The Side Effects Cycle

Mom is in the middle of her second side effect cycle. Some of the issues (specifically stomach issues) that she had directly after the first treatment didn't happen this time around, because she knew how to handle them. However, she is more fatigued this time around and her legs ache her a bit more than the last treatment. The goal is to get her out and doing things, even if it is just for an hour outing. Getting out and walking is very important. Tomorrow, Mom will be at her low red, white and platelet blood cell counts. This is when she will be especially tired. Then, she will start on the upward steps to feeling better, just in time for the next treatment!

Mom feels that she is suffering from chemobrain. It is an actual side effect from chemotherapy. Mom doesn't feel that she can focus or can concentrate as she had before chemotherapy. She is a bit afraid to drive because of this. I took her out to do some shopping yesterday afternoon because she didn't feel focused enough to drive. After her first treatment, I teased her about having chemobrain and she actually got upset with me, so now, I don't tease her about it, only if she brings it up.

We have family events coming up this weekend, so Mom will be doing a few things. My cousin Bruce and his wife will be in town on Friday to visit. Easter morning will be spent at Sue's house watching Beckett and Brynn find their Easter baskets and then Sunday evening is our family gathering back at Sue's house. Mom got out of preparing her usual strawberry salad for the dinner and she will be bringing dinner rolls instead. We'll have Mom and Aunt Marilyn sit on the couch and have everyone come to them! By the way, Aunt Marilyn was released yesterday from the rehab facility. She is now getting adjusted to the apartment at the "independent" living apartment.

Mom is getting used to wearing her scarves and hats. Her hair has definitely thinned, but she still has some of her hair. She keeps saying that she doesn't have any, but she does. Beckett, with some prodding from Sue, told Mom "Mama looks pretty" on Sunday when he saw her with the scarf on. He wanted to pull at it, but we told him no. He kept looking at Mom like something was different. Of course, he knows, but I'm sure that she doesn't understand. But, telling Mom that she looked pretty was so important.