Latest Update on Mom

It's been a while, but we're back with an update! Mom has now completed 15 rounds of chemo, including 5 of the stronger chemo (FOLFIRINOX) she started in November. She and Dad both had a bad cold after her first round of the new chemo and that was crazy. She still struggles with a cough due to asthma and the cold weather, but we're hopeful and pray they both get through the rest of cold and flu season without any other major illnesses.

Ready for infusion -- isn't she beautiful?!
She even wore her blue hair and Cowboy gear to chemo before a big game!

Cancer Markers, Side Effects & Liver Tumors
It has been a roller coaster with the cancer markers over the last several months. They spiked to 93,000 at the November 20th appointment (they have been as low as 22,000 and as high as 139,000 when she was diagnosed). The doctor said not to be too alarmed, because many times the count is inflated after changing chemos. Thankfully, they came down to 63,000 at the December 18th appointment and Mom, Dad and the doctor were pleased with the substantial decrease.

Mom's white blood cell counts have been recovering, especially with the help of the Neupogen shots she gives herself after each round of chemo. Her red blood cell counts are decreasing and the doctor expects she will need a transfusion at some point. She has had an increasing amount of fatigue in the last couple weeks, so this could be in the near future. If you are interested in donating blood in Mom's name, we are gathering that information and will share it on the blog soon.

The side effects have been hard on Mom with the lack of energy and nausea being the most difficult. The three days during chemo are the hardest and it usually takes about a week after starting chemo for her to feel pretty good again.

The pain from the tumors in her liver has been much better over the last few weeks. It had gotten pretty tough during November and early December, so this has been a blessing and we're praying it's a sign the treatment is working and "killing the cancer," as Mom says! The doctor also said the tumors felt smaller and softer during the last physical exam.

CT Scan & Update Tomorrow
Mom had another CT scan today (1/12) and we are praying for miraculous news tomorrow! The doctor will review the CT scan with Mom and Dad tomorrow, along with the results from her blood work, including cancer markers, red and white blood cells and other items.

Please continue to pray with us for Mom and her heroic fight. We are so incredibly grateful for your support of Mom and Dad throughout this journey. We will provide another update tomorrow... along with a few holiday pics!