Friday, Sept.9th

This week, the struggle to eat and hold food down has continued to be Mama’s biggest battle. She works daily at her goal of getting 1,000 calories down. Daddy has been trying all different combinations of soft high calorie foods and shakes to help her reach her goal. The dry heaves continue each day which keeps Mama’s abdomen really sore.

On a positive note, Mama is getting stronger. She no longer is using a walker. Her fluid retention in her legs has gone down now that she no longer is on IV fluids. Therefore her legs are no longer so tender and miserable. The majority of her food is staying down. She is enjoying being in the comfort of her own home and is getting some good rest and sleep at night.

We went to her follow appointment with Dr. Pillarisetty today at Seattle Cancer Care. He was encouraged by her progress. Of course, the problem of nausea was the main topic discussed to find some kind of solution. He gave some additional suggestions for her to try. He also agreed that the anti-nausea medication Mama has been taking for the last couple of months is no longer proving to be effective. Mama has decided to go back and try another anti-nausea medication that caused some unpleasant side effects during her chemo treatments. Maybe this time around it may not have the same effects or at the very least, the side effects may be worth not being so sick and getting to eat and drink easier.

Thank you for continuing to keep Mama in your prayers. Please continue to lift Daddy up in prayer also. Taking care of Mama and watching her be sick day in and day out and being so helpless at times is so difficult. He has been a rock for her to lean on. Pray that he will have strength and peace for each new day so that he will remain that strong rock and will not grow weary.

Thank you also for your encouragement in so many ways. We appreciate you so much.

With love,

Carmen & family