Saturday, January 29, 2011

AC Treatment 3

On Monday, January 24, 2011, "mom" had her third treatment with of AC.  This week "Grandpa John", "Auntie Denise", and "Auntie Ronnie" headed off to Boston bright and early.  I think around 5:30 am.  They must have all be still half asleep.  "Grandpa John" drove down from NH, so he must have pulled an all nighter.

Below are a few photo's during the treatment.  It looks like at one point "mom" and "auntie Ronnie" got a little hungry and tried to chew the infusion tubes.  Naught Girls!!!!!!      Hey Auntie, crank that Sh$% up!!!!!!!!  Auntie Denise had a little lap time, "Baby" is a little jealous that you took her spot.






The treatment went well and the tumor continues to shrink."Mom" is looking forward to the last AC treatment on February 7, 2011.  We think that she has been doing great so far.  She is really looking forward to the Fur Ball event, which is taking place at the Wachusett Country Club on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Thank you "Grandpa John" for traveling so far, so early to kick some Cancer butt.  "Mom" really appreciates all that you have done and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Our continued prayers also go out to "Grandma Sue", who had surgery yesterday at Brigham and Women Hospital in Boston.  She was so brave that they let her out the same day.  What a tough cookie.  We are so relieved that everything went smoothly and that you are home safe and sound.   We hear that she got a really nice basket of flowers from her prayer group.  What an amazing group.  Thank you "Auntie Denise" for spending the entire day at the hospital with "Grandma Sue", and for keeping us posted play by play via text messages. 

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Baby (Meow), Ginger, and Liz

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Back to Work

"Mom" has been feeling pretty good this week.  She didn't have any treatment this week, so her body got a chance to recover a little.  This past weekend her bones hurt a little as the white blood cell booster shot was kicking into action.  We hate that the white blood cell booster makes "mom's" bones hut, we do love the fact that this means that the shot is working.

"Mom" was able to go back to work this week after taking last week off to recover.  She said that she realizes how bored we must be during the day waiting for her to get home from work.  There is only so much TV and relaxation one person can take.  On Sunday, "mom" and "dad" headed to Sterling to the Cider Mill to the antique store.  It was only a quick trip, but we hear it was fun none the less.  Here is a photograph from the trip.



Earlier this week mom had a visitor from her support group.  "Mom" just loves the ladies in her group.  It was a really good visit and "mom" hopes to see them all again soon.  Here is a picture of "Baby" sleeping in the new blanket that our friend Tina gave to "mom".  The blanket is supper soft and really warm.  Our sister "Baby" usually hogs the blanket from "mom".




"Mom" is looking forward to the last two chemo treatments and the continued success of the drugs to fight her tumor cells.  We here that "Grandpa John" and our sister Denise will be heading to treatment this week.  "Grandpa John" is looking forward to a little cancer ass kicking.

"Mom" is also looking forward to the Fur Ball, which is in a couple weeks.  It should be a great time with lots of food, dancing, drinks and great raffles.  She picked out her cocktail dress and is in search of some pink shoes.  We hope that you all can make it.

Love the Puppers and Kitty

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC) - Treatment 2

This week "mom" received her second AC treatment.  The first treatment was pretty tough and mom wasn't looking forward to going back for more.  The team headed off to Boston for a 10 AM appointment, this time without all the snow.  "Grandpa Gary" and "Grandma Sue" were back in action for Team Charlene this week after allowing others to feel the power of the treatment.

The doctors were able to dial-in on the drugs and make the next week more tolerable for "mom" while the treatment works on killing the tumor cells.  "Mom" was told that the dosage of treatment drugs was modified slightly to help fight the nausea and feeling of being tired all the time.

So far this week "mom" has been relaxing at home and overall she has been feeling pretty good.  "Mom" has been able to eat just about everything and the nausea is tolerable.  "Mom" has been feeling tired and a little achy this week, but nothing like the first treatment.   On Wednesday we got a little snow (24" or so) and "dad" was nice enough to make us a little path in the back yard.  The snow was all the way up our legs and we ran around and around. Check out the attached video of "Liz" and myself.


Well that is all so far this week.  We will keep you posted as the week goes on.

Love the Puppers and Kitty,
Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Dana-Farber (Yawkey Cancer Center) - 1/9/2011

On Sunday, January 9, 2011 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, "mom" was able to tour the new Yawkey Cancer Center in Boston.  The newest of the Dana-Farber buildings which will open in early February to patients.  The tour included visiting the treatment floors and seeing where the magic will happen for many great people every single day.  "Mom" was kinda jealous that the infusion seats were heated and had massage options.

The new facility had an indoor garden with black bamboo and flowers that will change with the seasons.  We hear that they even had a room adjacent to the garden for those who are immune suppressed. That way they can enjoy the garden while being safely away from the pollen.  Take a look at the photos and if you get a chance, check out the next open house later this week. (Dana-Farber Link)










If you can't tell, one of their favorite spaces was the garden.

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)



Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Rest Week

This week there is no treatment, so that "mom" can recover from a tough first week of AC treatment.  We are happy to announce that "mom" is back to work and feeling a lot better this week.  The nausea and sore bones were no fun at all.  "Mom" said that it felt like she had a peg leg for a few days.   We kept telling her that she wasn't a pirate.   At least she didn't start talking like Captain Jack Sparrow.

"Mom" I love you!!!
This week "mom" attended her support group at Girls Inc. in Worcester.  She is always excited to see her friends.  They always have such great advice and make "mom" feel like she isn't going crazy.  The insight that they have in terms of treatment, symptoms, and relaxation techniques definitely make a difference.

Today a great looking flower bouquet was delivered to the house from Aunty Jen.  Take a look at how nice these flowers are.  "Mom" hasn't seen them yet, but we are sure she will love them.  I wonder if we can eat the lemons in the vase??



Happy New Year Everyone.

Love the Puppers and Kitty

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)