Week 4 - The Halfway Point

Well, as some parts of this fight get easier, some get harder.

This week, the plan was for Mom to have radiation treatment everyday, and chemotherapy Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But first, we have to see the oncologist on Monday, who will approve or deny this plan based on her bloodwork. If her blood count is too low, it would just be too hard on her.

Harder... When we saw the oncologist, she still hadn't received the blood test results, which had been done 2 hours earlier. She said that's not a good sign; when the blood count is low they have to do a manual count, which is probably why it's delayed. Probably better to delay chemotherapy a week...

It doesn't seem like a big deal, but at the time, it's huge. We know when her last treatment is (chemotherapy in Campbell River Thursday, May 22nd), and how long she'll be staying at the Lodge (until Thursday, May 2nd). The thing that makes all of this bearable is that we know what to expect now, and when to expect it!

It turned out okay, we got to continue on the way we expected (her blood count was actually very strong), and we finished another session of chemotherapy. Again, no bad side effects, just a little sleeplessness and lack of appetite.

Harder, but then easier... This was the week that Mom's hair started to fall out. She was dog-sitting on the weekend for Joe's nephew, Guy, and his wife, Creole. (They have been an incredible source of support for Mom and for me - I get weepy just thinking about how much easier it's been with them there!) Anyway, Mom comes out of the shower... "Joe, that dog has been on my towel! Her hair is all over it!" Joe takes a look, "Well, Fern, that doesn't look like her hair... I think that's your hair."

So, we went to the salon at the Cancer Clinic to get Mom's wig. And she decided it's time to get rid of her hair. The lady obliged, and even though she was very nice, it was pretty emotional. Mom couldn't look at herself for a full 24 hours. But, when she finally did, she laughed. And she gets lots of compliments on her wig. The morning after she had shaved her head, she came downstairs for a visit... I couldn't pinpoint what was wrong, but she just didn't look right. Somehow, she had put her wig on so cockeyed, it was covering one ear and halfway up her head on the other side! She's gotten much better at it, thank goodness!!

Easier... The only other story, really, would be her radiation treatments. Last time I was there, for her first treatments, she would get changed and come to the waiting room all wrapped up in her gown and robe tied snugly around her. This time... not so much. Out of the change room she struts, no robe, the gown tied only at the neck and floating gently behind her. No fear!! (I found myself still holding my breath when that red light was on.)

I do think the treatments are getting to her a bit. She's having a bit of trouble swallowing, and her appetite is waning. But she hasn't lost any more weight, and her spirits are good. She knows there is someone up there looking out for her (her mom, she thinks) that is making this fight as easy as it's been for her so far. Thank you, Gramma!