R & R

Well, chemo did in fact go well.  There was some misunderstanding the first day and they ended up having a long wait, but as dad said, "We are glad to have each other to lean on."  Tuesday night they dined with two of the Templetons, and Wednesday they drove home through snow!  I mean, I love winter, but I love it in the winter, not in the Spring.  Mom was "tuckered out" but feeling okay.

Today she felt a little queasy, so she took some anti-nausea medicine which helped.  That's always good (when the meds do what they are supposed to do).  I spoke with her this evening, and she was tired but good.  She plans to rest all day tomorrow and watch basketball Saturday!  Go Cats!

Love to all,
jk

Chemo Has Begun Again

Mom had her first day of chemo yesterday.  I haven't heard yet how it went, so I don't really have any news other than I know that they went to Cincinnati, and I assume it went well.  It's old hat by now.  :)

One thing I learned since the last post that I wanted to share is that Dr. Rixe is looking at other possibilities besides the current chemo regimen, not because it is not working but because, as he says, "It's so toxic."  So if he could lower the dose or use something other than chemo, it might be better.  I think it is wise for him to avoid overkill and be open to other options.  He plans to present her case to the tumor board again soon, so I am eager to hear what they discuss.

I will let you know how things are going in Cincinnati as soon as I hear.

In the meantime, be well,
jk

More Good News

According to the MRI, there has been no growth of the tumor.  So!  If it's working, go with it.  That seems to be the m. o. of Rixe, Inc.  Which means that we will proceed with chemo.  She would be eligible for it next Monday, but Dr. Rixe preferred to wait an extra week to give her more time to get her blood levels back up (not that they were too low, but her body just seems to do better with that extra week to recover).  Thank goodness good for doctors like Rixe who understand these things.  Plus, it will be nice that she can come home from Virginia, unpack, settle in, and rest a bit before schlepping to Cincinnati (though it actually would be on the way home-- oh well!).   Anyway, this is just to say that all is well in Rosie Land.

Next time she will have a PET scan, of her whole body, just to monitor everything.  They don't suspect that the tumor has spread, nor is this the type of tumor-- praise be-- that tends to spread, but they just want to make sure.

When I spoke to her this evening, they were on 75 heading toward the daughters with the son in tow.  Life is good.

Be well,
jk

Dr. Rixe and MRI Today!

Mom sees Dr. Rixe today and has another MRI, so I will let you know as soon as I hear.  Then they are off to VA to see Natalie and Allie and their families.  Hooray!

Peace,
jk

Feelin' Groovy

Chemo went well last week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).  Mom got home Wednesday and was a little "weeble-wobbly" but was cheerful and just ready to take Dr. Rixe's previous advice: "Stay home. Stay calm."  That only lasted a little while, as now they are at Kentucky Lake visiting T&M (my aunt and uncle).  They return tomorrow.  I am eager to see them!

Hope you all are well.  It has been a while since I have thanked everyone for the continuing support in the form of cards, rides, thoughts, prayers, and every little kindness we have been lucky enough to receive.  It has made all the difference.

Blessings,
jk