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