Chemo - Week 5 (Monday, 11/1/2010)

This week "Grandpa Gary" once again picked up "mom" for her treatment.  They headed off to Faulkner Hospital in Boston where the magic happens.  Poor "Grandpa Gary" was so tired that he fell asleep as soon as he sat down in the treatment room.  "Mom" said that he was snoring quite loudly.  Waking only when "Nurse Mary" entered the room to check on "mom".  Below is a picture of "Nurse Mary" and "mom" taken after infusion.  "Nurse Mary" has been "mom's" treatment nurse from day 1.  She used to be an ER nurse and now works in the chemotherapy department at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Faulkner Hospital.  "Mom" thinks that "Nurse Mary" is the best nurse around and appreciates her ability to place an IV catheter in one try.

This week "mom" attended a local support group in Worcester, MA.  The group is called The Breast Friends Connection.  Their mission "Bringing women together to SUPPORT their individual journey of diagnosis, treatment, recovery + BEYOND".   Become a fan of The Breast Friends Connection on facebook for more information and updates.   "Mom" was picked up for her first support group session by a member who is also a resident of Boylston.  The meeting started at 6PM and began with a support session, followed by "power hour" which includes activities to help reduce stress.  "Mom" loved the support group and met many inspiring women.  "Mom" plans on attending many more meetings.

"Mom" is looking forward to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale which is taking place this Saturday at the Northboro VCA.  She is grateful for all the hard work everyone has been putting forth to make this a success.  "Mom" gave us a preview of the Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene "T" shirts.  We think they look pretty sharp.

So far this week, "mom" has been feeling pretty good.  She had today off to rest up and is going back to work in the morning.  We had fun hanging out with her today.   The best part of the week was when "mom" noticed a soft spot in the tumor, which indicates that chemo is working.

We will have "mom" take her camera along to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale so that we can post some photo's.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene

Ginger, Liz, and Baby