First chemo treatment in the books

Well, mom survived her first chemo treatment.  It is hard for me to describe how the week went, but I can tell you it was awful.  The first day or so was not bad, and then it hit.  My mom was completely wiped out and had horrible side effects to her chemotherapy.  The worst part of it was the Neulasta injection she received the day after her chemotherapy.  This shot is given to make her body produce more white blood cells, which are low after receiving chemotherapy.  This helps her to have good counts once her second cycle of chemotherapy comes along, reducing delays in treatment because of low blood counts.  The main side effect of this drug is severe bone pain, and boy did she have it!  She described it as "when you have the flu and your bones hurt, times 100".  She could not even wash her hair for a few days because her head hurt so bad-every part of her body was in pain.  This was awful to see.  I know I have mentioned she is the strongest woman I know, but I can't imagine how much pain she was actually in.  After that got better, it was just the normal side effects to chemo, such as nausea, mouth sores, stomach issues, loss of taste, things like that.  Everything tastes like cardboard to her.  So yeah these chemotherapy treatments are no fun!  But her energy is slowly returning.  Despite feeling awful, she had a good attitude, thinking 'tomorrow will be a better day' even though that was usually not the case. We are so grateful to hear from all of you and to know you are all praying for her!  Please pray that her body will handle the next round of chemo better!

How about some fun news?!  So when we first found out that mom's cancer had come back, we made a decision.  Every year my parents go down to Cancun with their friends, Rick and Linda Tofte.  They always come back and say one year our whole family is going to go.  It has been my mom's dream to have all of us down there with them.  So when she found out her cancer had come back, she said no more waiting around, we are doing this!  We booked a trip to Cancun in May!  (21 days until we leave but who's counting...)  So that has given my mom something to look forward to!  It will be great for our family to have some time together without the business of everyday life.  We leave 9 days after her next chemo treatment, so she should be feeling better.  Yay!  Can't wait to tell you all about our trip!

I again want to thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, messages, everything!  She has so much support from family and friends and enjoys hearing from each of you.  Even if you don't know her that well, the messages she reads truly helps her through!  Love you all!

Matt and Lindsey's daughter, Ava, turned 2 on Friday!  We are so thankful we were all able to spend it together!