January 9, 2010

Well we're counting our blessings and loosing count again! The weather held out and did not interupt treatment yesterday. When they tested the white blood count it had come up enough from the previous Wednesday treatment for mom to receive the full dose of the 2 chemo drugs and the Erbitux.

Part of the clinical trial, which we were unaware of, is that at the half way mark she had an appt with her doctor to evaluate her again. She said that when Dr.B listened to her breathing, again with a big grin on her face she patted mom on the back and said, "show off!" I absolutely love it! With waiting to see the doctor, the evaluation and administration of all 3 drugs it made for an incredibly long day for mom. She was at West for 9 hours I think she said. She really wanted Haidyn to come spend the night last night with her and I hated to disappoint her but I felt like GiGi needed her rest and it was too stinkin' cold for us to have enjoyed being anywhere other than at home by the fireplace.

For the next few days, as to be expected, mom will feel more fatigued and have more frequent rest periods. I am so proud that it seems she has made peace and has settled into her slower pace and enjoying the quiet time with Ken, reading and taking cat naps when she isn't at work or up and about the house showing off:) Haidyn and I plan to go by and see her today so she can get her HR dose and I can get my own hugs and kisses if mom has any left after she has shower Haidyn with sugar.

Mom forwarded me an email that she sent to some close friends from out of town last night updating them. She attached beautiful pictures of herself in her newest wig. I LOVE this do. I will try and post some of them on the blog for ev everyone. I'm going to have to talk to James, her hair dresser, when she returns because he has to help mom achieve this young spunky do with her own hair when it grows back in. Maybe we can even talk her into the highlights (mom, you didn't see that last part-hehe). She was so possitive in the email and I know that helps all of us remain positive as her supporters as well. Other than my good friend Anna who survived breast cancer a few years back at 27, I can't think of another person who comes close enough to shake a stick at mom's optimism and cheer in the face of such a fearful time. I am truly blessed to have her as my mom, best friend, example and grandmother to my own baby.

Her next CT scan to check markers and evaluate progress with a doctors visit will be around January 25th she said. I can think of no better be-lated birthday gift than to receive more good news about my best friend and mother. With your prayers, love, encouragement and unending support we are walking joyfully through this journey with mom holding close and trusting always in the hand of God. He has been SO good! I don't know if mom will work everyday this week or not since she has the 3 drugs yesterday but being able to get out of the house, be in the company of those she truly enjoys and who uplift her at her office, being productive with a since of purpose and acomplishment as well as just feeling "normal", as she puts it, have been some of the best medicine and therapy possible. They just can't prescribe confidence and joy and that is what she is getting daily.

I can't wait to see her today, give her hugs and tell her how proud I am of her once again and give her some old pics I found when going through some stuff last night. One I know she and Ken both will get a kick out is of Ken sitting on the couch in our first home in Memphis with his first laptop. He had some games on it, for those of you who don't know Ken is a secret gamer, and he played with that laptop non-stop. Mom and I were forever interrupting him and complaining about his gaming time because we couldn't get any attention. One night he closed that laptop and said to us, "I've never seen two women so jealous of a laptop!" Oh, the memories. I'm so proud and glad that I lived at home, and they gladly allowed me to (most days:), till I graduated from college. The memories of our home have made who I am and are priceless to all 3 of us. Even the not-so-pleasant memories-haha. God has blessed me with the foundation of that home to guide me and Todd as we establish our family values in our home on our new journey of parenthood.

I can't tell you all thank you enough!!! Without a doubt we would not be where we are today without the network literally across the nation of our friends, family and prayer warriors who are lifting us up countless times a day to the "great physician". He is healing, blessing and strengthening not just mom but all of us. I get teary when I think about the fact my sister isn't closer to us geographically, especially now, but she is with us more everyday than ever before. Miles do not seperate the closeness we are experiencing as we all are looking to the Lord and trusting in His plan. He is so good. I can't wait for Erica and Michael to be with us again and see how strong mom is from when they saw her at Thanksgiving. It will be some months yet, I'm sure, so I can't imagine how much better mom will be by then, oh and mom's best friend Haidyn Rae will be stronger and more lively too. I wish everyone could see mom with "her baby", as she refers to Haidyn. You would never recognize a thing wrong with her when that smile comes over her face at the sight of our little angel.

God is good friends! He is protecting us and strengthening us. He truly know just what we need to make it here on earth till we can all be together in heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we get there but I am thanking him for the days here on earth and can't help but rejoice for the blessings he provides daily.