Plugging Along

Mom is in week one of the side effects cycle. Her chemotherapy treatment was a week ago. Thankfully, Mom has not had issues with nausea. She is given anti-nausea medicine in her pre-treatment drugs. Plus, she has a prescription for anti-nausea medication. She takes those pills for a few days after the treatment, but that is it. Obviously, the hardest thing is the fatigue and the body aches. The second hardest thing is regulating her glucose levels after she is off the steroids, which she has to take for 3 days around her treatment. Once that is re-regulated, she is feeling much better and feels that she can get out and do things.

Wednesday, she had a busy day with going to see our hair stylist, Stephanie and then going to her chiropractor. Mom was in major need of a haircut before she started chemotherapy. But, with her hair coming out, it really needed to be cleaned up. Mom opted for a short pixie cut. We don't know if she will lose more hair at this point, but if she does, it won't be as traumatic with her hair shorter. Also, whatever hair is left is pretty gray. It is a bit strange to see as Mom has been going gray the past few year, but she still had her brown color. It will be a surprise to see what color her hair comes back in. Thanks Stephanie for your help!

Yesterday, Mom was in a shopping mood, so we went to Dilliard's so she could get some new spring clothes. I did a quick trip to another store in the mall, while Mom waited. But, she wasn't alone when I got back, she saw a neighbor walking in the mall and started talking to her. This neighbor will stop at Mom's door to get her out and walking, which is a really good thing!

Starting today, Mom's blood counts will be at it's lowest level for the next 4-5 days. This is also the time when she feels depression. According to Dr. Bagai, this is natural as she is feeling her worse. Then by the end of next weekend, she is feeling better just in time for the next treatment. It is all in cycles. Thankfully, we will only have to go through this one more time!