Battle 4!

Mom has battled through yet another round of chemotherapy.  Round 4 has almost come and gone, leaving some issues for mom that might stick around for a while.  The problem with the increase in rounds, is that there is an increase of side effects as well....

"If you're going through hell, keep going."  ~Winston Churchill

We didn't have one visit to the hospital, but TWO in this past week.  The first time mom had excessive swelling in her left lower leg and foot.  Dr. suggested we head to the emergency room to rule out a blood clot.

After hours of sitting there we finally got some good news along with some bad news.  She didn't have a blood clot in the end which we were all relieved about, BUT had a white blood cell count of 1 (normal ranges are between 5-10), a hemoglobin of 7.7 (normal ranges are between 9-16), and an apparent urinary tract infection.  All of these are expected with chemo, but it doesn't make it any easier for mom.

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 

In the next few days following, we had an appointment with mom's oncologist.  They redrew her blood and found her white count had increased   =)   ........   but her hemoglobin hadn't, meaning she needed a couple units of blood.... and after 10 more hours at the hospital, she was fixed and released from the hospital yet once again.

Other problems have been more pain in her lower back, causing more pain medication which then causes more drowsiness.  She has had bouts of nausea throughout this round, with constant fatigue as well.

The last and final side effect that had us all worried was her involuntary muscle twitching.  She would be sleeping and her whole body would twitch.  She has been taking a superhero version of gatorade called Pedialyte which has tons of electrolytes in it.  Her doctor reassured us once again that this too is a side effect of chemo. (How many damn side effects are left for her to get!?)

She is a fighter, and will continue her battle.

"I have heard there are troubles of

   more than one kind.

Some come from ahead and some

   come from behind.

But I've bought a big bat.  I'm all

   ready you see.

Now my troubles are going to have

   troubles with me!"

~Dr. Seuss

PET scan is finally scheduled for December 9th.  Please pray for positive results!

Thank you all for such love and support throughout all of this!!