No More Chemo

Wonderful news! Mom's doctor told her yesterday the chemo treatments are finished.

She has to go in every third week and get "Herceptin". Mom said she felt like she was on vacation when she only got Herceptin.

We would all like to thank each and every one of you who send prayers & good thoughts Merry's way. She's positive it was without a doubt what pulled her through.

When I get more information I'll let you all know.

Merry Lynn

Happy Birthday Mike!

Today is our brother and Merry's first born's birthday.

August 13, 1951, Merry was 17 years old when she had Michael Wayne.

Happy Birthday Mike, We Love You.

Better The Devil You Know

Well Mom changed meds on Monday. They decided to triple all of her medicine. She won’t have to go get chemo for three weeks. This whole chemo experience has been confusing. Just when we start to understand the program the program changes.

On Wednesday, Mom got a lovely side effect from the new meds (her doctor failed to tell her 71% of patients suffer from it). Neuropathy, in her lower legs and feet. She told me it was like she was plugged into an electrical outlet. Not tingly but electric shock. Of course to keep her southern creds she just gritted her teeth and told no one. Until the next day when it got unbearable. She said it was worse than childbirth and kidney stones. Perhaps she’ll go back to the drug that only gave her diarrhea and nausea. At least they’re not painful just annoying.

Thursday Lisa came and got her for a girls day at her house. They watched movies & had a fun lunch. Lisa gave her a pedicure, manicure & foot massage. I’m thinking of going to the Lisa Spa soon! It sounds great. Mostly it was just great for Mom to get out of her house. She’s all but been housebound … no, actually she's been housebound. That evening she got some meds to counter act the effects of the new meds. So on Friday @ 7pm she was doing much better. Lisa took a few pictures of their day.

Lisa & Merry

Scarf’s will be THE thing this year.

It's been a good two weeks

The last 2 weeks have been good.
Week one, Mom only got the single dose of Herceptin, which leaves her feeling good ... well better than the cocktail they have been giving her. Then because of her white blood count being down she wasn't given the cocktail again the next week, only Herceptin. Good news, she felt good all week, bad news, couldn't go out in the public and enjoy it since her immune system was low.
One other good note, while talking to her Chemo doctor she told him how the chemo had been affecting her. So he will be giving her a new drug that won't incapacitate her. He told her that the insurance companies make the doctors give this drug first ( even though most people get violently ill from it). The new drug cost more so some clerk/administrator at the insurance company has made a decision that affects all these already sick people just alittle more. I can only hope that there's a special place in Hell where this guy/gal goes. To put my sweet mother and countless others thru weeks of nausea, diarrhea, hair falling out, exhaustion...
I'll try and be a little less pissy on my next post. Maybe get a few more photos on the page.
Thank you again for all the prayers you've been sending moms way. She's sure they are what's getting her through all this.