Seven Treatments Down - Five to Go!

Tuesday, January 22 - My Mom had her 7th round of Chemotherapy today.  Her blood counts were all within reasonable safe limits though and so the chemo was a go.  This week my Mom also had to take the additional two shots into the muscle. I know that this is painful and that it swells and aches for a day or two afterward.  When the three hours of the chemo drip were finished, Mom went out to lunch, went shopping at the local grocery store, and got the oil changed in her car.  Amazing to me.....how does she do it?

I have noticed that she has been so tired during the past week that it takes an extreme amount of effort to do the small things.  She told me that she gets extremely dizzy when she stands up to quickly.  I have noticed that her coloring is so pale. My mom seems to be growing old right in front of me.  She seems more stooped and her movements are much slower.  She says that she finds it hard to catch her breath when she moves too fast and I have heard her gasping at times.   Mom has not missed a day of work yet.  I know that she will push herself until she simply can't go any father.

I was both relieved and worried when she called to tell me that she would have the chemo today.  I trust that the doctors are monitoring her blood levels and that they would not allow her to take the treatment if they were in doubt of its effect.  I feared that she would not be able to take the treatment because she has been so extremely fatigued lately.  Yet somehow, she seemed to have more energy when she came out of the clinic than when she went in.  Maybe it is the hope and the knowing that she is one hurdle closer to the finish line.

Regardless, our lives continue to change daily and our relationships continue to grow closer.  My mom has attended church with Brandy and I the past two weeks. She has not gone to church regularly since my Dad died so this too is quite a change for her. I was shocked when she asked me if we would mind if she went with us.  We were excited when she actually came.  I can see that she needs to feel closer to God.  She needs the comfort that being in church brings. And for this we feel blessed.  I am glad that I have been given the chance to tell my Mom that I love her every day, to hug her every time I tell her goodbye, and to share the joy of having breakfast with her on a Sunday morning after church.

:)