A bend in the Road

Hey, it is Noelle. We have a little bump in the road this chemo. Two main issues, as far as I can tell: 1. Mom has an infection in or around the port where they put the chemo. She is on antibiotics since Saturday, and they have put her on stronger antibiotics. She needs for this to get better or it is going to warrant a trip to the hospital (I believe for iv antibiotics).

The other main issue is that she did not react well to the shot that is supposed to increase her blood levels. That caused a little fainting episode this weekend, and the Dr. has decided to stop the shot of that is causing the problem. In its place, mom will have to have a series of 5 shots in five days after each chemo. Not the best option, but better than fainting.

She is feeling better than this weekend, and she is trying to schedule less, but help encourage her, and say prayers that we can stay the course and get this over with asap! I'll keep you updated when there is news, definitely this weekend hopefully to let you know the infection has cleared! Noelle

Half Way Done!!!

Today, the 23, mom had her 3rd chemo. She is officially half way done with chemo. She has been doing well, with only mild discomfort. Her hemoglobin on Monday was good, but dropped today because she has been pushing herself too much in the days before chemo. She has come to the realization she needs to slow down because if her numbers stay low, she won't be able to have the next chemo on schedule. I am glad she has finally realized this. Mom seems to push herself right before the next chemo in case she feels bad, and in the process she wears herself out going into chemo. The next chemo is in 3 weeks. I promise to try to give more information sooner, and to have more wit in the next posting. I am just too tired!

Mom said thanks for the prayers and reading the blog. She really appreciates the love and support. Noelle

2 down and 4 to go

Dear Friends and family,
I had my second chemo today...yes this is Laurie finally learning how to do this crazy thing. All went very well except that I talked Mike Jr. into taking his Dad home and it went longer than I thought so Mike was worried about me when I decided to stop at the grocery store because I was starving after chemo.
What a different experience this is for me than my Mom who went through it 25 years ago. The anti-nausea drugs are keeping me so comfortable and most of the people I have talked to say the same things.
I am almost bald now as my hair started coming out so much that it was choking me. I got up on New years and chopped it off. Tonight in the shower most of the rest came out. I said that I looked like Kojak but I guess that dates me so I look like Howey Mandel (only not as cute!)
Thanks for all your love and prayers and support. Ps. if you want to call me now it is welcome. We go to bed around 10 eastern time.
Love,
Laurie