Physically Mom continues to feel pretty good and look great. The week of Valentine's Day was to her "off week" from chemo. However she was very concerned by the time she got down to Florida and set up a schedule with the oncology team there, too much time would have elapsed between treatments. (Setting up appointments with the Florida doctor and hospital turned out to be a huge frustration and stress, with lots of red tape, but that's another story.) If you remember, the previous week the doctor could not administer the chemo due to her low white blood cells and platelets. But he agreed it was good to check and test her blood again before she left. Good news - her blood count levels had rebounded to pre-chemo levels. Mom was able to receive a 50% dose of chemo.
Over the years, Mom has known many friends and church members who have cancer and been through chemo. She even did her clinical pastoral education internship at the very oncology center where she is now a patient. But for those of you who deal with cancer know that a person does not truly know the emotional roller coaster of cancer until you have it yourself. What made me think of this was Mom getting that 50% dose that day. She was so glad to learn that her blood levels had recovered, but then quickly disappointed to find out that the doctor thought she could only handle a 50% dose. Ups and downs, downs and ups.
But on an up note - the weekend after this treatment was wonderful. Katharine, Michael and I and our families gathered at the Golden Pond house for a Valentine's Day celebration with Mom and Dad. And then making it all the more memorable, Mom's sisters and brother and their families came too! They came long distances despite blizzard forecasts - but remember, Mom and her siblings grew up in Rochester, NY, so they're a hardy stock. It was awesome to be all together - we have a really great family. Mom and Dad just loved seeing everyone. It was a special joy to see the young cousins, the next generation, play with each other. Despite the freezing cold, the kids enjoyed sledding down my parents' deck into the great lawn. Their thrills and near spills as they went farther and farther provided much entertainment and excitement to those watching inside.
Photo of the Whole Clan
Mom and her Sibs
Photo of Golden Pond day of Family Reunion - with lots of Valentine/Nana clouds at sunset
One more story. . . Forty-eight hours after the last of us left their house, Michael drove Mom and Dad to the airport. Dad's cousins met them at the FL airport - they had arrived in the sunshine state, ready to relax. However, the next morning, Mom discovered that one of their carry-on bags had been mistakenly left on the wheelchair that Dad used in the FL airport! That bag had their laptop, but even worse for Mom in it were special books, letters and mementos that friends and family had given her. Anyone would be upset, but for Mom, being on life's wild roller coaster, was devastated. After what seemed to be a very long 8 hours, the FL airport called to say they found the bag, with all contents intact. It was found strapped onto the back of the wheelchair. Hallelujah! Thank you, St Anthony! St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, was well known in our household growing up, as often keys and other things went missing. St. Anthony came through in a big way this time - helping to find the bag, the laptop, the books and Mom's peace of mind.
PS. I know we keep saying thanks for all your notes and letters - they are so great. On their first day in Florida, when Mom was so upset by the missing luggage, a ray of light was going to the mailbox and finding letters in there waiting for her. She holds them near and dear to her heart.
For all letters, pictures, comments and their FL address go to followingdenise.blogspot.com
such good news...YAY!!!! [ psk]
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Sending love and prayers.
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