Week of 10/21/2012

After the first chemo treatment on Friday 10/19, this week proved to be very difficult and painful for Nancy.
As part of the treatment she gets a shot Saturday following the Friday chemo treatment that is meant to stimulate the bone marrow and help bring the white blood count up.

Part of the issue with chemo is it kills bad and good blood cells. Of particular concern is the white blood cells that protect against infections. The side effect of the shot is it makes the bones ache.

Another side effect is dehydration. Twice this week she had to go to the hospital for IV fluids. So in essence this has been a week of pain and uncertainty as to what is "normal" and what to be concerned about when on chemo. All of this has affected her appetite so nothing sounds good to eat and so far struggles to eat anything but soup etc.

On Wednesday she elected to get her hair cut off....basically a burr haircut.... and she looks great! Peggy's hair dresser from the "Shear Luck" in Loveland stayed open after hours to do this for Nancy.

 She now has a great collection of baseball/running hats; scarves and a wig.

Peggy and our kids had some "Team Nancy" pink bracelets made with some special prayers engraved in them. The generosity of people continues to be overwhelming and our family is so grateful.

After a rough week she is hoping for some relief next week. The oncologist told her that now he knows IV fluids will have to be part of the regimen following the chemo treatment.

She is anxious to feel well enough to eat, feel better and get out of the house and back to some semblance of normal....see the grand kids.... get back to work.....visit family and friends.  

Thanks for all of your prayers.

Bob