Second round of chemo

Today Mom saw Dr. Genesen (her oncologist), and he said that she is still healing from the surgery, although the healing has slowed some due to the chemo. They changed the dressing on her power port, and it is more comfortable now.

Amazingly, Mom's white blood count was well within normal range, and she was able to have her chemo. The doctor has ordered an injection of Neulasta, which will promote white cell production. She will likely experience some bone pain, but it should be temporary. This drug will hopefully help her body avoid the severe dip in white blood cell count that she experienced last week. He did not change the dose or interval of her chemo.

Please pray that we are somehow able to see each other this Christmas--that Mom's immunity will be strong enough and that our family will avoid viruses & other winter ailments.

P.S. Check out Mom in the new photo! Daddy shaved her head last Friday, so she is now bravely passed that hurdle.

Please telephone!

Mom is stuck at home, unable to see people because of her low immunity. She would love to have calls, just to chat or hear your news. If she is at the doctor or sleeping when you call, please leave a message. Thank you!

Power port

Mom is having her picc line removed today. She is in Tulsa as an outpatient to have a power port inserted, which will deliver the chemo. The picc line, which has been in since her surgery, is more likely to cause infection, and indeed, it seemed to be start showing signs of infection on Tuesday. However, her blood draw Tuesday showed her white blood count to be almost non-existent. The oncologist has put her on antibiotics, as a preventative measure, and she will not be able to take her chemo next Tuesday if her white blood cells don't start multiplying.

Most days she does pretty well. This week she has been very fatigued. Because of her low immunity, she cannot be around people (not even family, like me & my girls), so cards have been especially lovely. Thanks so much for your prayers. You have shown a great outpouring of love, which is part of Mom's healing.