every day. He's added a very low does medication to help, and instructed her to drink two massive glasses of OJ in addition to her water intake. The good thing is that this medication may cause dry mouth, so if anything, it'll help her drink her fluids. Constipation is another side effect, but she's already on a good regime for that because of the anti-nausea meds she takes in the days following chemo.
Who knows if it was the long day, the late night, or some other stressors, but she couldn't sleep a wink last night. She was finishing up her yoga when I called this morning, and she plans to lay low with Coco today. No work, maybe an errand or two, but otherwise getting in a good nap is on the top of her list.
And of course, she got not ONE food delivery last night, but TWO! So the fridge is stuffed with delicious treats to get her through the weekend. Thank you to our cooks!
She decided that she's going to be proactive on the hair front. Hearing other women's stories of how traumatizing it was to get off the sofa, but leave your hair behind, was motivation enough. Typically, hair loss occurs within 14 to 17 days of the first treatent, so around February 11. I offered to bring Tommy's clippers and buzz it all off, to which she said, "wouldn't that be too traumatic for you?" Come on, who here wouldn't love to buzz their mom's head? If Gwennie were in this country, I bet we would have a full on smack down for the honor!
The class went over by an hour, everyone got a free hat or wig, and a colossal bag of very fancy cosmetics that are considered "cancer friendly."
Earlier in the afternoon she had an appointment with Dr. K, who helped address some minor issues Mom has been having. Nothing major, more bothersome than anything. Her bladder is a complete war zone, and sometimes her bladder capacity isn't what she'd like, especially considering she's downing all this water every day. He's added a very low does medication to help, and instructed her to drink two massive glasses of OJ in addition to her water intake. The good thing is that this medication may cause dry mouth, so if anything, it'll help her drink her fluids. Constipation is another side effect, but she's already on a good regime for that because of the anti-nausea meds she takes in the days following chemo.
Who knows if it was the long day, the late night, or some other stressors, but she couldn't sleep a wink last night. She was finishing up her yoga when I called this morning, and she plans to lay low with Coco today. No work, maybe an errand or two, but otherwise getting in a good nap is on the top of her list.
And of course, she got not ONE food delivery last night, but TWO! So the fridge is stuffed with delicious treats to get her through the weekend. Thank you to our cooks!
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