Chemo #1...

Mom's first round of chemo went very well. She felt nervous as it became closer, but somehow the death of Uncle Raul gave her the strength. She said after what Uncle Raul went through, she was willing to face anything.

Joe went with her to keep her company. The nurses started by drawing her blood and noticed that her red blood cell count was too low. The doctor approved the treatment for the day but because the level was dangerous, he informed mom that she was anemic (low iron), and that she would now have to receive an additional treatment the next day. Once they started, me and mom talked on the phone through her entire treatment. She was excited that she was able to talk on her cell phone... we gossiped the whole time. :) It was interesting because as time went on, I noticed changes in her voice. She started getting chest congestion, so she kept clearing her throat and she sounded more and more tired. The treatment took several hours, so by the time she got home, she was very weak and tired. She ate soup and went to sleep.

This is how she looked...

Yesterday, I took her in for her second treatment. When she woke up, she still felt very weak but not as nauseous as she expected. It was crazy to see the nurses put the needle in her port because the needle is in the shape of a hook! Mom says it hurts and she cringed as they put it in. The treatment started with benadryl to help with a possible allergy mom would have. The iron treatment, called Venofer, lasted several more hours. Luckily, the benadryl made mom tired, so she was able to sleep. She even started snoring! :) It's very cold in the treatment room so she was all cuddled up.

She will now have to take the iron IV every Tuesday for 3 weeks to help restore her body. The nurses told us that if her red blood cell count did not improve, then she may need blood transfusions. Mom does not want a transfusion, so we are praying the treatment works.

After the iron, mom received her Neulasta shot, the white blood cell injection. She said it hurt a lot but she did good.

For the rest of the night, her symptoms were as expected: weak, sore, tired, short of breath.

Today she looked very good still. Same symptoms, except more bone pain and body aches. We rented lots of movies and relaxed! She has not skipped a meal which is great! :)

Love you mom! You are doing so good!!! Thank you to everyone who called to check on her and who have been here for her.