2nd Checkup after 1st Chemo - 11/8/2010

Today's checkup went amazingly! We actually went a bit earlier than the time so we could first visit the "Mariannes' Room." It is a wonderful part of the Hope Center at Martha Jefferson in which those receiving chemo can have free hats, scarves, and even wigs. Mom's hair has slowly began to start falling out. No worries, not in great clumps, but just noticeably on things she wears and in her comb. Dr. Pritchard had said that if it would start to fall out, it would start about the 2nd to 3rd week. We are exactly in the time frame. Mom was able to order a beautiful wig with her present hair color and similar style. It should be here before her next appointment. The room is made available by loving donations by those connected with Marianne Zirkle, who also suffered and eventually died at 39 with cancer. (see the following link for more info - http://www.mjhfoundation.org/atf/cf/%7BAA5D0B03-82D8-46EA-B586-15CB9292C79B%7D/MariannesRoom_Tabloid.pdf )

At the appointment, Mom's blood work came back good, and her temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate were all great! Besides feeling a little fatigued, which is quite normal, and some loss of feeling in her fingers, which is also normal and the Dr. says if it gets worse then they might be able to do minor changes with her chemo drugs to help that, Mom is doing great!!! Upon examining the breast the Dr. noticed that the tumor is indeed softening and shrinking, and the color is not as inflamed. All things that you hope for as a part of the treatment, but is always good to see when it is happening. It looks like the chemo is doing its job! The Dr. also told us that the test results to see if the tumor was hormonally based or not did come back and it was negative. So they will not be able to introduce hormonal treatments as part of her procedures. But, that is OK!

All in all things are going well. Many have come by and visited and called to check in. It has been a blessing for Mom and Dad. Dad suffered a period of gout this past week and himself was out of the loop a little. He is doing better this week. They are hoping to get out a little more this week. Paul has taken some time off and will accompany Mom to her next chemo treatment this upcoming Monday. Felicia is going to take her to her Monday visit after that. Ginny is planning on coming out for her 3rd chemo treatment for a week to help out. Becky is looking to visit when the surgery takes place for two weeks and Glen is planning in February to visit. Everyone's concerns, prayers, and communications have been wonderful and have been enjoyed!