Chemo - Week 3 (Monday, 10/18/2010)

Week three of treatment is here.  "Mom" was escorted to Faulkner Hospital by "Grandpa Gary". We love it when he stops by to visit and he is welcome anytime.  "Grandpa Gary" arrived at our house so early that the stars were still out in the sky.  Thanks to our "Cousin Ray", he was wearing a Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene sweat shirt.  We think he was ready to witness a little Cancer butt kicking first hand and "mom" was really happy to have his support.  Our newly adopted Teddy Bear from the Sterling Animal Shelter "Chemosabe"as well as "Loves" the Saint Bernard went along for the ride to keep "Grandpa Gary" and "mom" company and to create a few laughs along the way.



Here is a photo of "mom", "Grandpa Gary", "Loves" the Saint Bernard, and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear at the treatment center.  "Mom" is wearing one of her new head buffs to keep her head warm.  She had gone to the salon recently to get a hair cut and needed a little something to keep her head warm.  "Mom" hasn't lost any hair due to treatment yet.  The doctors indicated that this may begin to occur later in treatment around weeks 4-6.  We love the new haircut and think it makes "mom" look a little younger.  However, "mom" is not quite sold yet.

During chemo, "mom" decided to take a little trip to Disney World.  This was possible with the help of the magic of a 3D viewfinder.  Thanks you Colleen for providing our "mom" with such a great way to escape.

Here is a photo of "Loves" the Saint Bernard and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear hanging out at the hospital with the 3D viewfinder.  Hey "Chemosabe" did you see our friends Goofy and Pluto?

"Mom" indicated that the oncologist was very happy with the progress of the chemo therapy treatment thus far.  The oncologist said that the tumor mass felt softer and the coloring of the skin was beginning to change from a reddish color to a pinkish color.  After three weeks this is great progress.  We think the Wii dance party along with all the love, support and prayers of family and friends helped out a lot.  "Mom" is looking forward to attending a support group for young people with Cancer on Wednesday in Boston at Dana Farber and meeting with her Radiation doctor on Friday afternoon.

We want to thank "Grandpa Gary" - LOTS OF LOVE...

"Mom" was feeling upbeat after treatment and went to visit "Grandma Sue", who had long day at the doctors as well.  Please keep "Grandma Sue" in your prayers as she also needs your love and support in her own battle with rheumatoid arthritis, Lupis and Sjögren's syndrome.  Cited from http://www.sjogrens.org/ "Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma."  We love you "Grandma Sue" and we are praying for you.

After taking a short cat nap, "mom" was able to relax with family and friends and enjoy a most excellent dinner, cooked by "Grandpa Gary".  "Mom" is looking forward to getting back to her normal Tuesday schedule at work and seeing all her great co-workers and clients.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)