March 6, 2010

Yesterday mom had her final round of chemo administered. That was her long 3 day medicine that we look forward to and dread at the same time. The chemo is what kills the cancer but it also runs her down and makes for such a long day in the clinic. This time it didn't seem to take as long to me though.
Her blood work was good. They will wait a few days to see how low her white count gets before giving her the shot. On the 26th (the day after mom's birthday:) we will have another update complete with CT scan results to see where we are. Then she will have two more consecutive weeks of the clinical trial drug before we are on to the next plan.
At this point her body needs a break. It will need time to recover from the months of chemo she has endured. The plan, as we know it today, will be that she go on maintenance. That means she will continue to have treatments of the Erbitux, which is the inhibitor drug, every other week. After every fourth treatment they will scan her and update us. Its a little scary to think there is still tumors in her lungs and we won't be aggresively attack them with the chemo but its in God's hands. Also, to my understanding not only does the Erbitux continue to inhibit communication with healthy cells to prevent spreading but also it has the potential to continue to shrink what is there just on a much smaller scale at a much longer pace.
After her treatment yesterday she and ken went to Fridays to eat. That is over by our house so I told mom she had to swing by. When I got home with the little diva they were already there waiting. Granddaddy got to steal all Haidyn's sugar while entertaining her as mom and I went nuts over all the precious clothes I got at the church children's clothes sale. Not that our fashionista really needed a think but I got her about 20 outfits, mostly smocked and/or dresses. Mom cannot get over how prissy and pretty I dress Haidyn. After all I was her daughter who took firm grip of any hair bow ever placed in my hair, gave it a jerk and announced "no bow!" before throwing it in the floor and running off. Haha. I'm sure some of you who remember me as a child can validate these stories of my non-prissy ways. GiGi is certainly doing her part to spoil and priss. She bought a princess walker completely pink and accessorized with a castle that lights up and sings, a princess dress and other dainty things. I told her if any boys come along they will certainly feel slighted if they have to walk around in that.
God is so good. We have put our trust in him and he continues to bless us with mom's healing, the faith and encouragement of friends, overwhelming love and prayers and strengthen faith daily. Although the answer of cancer free has not come, we continue to pray for that miracle. We continue to believe it is possible and we are blessed with each day to make memories, serve him here on earth and hopefully show other's Jesus by our actions and example of living by faith. Cancer is terrible! I new understanding, respect and empathy has been learned through this experience. Also, we have a tremendous appreciation for those doctors and nurses who treat and research to develop treatments and cures and who are saving lives. God bless them. Thank you can't be said and expressed enough for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for cancer free!