Hanging in there...

It's amazing how different each of these three treatment cycles have been. They warned us about that but it still is strange to think that you've got things figured out and know what to expect and then find that actually, you don't.

For the most part, this has actually worked in Mom's favor this cycle. Though she does have a couple of new side effects we haven't seen before (bright red rash, very painful stomach cramps, nausea and a hugely swollen face from fluid retention) they are manageable, and the more familiar side effects (debilitating diarrhea, neurotoxicity/confusion/incoherency, chills/rigors etc) have as yet to hit her as hard.

Today is Thursday, traditionally one of Mom's worst days on the cycle, and she was actually up to having a sponge bath and sitting in the window seat to enjoy the view (such as it is) and occasional sunshine. That would never have happened on Cycle 1 or 2. This is not to say that she feels great...she's still feeling pretty darn sick and miserable ...but just to emphasize how different (and I think better) this cycle is going.

She was able to get her 9th dose this morning and then they skipped the 3 pm dose so she's currently 9/10. Given that 9 doses was all her body could handle in the first two cycles I don't know if they're still hoping to sneak another dose or two in or whether they're done.

Mom has one of her favorite nurse/CNA combos back today (Daniel and the incredibly hunky Max) and it definitely cheered her up to see the familiar and trusted faces. Alex and I stopped by mid-day (as did Jon) to give Phyllis and Carolyn a break and Mom was able to get some baby-holding therapy in...always a good thing

One of the things that has really really helped her this week was reading and re-reading all the 'healing slips' from the wishes and images and items that so many of you sent with her during the past couple of healing circles she held pre-cycle. It's hard to overstate how much these help, and each time she reaches for one she gets to see and enjoy that beautiful, meaningful quilted bag that they are held in. So a huge thank you to all of you for the support you've given her.