Welcome to another chemo update. But before we get started, I have a special announcement. I understand that we have several new subscribers to these e-mails (total circulation: 34,618). I'd like to personally welcome all of you here and remind you that, with your paid subscription, you get a free FoMmie (Friend of Mom) tote bag (please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery).
Now on to the news...
Mom went in for her usual Tuesday appointment accompanied by Your Faithful Correspondent, Slightly Less Faithful Sister Michelle and Aunt Roberta. Mom did not see her oncologist today (she'll be seeing her next week) so she went straight for her blood test. Mom's blood work numbers were outstanding. Her hemoglobin was 11.5 -- a number which has been steadily rising with each passing week (not quite as importantly, I realized today that "hemoglobin" was an anagram for "goblin home"). Mom's platelets and white blood cells looked very strong too -- all in the normal range.
After the blood work came back, it was on to chemo. As my loyal readers are well aware, today was Mom's "heavy" day, i.e. Mom gets 2 drugs Cisplatin and Gemzar (by the way, if you're a new subscriber, this is where you should start taking notes, or at very least start highlighting your computer screen).
Above: Molecular diagram of Cisplatin.
To learn more about Cisplatin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisplatin
Above: Molecular diagram of Gemzar
To learn more about Gemzar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemzar
Now I think we left off on heavy days, no? Of course we did. Well, heavy days also mean long days -- we arrived at 10:15 and left about 2:45. This meant that chemo was a catered affair today. I had suggested Chateaubriand but then, realizing that it was from the wrong part of the cow (it's a kosher thing) we settled for the next best option: Chipotle for YFC and Sis, Corner Bakery for Mom and Auntie Berba. Believe it or not, the eating was probably the most notable thing about today's chemo session (well, that and Mom complaining that it was too cold in the room, but I told her I wasn't going to mention that). This has become second nature for Mom. First Mom gets a blood test to make sure she can go through with the chemo. Next they take too long to read the results which makes all of us cranky (ok, I'll admit it, it's only Michelle that gets cranky). Then one of the nurses sticks the IV through Mom's port (working like a charm by the way. Per Mom, it doesn't hurt at all -- she's such a brave little trooper!) and Mom gets some fluids in followed by the medicine.
The entire process certainly seems less scary than when Mom first started her chemo. Chemo was a pretty big jolt to all of us, but I think we've gotten somewhat used to the rhythm. We have several factors in our favor, notably:
- Mom's chemo is only 2 blocks from her home. Not only does it reduce travel time, but it reduces anxiety (again, we'll blame this on Michelle).
- Mom isn't suffering any major side effects from the chemo. Still, I know Mom would appreciate it if you say two prayers for her -- the first for her speedy and complete recovery from cancer and the second for her to keep her curly locks.
- Mom has great faith in G-d, which is a source of her amazing strength.
- Mom (and all of us really) has a wonderful support system that is truly remarkable. YFC is rarely at a loss for words, but it is impossible for me to adequately convey how important your prayers, cards, responses to these updates, calls, e-mails and visits have been. You have been an integral part of Mom's recovery process. That said, it's not over yet. Please remember to keep those prayers coming...they have given Mom a tremendous lift.
Above: Molecular diagram of Gemzar
To learn more about Gemzar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemzar
Now I think we left off on heavy days, no? Of course we did. Well, heavy days also mean long days -- we arrived at 10:15 and left about 2:45. This meant that chemo was a catered affair today. I had suggested Chateaubriand but then, realizing that it was from the wrong part of the cow (it's a kosher thing) we settled for the next best option: Chipotle for YFC and Sis, Corner Bakery for Mom and Auntie Berba. Believe it or not, the eating was probably the most notable thing about today's chemo session (well, that and Mom complaining that it was too cold in the room, but I told her I wasn't going to mention that). This has become second nature for Mom. First Mom gets a blood test to make sure she can go through with the chemo. Next they take too long to read the results which makes all of us cranky (ok, I'll admit it, it's only Michelle that gets cranky). Then one of the nurses sticks the IV through Mom's port (working like a charm by the way. Per Mom, it doesn't hurt at all -- she's such a brave little trooper!) and Mom gets some fluids in followed by the medicine.
The entire process certainly seems less scary than when Mom first started her chemo. Chemo was a pretty big jolt to all of us, but I think we've gotten somewhat used to the rhythm. We have several factors in our favor, notably:
- Mom's chemo is only 2 blocks from her home. Not only does it reduce travel time, but it reduces anxiety (again, we'll blame this on Michelle).
- Mom isn't suffering any major side effects from the chemo. Still, I know Mom would appreciate it if you say two prayers for her -- the first for her speedy and complete recovery from cancer and the second for her to keep her curly locks.
- Mom has great faith in G-d, which is a source of her amazing strength.
- Mom (and all of us really) has a wonderful support system that is truly remarkable. YFC is rarely at a loss for words, but it is impossible for me to adequately convey how important your prayers, cards, responses to these updates, calls, e-mails and visits have been. You have been an integral part of Mom's recovery process. That said, it's not over yet. Please remember to keep those prayers coming...they have given Mom a tremendous lift.
In other news, Mom had visitors from New York (well technically New Jersey, but New York sounds so much better doesn't it?) in the form of Byron and Jennifer. We've been led to believe that all of Hoboken now has Mom in her thoughts.
Finally, My Little Sister (hmm...MLS?) is participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Walk on September 9th (Your Faithful Correspondent is also likely to attend, but MLS tried to hide the details of the walk in a misguided attempt to curry favor with Mom. For shame Sister, for shame). Details of the walk can be found here: http://www.lustgartencommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=250&srcid=252).
If you would like to walk, we'd love to see you there. If you'd like to sponsor the runner-up (in both the walk and my parents affection) please make donations payable to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. You can send your check to Michelle:
I understand that Gail Zugerman, one of my many loyal readers, helped to establish this walk. I've always said that my readers were the best people on earth and this is just another example of their excellent nature (special preview: in next week's issue, we will discuss the secret of my readers' superior looks).
Until next week, my pretties...
Faithfully,
Corey
Finally, My Little Sister (hmm...MLS?) is participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Walk on September 9th (Your Faithful Correspondent is also likely to attend, but MLS tried to hide the details of the walk in a misguided attempt to curry favor with Mom. For shame Sister, for shame). Details of the walk can be found here: http://www.lustgartencommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=250&srcid=252).
If you would like to walk, we'd love to see you there. If you'd like to sponsor the runner-up (in both the walk and my parents affection) please make donations payable to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. You can send your check to Michelle:
I understand that Gail Zugerman, one of my many loyal readers, helped to establish this walk. I've always said that my readers were the best people on earth and this is just another example of their excellent nature (special preview: in next week's issue, we will discuss the secret of my readers' superior looks).
Until next week, my pretties...
Faithfully,
Corey
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