Side Effects

So the side effects of the chemo really happened fast this time. About an hour after finishing chemo, Mom got the chills, didn't feel very well and spike a temp of 100.3. She took a Lortab and by the time she went to bed the temp had lowered to 99. She slept in on Friday morning and felt okay when she woke up. Even though it came on fast we are always hopeful that the effects will be minimal.

Chemo round 3

Mom is going in for Chemo again today. This is going to become pretty routine for her, unfortunately. We are hoping that she continues to have minimal side-affects like last time. The biggest complaint she had was being tired all the time. She will go in 2 more times before they do the CT scan to see how the cancer is reacting to the chemo. We will be constantly praying for miracles.

What Cancer Can't Do

Cancer is so limited-
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot guench the spirit,
It cannot lessen the power
of the resurrection.

Doing pretty good!

Mom started to get a headache last night. It's a lot like last rounds headache, just not as severe. She is still really tired/sleepy. She has been taking it easy as to not bring on more symptoms. Just his evening she felt a fever coming on with chills and all. She got tylenol in her and feels that the temp is coming down and getting better.

She feels that a lot of the symptoms first round were due to the blood clot and is hopeful that she will be able to sleep in a bit tomorrow and then head off to work. Typically Monday and Tuesday's have been not so great days. She will take it as it comes tomorrow. But what a trooper!

Crossing our Fingers.

So far Mom is doing well. She wasn't able to sleep much Thursday night but slept like a rock last night. Besides being sleepy she feels okay. The first round she was okay until Saturday afternoon so we are just crossing our fingers until later this afternoon and tomorrow.

Thank you for all your prayers! We know they are heard and answered.

The Hempel Family

Chemo or not to Chemo?

That was the question. Mom had to go in to the Dr today to see if her protime (coumadine) levels were good enough to get Chemo. They want them to be between 2 and 3 and she was at 2.1. So they hooked her up and she is getting her chemo today. She is glad to be getting back on schedule with it all. Sure she would love to just not have it, but since she has to, she is would like to get it over with! The port continues to do it's job. Mom said it didn't hurt at all. Aunt Nilda is accompanying Mom today. Both Teresa and I have sick kids and can not risk getting mom sick, so we stayed home today. We really enjoy being with mom on these days, even though the circumstances could be better, we are sad we can't be there. We are so thankful that Aunt Nilda is available and willing to be with mom. THANK YOU!!

Home at last...

Mom just arrived at home. YEAH.. nothing like being free from the hospital. She was sent home with Lortab so we are hoping she will get some good sleep. We all know what it is like to try and sleep at a hosptial. We know that many of you are thinking of her and may want to stop and visit. Please realize that she really needs to rest and that a quick phone call, e-mail message or commenting on this blog may be a better idea. If you still feel that you would like to visit please call ahead.

Thanks so much for all your well wishing, concerns and prayers. They are much needed.

Going Home!

Mom's Dr came in this morning. He decided that Mom could go home! Chemo will be put off until next week. She will have both drugs at that point. The Dr thinks her coumadin will be at a good level by then. Dad will be giving her the shots at home.

Since Dad is a teacher and it's UEA weekend, he has the next 4 days to dote and care for Mom! Husband care IS so much nicer than hospital care(with the exception of drugs readily available)!

I am sure she will rest better at home.