Past The Turn Around Point And Still Running

So, I continue to be tardy in updates to the blog. My apologies. We have been on the road and catching up from being on the road a lot these days. So now that I have my feet planted...or rather, my rear end planted for a minute, I wanted to give everyone an update.

Char is doing well. This third chemo cycle has been a bit rough. Again the effects of these chemo treatments are cumulative. The body is essentially being attacked by these drugs in an effort to destroy the cancer cells with the understanding that healthy cells are able to reproduce and heal themselves. Each chemo treatment takes a bit more from her "pocket at the toll booth". Have no fear, Char's ashtray, pockets and purse are full of change for these remaining three chemo "tolls". That's right, she is half way there for this Chemo protocol! Well, more than half way there because I am late making this posting.

Char had her last treatment on June 18th. She laid low and slept Thursday evening. Friday she was tired but doing pretty well. Saturday, her Northern Virginia Olsson Clan bombarded her for the afternoon and early evening. She looked great. We had a lazy afternoon and evening. The nausea, stomach discomfort, achy joints and fatigue were really starting to kick in. For the most part, they hung around through Tuesday or Wednesday. Then the joints started feeling a bit better. Sleep came easier than previous treatments but the stomach discomfort has been sticking around for a while.

Work has been a good distraction but is tiring as well. Char is being very good and following Dr. McCullom's orders of rest in the evenings if working during the day. Again, this strong lady only missed two days of work and was right back at it on the Monday after treatment. I think that the days have been taken as slow as possible. I know that everyone at work is really looking after her. She is able to perform most duties without leaving her desk so that helps as much as possible with the fatigue factor. I do have to alter my few times a day "Mom Call" schedule in the evenings. She is hitting the rack earlier which is great news considering the insomnia that she has been dealing with until this point. As anyone does, she looks forward to Fridays for the prospect of a relaxing weekend.

During her famously titled "Vampire Appointment", last week's White Blood Cell (Infection Fighting Cell) count was quite low. Her Oncology nurses and team gave her lots of pointers to help her make healthy and strong decisions to avoid infection/germ promoting activities and assist her body in its healing process. It sounds as though she has been playing by the rules and it seems to be paying slow dividends.

She has had some stronger days and some tired not super hot days over the last 2 weeks. Yet, she continues to inspire us with her upbeat attitude and overall position and mindset in dealing with these trying circumstances. Once in a while she may sounds as though she could use a nap. Occasionally she may kick her feet up in the recliner and take a deep breath. Once in a great while, she will say she needs a nap or heads to bed early. Aside from those small instances, you would hardly know that she was going through all of this.

Now, in an unintentional effort of saving the best for last, the CA125 level tests that Char takes after each chemo treatment cycle are showing excellent results. Normal levels for CA125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) are under 35. After surgery but prior to her first chemo cycle, her CA125 level was in the mid-200s. After her first treatment cycle down to an incredible 32 which is within normal limits! But hold onto your hats kids...after treatment cycle number two...Char was running with the age of the High School Grads at the sweet number 18! So things are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. It has in no way been easy thus far for Mom. She knows that there are even greater challenges ahead with the coming treatments, but she is doing great. She is fighting, and working hard and healing well.

You are doing so very well Mom. You are so strong. You are so resilient. You are so amazing.

We love you very very much. Sweet dreams.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang

Back To Work Already?

So this whole "Chemo Thing" is becoming a bit old hat for Char already.  Ever had one of those days where you feel like you are on the set of Groundhog Day with Bill Murray?  Well, that about summarizes Char's Chemo side-effects comings and goings.  At least there is some method and routine to the side-effects madness.  

Since her last round of treatment, Char has done great.  The side-effects came on a bit earlier and some came on stronger, but overall she continues to be doing beautifully.  At her initially weekly blood test, or as Mom calls it, "my vampire appointment", her white blood cell and platelet counts were rather low.  By her second blood test post Chemo, everything is on the rise and she is ready for treatment number three this Thursday, June 18th.

With a bit of prodding on her part, Dr. McCullom has agreed to clear her to go back to work as long as she is able to flex time and get the rest and recuperation time that she needs after each Chemo treatment.  So she is diving right in on Monday and getting back to it.  Char is looking forward to more return to normalcy and is excited but a tad anxious I am sure.  Again, she likes to take big bites at getting herself out there.  Take note that she is returning to work three days prior to her next round of treatment.  I simply have to laugh because our family does nothing if not time things perfectly. ;)  

This week will be busy and exhausting I am sure.  Calls and emails will certainly continue to be so very appreciated but please be patient if not returned in a super timely fashion.  Something tells me that Mom may be finding some early nights to bed this week.

Mom, you are doing wonderfully.  You look great.  Heck, you had more energy than me on Friday with the four kids!  Keep up the fabulous work.  You are a beautiful and amazing woman and an inspiration to us all.  We love you.  Sweet dreams.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang

Rough Couple of Days But Better Every Day

So round two was a bit rougher than round one. Thursday brought sleep. Friday was restful and tired but good. Saturday was busy, relaxed, nice but tiring. Saturday night and working into Sunday the rough spot came. Sunday seems to be the day that brings the symptoms following a Thursday round of chemo. Aches throughout joints, painful muscles, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and overall flu-like symptoms tend to hit by Sunday morning. They reared their ugly heads a bit earlier this week setting in later Saturday evening.

We all celebrated Madison's Birthday on Sunday. Char was not about to miss it. As you can see from the pics, she looked great. She does not seem to let on or show too much discomfort from the symptoms. As I have said numerous times, she is a trooper! We all had a very nice time at Madison's party. Deby and Ernie did a great job and the hospitality was wonderful. The kids had an absolute blast! There were water balloons, a Slip and Slide, water cannons, you name it and if it pertained to kids and water, it was covered. Mom had a very nice time. As the day progressed, she became visibly fatigued and went in for some cool air and some lounging in the recliner and air conditioning. It was obvious that this just drove her nuts. She wanted to be out with everyone else. Ask my Mom or my wife and they will tell you for sure, I am a sap when I am not feeling well. I am either angry and frustrated fighting and pretending I am fine or I have my head under the blankets not to see the light of day...and we are talking about a cold. ;) Not Mom, she was mad that Heaven forbid, three days after CHEMO...she was having to take it easy. All I have to say Mom, is WOW, good for you.

Sunday evening, Mom did exactly what she needed. She went home and she slept the evening and night away. Monday came and the achiness began to simmer down. Now it was time for the fun stomach pains and discomfort. This took most of Monday and into Tuesday to subside. But don't you know it, by Tuesday afternoon Mom was running around with Sherry visiting friends, going to lunch and grocery shopping. Amazing, simply amazing. Now please note, I am an Occupational Therapist. It is my job to get people up and participating in their daily lives even when they are just status-post surgery or in the midst of dealing with an illness or disease. It is truly amazing how the human body, the human mind and the human spirit are connected and any one piece can have such a dramatic impact on any outcome for the entire person. Simply incredible. Amazing Mom. Your mindset, your determination and your tenacity are a force to be reckoned with...but somehow in depths of my brain where my stubborn little boy memories are stored, I have always known this. ;)

So today is a good day. If history repeats itself, Friday may bring the sniffles and a bit of a cold. These do not compare to the rough spot which Char is over the hump of for this cycle. Mom, we are praying for sixteen days of rest, recovery and good feelings from here on out. Two down. You are a pro now. You know you can handle it. You can handle it, you can laugh at it, and you just keep doing what you are doing. You are obviously doing it right! We are all very proud of your courage, your determination, your spirit, your sense of humor and your unwaivering faith.

We love you very much! Sweet dreams Mom.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang