It has been awhile since we last posted. Many relatives started to call to say what's up with the blog. So I will attempt to update all that is happening.

Mom and dad came back home on the 16th. They were happy to be back in their own home to rest from all the travel, company and stress of the situation. Appointments were made with Kaiser for blood work and chemotherapy classes. They would not allow mom to start the chemo until she had completed the class, but they did schedule her appointment 30 minutes after the class. They did not want to waste any time. I am quoting part of Cherie's email she sent out last weekend since she related so well the events of the day.

"Mom, dad, Celeste and I attended mom’s chemo class from 10-12 noon. It was an excellent class. It was very informative and presented well. The head nurse for the endricrinology department instructed mom and several other patients and their friends/family. It’s quite a large department and will Feb. 2nd be moving into a newer and more excellent facility. Mom was very emotional during the class, head sometimes on dad’s shoulders, clasping hands. The emotions didn’t just stop with mom. Dad too was teary eyed and deeply concerned about mom. They are the epitome of a long lasting, loving relationship that only radiates the love they share with each other.

We have had frustrations with the assistant to Dr. Crane who hasn’t returned phone calls until sometimes days later. We had expressed our concerns to Jan, the head nurse. She told mom and dad to no longer contact Dr. Crane’s assistant but to only call her and she would make sure mom and dad got immediate attention. This was of course a great comfort to us all. She spent all the time we needed to answer any questions we had.

Jan has been in the endocrinology department for now over 30 years. People dealing with constant medical crisis’s as we know can either become hardened or more compassionate. It was very touching to see her eyes tear up as she spoke with mom and dad and then hear her tell them what beautiful people they are and hugged each of them. She stressed several times during the class and after the class as she spoke with mom and dad that no one is dying of cancer, they are living through cancer. Each person is experiencing their own unique experience. We can share our experiences but each will have their own experience and their own life. She stressed this time and time again. She and the other nurses have seen miracles. Many people who were told they would not live have lived. It doesn’t have to be the way others tell them it will be. Jan also told us that Dr. Crane is a brilliant doctor. She also said that if you want to live, you need to make that clear. You’ll get more from them if they know you are willing to go through what you need to live. She shared many stories of hope."

Jan really is a remarkable nurse. She escorted us into the room where they had 20+ chairs set up for chemo. Because of the HYYPA rules we really weren't all supposed to be in there with mom. She asked us to keep our eyes averted so as to keep the others' privacy. It was quite something to see all of the people ages early 20's to late golden years in the big comfy chairs, most with hats (no hair) receiving chemo. Mom, with the little privacy allowed in the tight space and little flimsy curtain just inches from mom's neighbor, received a priesthood blessing from dad. Her chemo only lasted 30 minutes. Quite short in comparison to some who would be there up to 6 hours.

Some of the effects of mom's chemo have been fatigue, feeling kind of "dingy" or forgetful and shakiness. These are all temporary. Not bad in comparison to others' effects from their chemo. This is due to the fact that mom's chemo is a very light dosage that will extend her life 6-12 months, but will not put her into remission. She has handled it quite well. In fact today she was excited cause she felt pretty darn good. To top it off, mom's white blood count today went from the low 1400 of the last few weeks up to a woppin 2600! That's great news! Now we just need to keep her from thinking she's great and can go out and do all that she is used to doing. No, she hasn't mentioned going to Curves again....

Tomorrow (Thursday the 29th) she will receive her 2nd dosage of chemo. She will be feeling the effects worst by Saturday morning. She has two more chemos scheduled for the 5th & 12th of February. So she will be done just in time for Valentine's Day!

I'm sorry this has been rather lengthy. Maybe the writer can be a little less wordy and more prompt in the next few weeks!

Celeste Whedon