A Bump In the Road

Loyal Readers,

I'm afraid that today's news wasn't great. Nothing tragic mind you (no need to go running for the window ledge), but all the same, I think we'll have to save anagrams and details about FoMmie merchandise for another day.

Today Mom went in for her usual Tuesday chemo appointment. As you know, for each cycle of treatment, Mom has the following schedule:
1st Tuesday: Gemzar, Cisplatin (in case you weren't paying attention, these are chemo drugs)
2nd Tuesday: Gemzar
3rd Tuesday: Gemzar
4th Tuesday: Off

Today was scheduled to the the 3rd Tuesday of her 3rd cycle. As usual, Mom had her blood drawn prior to the chemotherapy. The purpose of this is to check Mom's levels of hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cells prior to the chemo. In theory, if any of these counts were to drop below a certain level, Mom would not be able to go through with her scheduled chemotherapy appointment. Unfortunately, today was one of those days when theory and reality met head-on. Mom's white blood count levels were low and, as a result, she could not continue have treatment today.

What does this mean (even in moments of crisis my loyal readers are asking probing questions, that's very good!)? Well, as my very loyal and very intelligent readers remember from 8th grade science class, white blood cells help the body fight infection. Mom received a shot to boost her white blood cell count today and she'll receive another shot tomorrow. But she will skip chemotherapy treatment this week and since next week is Mom's scheduled off-week, that means she won't resume treatment until September 18th, which is smack dab in the middle of the Jewish holy days, i.e. the period between Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). I think the timing of this incident is a sign. Since, Mom's news has been generally good so far (notwithstanding some nausea), I think that perhaps we've become a tad complacent about her recovery. I believe that we are expected to return to prayer during the coming weeks, to place our faith in G-d and to ask for Mom to have a full and complete recovery from her cancer.

It's important that you avoid Mom if you're sick (or think that you might be sick) and that you wash your hands if you are going to come into contact with her (this means you G.E.) to remove any bacteria. Also, kissing should really be avoided so if you receive an "air kiss" next time you see Mom don't think she's gone all Hollywood on you, she's just trying to avoid your nasty germs.

Again, thanks to those who donated to my Sister's walk. Aunt Roberta will also be walking this weekend. We're hoping that their FoMmie t-shirts arrive in time for the walk, but I was just informed that there might be a small issue...something about a child labor shortage in Malaysia (of course I'm kidding...in actuality we sourced the shirts from Bangladesh...kids work cheaper there).

Hopefully, next week will see a return to positive news.

Faithfully,Corey

P.S.
Mom's had a hard day, so won't you please make her evening a little better by sending a few words of encouragement?