Journal entry by my mama Patricia Selby

April 15, 2019

 

Tax Day! And also it’s the first chemo infusion day at Swedish for our Kate.

She has taken this new challenge on with the same healthy spirit so characteristic of her: positive and determined. 

 

Her IV treatment begins at ten and lasts 2-3 hours. Evidence shows that numbness in feet & hands (that can develop from the infusion of the necessarily toxic chemotherapeutic cocktail) may be lessened if hands and feet are kept cold during the treatment. So she will be using the cryocuff ice packs I had for knee surgery last year. They pump ice water at her chosen temperature through a comfy pack. 

 

Craig drove her to Seattle and will keep her company during the IV time in one of Swedish's attractive, private infusion rooms. Dea's lovely gift of soft, cozy alpaca infinity scarf will keep her comfy.

 

Thanks for all of your nurturing support and for the work party in Kate’s yard on the 30th! Such a gift! I know you've arranged for help for her on difficult days during chemo, and as her mama in Alaska I’m so grateful!

 

Patricia Selby