Even though the last chemo treatment was only 1 round, it was packed with punch! Over the last 2 weeks it has really done a number on Mom's skin. There's the usual dry mouth, but this time her skin has decided it doesn't like chemo and has produced an itchy, dry, bright pink rash on her arms and legs. Her arms are the worst. They area a red/pinky color. Remember when ET (the Extra Terrestrial) was lost in the woods and they finally found him by the river-- he was a weird, pinky color. That's the color of Mom's arms (Mom would rather be compared to the color of a fruit or a flower, not a being from outer space).
Friday we went to the Cancer Center for blood work and to see Dr. Jeong. They had trouble getting blood from her Power Port. The nurse kept stabbing and stabbing but she couldn't get it. She thinks the port may have tipped on it's side. That's no good! Finally, she was able to get it. Now, I have done well with all this needle and blood mayhem over the last 4 months, but all that stabbing and blood oozing finally made me queasy. Mom didn't look too hot, either!
Her right leg has been swollen for 2 weeks (it has gotten a lot worse this last week). Dr. Jeong sent her to the hospital for a sonogram to see if they can find a blood clot. The problem is, her platelet count is still low from the chemo, so he doesn't know if he can give her any blood thinner to get rid of the clot.
Sure enough, it's a blood clot. Dr. J decided to go ahead with the blood thinner. That means 2 shots in the belly everyday. And they are "self-administered." Yikes!
Although Mom doesn't remember all the trials and tribulations of the 1982 Extra Terrestrial, in the end, he was ok. He phoned home, had some Reese's Pieces and finally got rescued. Surely this chemo will rescue Mom from cancer!
...and there is a fruit comparison I can make: Mom's got some hair growing in her head. It did not fall out this round, so it's been growing since the end of round 3. It looks like peach fuzz on a Georgia peach!
Virginia and Wendy,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm glad things are starting to look up a little.....it's about time!!
I love the posts, the sense of humor and honesty rings through and makes reading something 'sad' into something sort of enjoyable...please keep that sense of humor!!
I also want to thank you for the in-depth look at the animal that is leukemia. My nephew was recently diagnosed with leukemia (the 'good' kind as they say...or at least most treatable) and while I've been involved with his progress, the pictures and descriptions help me understand this disease so much better. He's in his early 30's and right now is finally out of the hospital and doing on again/off again chemo outpatient style. He spent a little over a month in the hospital and also had to deal with a nasty blood clot in the leg. I do appreciate your views and knowledge. Keep getting better, we're still praying for you!