Journal entry by Janet Elsea —
I've avoided coming back here for a variety of reasons, but in light of current events, we thought an update is in order. First, let me say, I HATE cancer and I HATE CHEMO! But, saying that, I know I don't hate those two as bad as Penny does!
Late week was "chemo week". Doc had delayed it a week because of Pen's birthday and that week was the best she had all month. Her energy was about normal, she was eating well... it was easy for a few days to forget she has this problem.
This time she was there 5 1/2 days instead of 4 1/2 days because of a glitch on Monday with her kidneys after her spine chemo. This was a bit of a scare that prayer quickly pushed to the "never mind" category. Tuesday - Friday were days of gaining fluid, losing fluid and nausea. This regime was the same as the first one in January, but chemo is cumulative and that is the hatefulness of it.
On Monday our conversation with the doctor told us that they "wanted" her to have 8 treatments but were aware she would probably have only 4-6 because her body probably wouldn't be able to take it. At that moment I think we looked at each other and smiled with the idea that she was tough and would be fine.
Not fine. Home on Saturday and straight to bed with almost unbearable nausea. Sunday back over for a shot to increase her WBC. Ended up with IV fluids, heavier anti-nausea meds (where's Mary Jane when you need her ;) ) and back to the sofa and bed. Nasty taste in her mouth, exhaustion.. Day three and she shifts from the bed to the sofa to the chair. Since yesterday around 4 she has eaten a 1/2 a banana and drank hot tea after hot tea.
Reminded.....again...... chemotherapy is cumulative..... each time will get worse and recovery will be slower.
She has put a call into the Doctor to have a "come to Jesus" talk. There won't be the 4-6 and forget 8. God's got this still. Keep on praying. This is miserable for her..... and heart wrenching for us.
Late week was "chemo week". Doc had delayed it a week because of Pen's birthday and that week was the best she had all month. Her energy was about normal, she was eating well... it was easy for a few days to forget she has this problem.
This time she was there 5 1/2 days instead of 4 1/2 days because of a glitch on Monday with her kidneys after her spine chemo. This was a bit of a scare that prayer quickly pushed to the "never mind" category. Tuesday - Friday were days of gaining fluid, losing fluid and nausea. This regime was the same as the first one in January, but chemo is cumulative and that is the hatefulness of it.
On Monday our conversation with the doctor told us that they "wanted" her to have 8 treatments but were aware she would probably have only 4-6 because her body probably wouldn't be able to take it. At that moment I think we looked at each other and smiled with the idea that she was tough and would be fine.
Not fine. Home on Saturday and straight to bed with almost unbearable nausea. Sunday back over for a shot to increase her WBC. Ended up with IV fluids, heavier anti-nausea meds (where's Mary Jane when you need her ;) ) and back to the sofa and bed. Nasty taste in her mouth, exhaustion.. Day three and she shifts from the bed to the sofa to the chair. Since yesterday around 4 she has eaten a 1/2 a banana and drank hot tea after hot tea.
Reminded.....again...... chemotherapy is cumulative..... each time will get worse and recovery will be slower.
She has put a call into the Doctor to have a "come to Jesus" talk. There won't be the 4-6 and forget 8. God's got this still. Keep on praying. This is miserable for her..... and heart wrenching for us.
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