Wednesday Update

Mama's last bag of chemo finished at 3:00am. We would have liked to start the celebration of round 2 of chemotherapy done, however just about the time it was ending Mama started having a real rough time. She could hear and understand everything that was being said around her, but was having a difficult time responding verbally.

When I got to the hospital this morning, all of her Oncology doctors were in her room evaluating her condition. They have concluded that the chemo that was given all 5 days is the one causing this side effect. They were confident that she should get better with more time. It was very unnerving for Mama not to be able to communicate. When we would ask her a question, she would just stare back. She wasn't ignoring the question, she was just trying to find her words. Her vocabulary was lost the majority of the time. Here and there she would be able to answer a question, express a thought or would reassure us that she could hear and understand everything, but was having problems "finding the words". This morning, Mama had many tears. Not tears of pain, sickness or sadness. They were purely tears of joy and gratefulness. When Mama could express herself, she would share how good Daddy has been to her and the sweet things he has done to protect her from disappointment and sadness. Daddy has been so patient, gentle, caring and loving to Mama. (Daddy, you bless me when you bless Mama. Thank you for your example of true love. I love you Daddy.) It is so heartwarming to watch the love they have for each other. As the day unfolded, the fog has continued to lift. She is now able to express herself verbally, visit and occasionally even crack a "funny" and laugh. It is so good see her smile and laugh again. Mama is weak and still doesn't feel great, but she is feeling better. Her nausea is under control and she has been able to eat and drink a little bit better this afternoon and evening. God is good and He is faithful. He has took a perfectly lousy day and turned it into a day full of goodness. Thank you Lord! It looks like Mama will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning. They are so looking forward to going home and sleeping in their own bed. Please pray for Mama's last night in the hospital to be restful and to continue to feel better and stronger. Also for Daddy to be able to get some much needed rest. Please also pray for Mama and Daddy's trip home with no nausea. On Friday, Mama will have to come back up to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for her shot to boost her immune system. It's a long drive up and back, especially when Mama is not feeling well. The staff at Seattle Cancer Care have been so wonderful, but being there can be emotionally taxing for Mama and the smells in the building have made her nauseous in the past. Please pray for the trip to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and back home. Please also pray for no complications at home this time around and for a quick recovery. Our family truly appreciates everyone who has been faithfully praying for Mama. It's a priceless gift of love. Thank you so much.
With love,
Carmen