Round 1 is over

...and mom is still in the ring so to speak. She has taken a few blows, but isn't really fazed. She will be going back to the gym and training for round two which should be coming in approximately 3 weeks.

The three treatments of chemo (Sat, Sun, and Mon) definitely sapped a lot of her energy, but not her will to fight. She has experienced some vomiting and nausea, both of which have been counteracted by various IV-delivered meds. Overall, Dr. Smith has said that things are "going as he wants them to." That is good news. We won't know what kind of progess is being made in terms of killing the cancer cells until blood work and a CT is performed. That could happen within the next couple weeks.

She is supposed to be leaving the hospital tomorrow. Leaving the comforts of around-the-clock care and the fantastic nursing staff of 3 North at SWMC. They have been truly exceptional in their care of mom. The notion of having to exist outside the confines of the hospital is truly frightening to her right now, and rightfully so. Tomorrow (Wed.) I will begin my battle with the state of WA in trying to get them to approve my mom for medicaid so that she can stay in a skilled nursing facility for longer than just three weeks (it's my understanding that is as long as Medicare covers it.) Should be interesting to say the least. If anyone has insight about the process, I am more than open to advice and the sharing of knowledge.

I would like to give thanks to those who have seen or talked to my mom or talked to me and passed along their well wishes. You know who you are and what kind of impact it has on our situation. It is through the support and strength of others that she finds her strength to stay in the ring and take the blows, but coming back for more.

On a personal note, I apologize for resorting to sports analogies. It's been a long day...

Pat