Update before Round 1 Cycle 3

We are awaiting her third cycle to begin! Her feet are no longer swollen thanks to some Furosimide. Her labs showed that her potassium levels are low so they prescribed her some of that. This weekend mom went out on Good Friday, yesterday, and today. I am very happy that she is enjoying the wonderful weather in Boston right now. The fresh air can do wonders for someone's spirit.

She's eating well, she's helping a little in the kitchen when aunt cooks.

At the end of April they will re-evaluate her tumor, if the Gemzar has shrunk the tumor any, if it's stayed the same. Either outcome would be great. As long as it hasn't progressed the family and I will be very happy.

I will update everyone as developments occur. I just want to take this chance to thank everyone that's been stopping by the house with food and love, and conversation and company.

Even though she's feeling well it's good to see people. Also people are happy to see her well.

I'll post more on Friday after her appointment.

Round 3 Cycle 2

My aunt called me after my mom's appointment today.
So mom's nausea is OK for now. We changed her meds back to what they were.
Her feet are still a little swollen so they are going to give her some medication for that.
She's gained a pound which is very exciting news. The doctor was very happy.

I look forward to her week off of chemo.

nausea returns

Hi everyone, short blurb. Tonight mom was sick three times. I guess we'll have to increase her anti-nausea meds again.

Hopefully this is temporary. This means her tremors will return but that is an OK trade off.

We'll see what the doctor says Friday.

Round 2 cycle 2

Mom is doing well. Her ankles are still swollen, they do not know why. They did an ultrasound and it showed no blood clots so that is good news.

We are going to lunch at our cousin Natasha's today and mom is going.

Progress after Round 1 Cycle 2

Mother has done well this week. We've incorporated more snacky foods like peanut butter, hummus (cholar daal paste), carrots into her daily regimen. Her GI problems are fine, her pain is under control.
This Saturday she went out with my aunt to the mall and other errands. This Saturday is the first day of spring, I hope we can take her out again.

This Friday she has her second infusion of this cycle. After the 26th I think the doctor will evaluate her, maybe give her a CT scan.

We are all very happy to see her doing well, walking around easily.

Also we've decreased her nausea medications so she no longer shakes all the time. She had some problems with that before because she was taking so many medicines.

I am glad she doesn't need to take a lot of medication to stay nausea free.

So overall, a good week. Updates to come after Friday.

At Chemo appt. round 1 second cycle

Hello all. I've discovered the joys of the wireless internet here at DFCI. We just saw Dr. A after blood drawing and we're waiting for her infusion to begin.

I have some positive news for you: she has maintained her weight (96lbs). The doctor is very pleased! He advised that we decrease some of her nausea medication because it causes her right leg to shake. It happened at the appointment and he said it's a common side-effect of anti-emetic medications.

He did a physical exam today and it was good, her stomach feels softer and not distended (it was slightly hard when she felt very sick).

Her labs are great. CBCs and all that.

What I'd like to do this week is increase her portions and get her some more snacky foods (hummus and carrots yummy).

He said there are no restrictions on what she's allowed to eat. She just needs to keep eating milder less spicy foods.

I can't say enough how nice everyone is here.

Mom went out

Hi everyone, I wanted to report more good news. Mom went out yesterday for the first time to the Arsenal mall with my aunt. This is the first time she's had the energy/strength to venture out for something unrelated to treatment.

No weight gain so far but her digestive problems have improved. The nausea's under control. The visiting nurse came Monday and was very happy that mom answered the door herself.

Mom was happy to meet Dan's family this weekend. The in-laws-to-be brought us a 2 pound striped bass as is the tradition in Bangali weddings for the tumeric ceremony.
It was a very sweet gesture.

We are heading into her second chemo cycle this Friday. Lets all hope that her blood counts are good.