Thursday Morning

Although we probably don't need to apologize for not keeping the blog up to date lately, I am still going to say that we're sorry.  This blog was designed to keep people in the loop about mom and dad so we will continue to try and find time to do that.

We've had a couple of busy days.  The days of feeling like we are on a roller-coaster are back.  The last time I updated the blog dad was heading to chemo and mom was heading out for a day of fun with friends.  Since then, dad's CEA count is up to 150 from 122 and they have changed up his chemo cocktail.  He also has to give himself a shot in the stomach each morning to help thin his blood.  He had to do this a few years back and it might be his least favorite part of cancer so far.  Mom got home from a day of playing on Tuesday and hasn't really gotten out of bed since.  She had a slight fever of 99.6 Tuesday night and into Wednesday.  At some point yesterday, her temperature hit 100.5 which is the magic number for a call to Seattle Cancer Care.  They instructed her to get a blood draw immediately and then pick up some new antibiotics at the pharmacy.  If she has an infection in her lungs, we need to stay on top of it.

She returned home from the doctor's office around 3pm yesterday and fell into a deep sleep.  I called the house a few times in the evening but every time I called they said she was still sleeping.  Hopefully the antibiotics and sleep with help her fight whatever is going on.  We were all on pins and needles waiting for her blood work to come back this morning.  Bad numbers meant we packed up the car and headed straight to UW medical center in Seattle.  Ok numbers meant she could continue to rest at home and try to fight this thing on her own.  While writing this blog entry, Angie just called me with an update.  All of mom's numbers were within normal range so it appears she dodged a bullet this time.  She is still sleeping for a few hours so she is yet to find out the good news.

The past few weeks have been more difficult than before.  As situations change, we all have to change along with them.  We really couldn't do this without everyone's help.  It takes a village to raise a child but it takes a community to support a fight with cancer.  You guys are proving that every day.  My mom is rarely alone. Whenever I stop by the house there are numerous cars in the driveway and she is always in good hands.  My dad has had drivers volunteer for his chemo trips long before we have had to ask the question "can anyone get Tuesday off from work?"  We can't say enough about the help we have received lately from Mel & Jessie taking care of the Desert Aire houses, to Gayle at the doctor's office yesterday who dropped everything to ensure mom was the first priority the second she walked in the door, and Kelly Lloyd who has arrived at mom and dad's house just before mom wakes up and cares for her until 3pm each day so we can go to work and not fall further behind.  There are a lot of people who have lightened our load and for that, we say thank you.

Hoping for a boring day with nothing new to worry about-
Amy