Auntie finished her first phase of chemo at the end of May. Thankfully, she underwent all 12 weeks of that treatment without too terribly many side effects. No nausea, mainly just some fatigue. Because of of how well she tolerated that first round of chemo, I really didn't think the second phase would be that much different. Oh how I was WRONG!
Auntie and Terry went down to MD Anderson for her first chemo treatment in the second phase. We knew that it was a harsher chemo that often was harder on the body, but because of several factors not working in her favor, it was basically like having a chemo treatment back in the 80's for her. Not good. She was immediately very sick in her tummy and spent two days throwing up. Oh and trying to fly back home from Houston in the midst of all of it! Of course once Mom and I got word of how bad it was, we immediately began asking for you all to join us in prayer. I am still SO overwhelmed at the outpouring of love that came as soon as we asked. It didn't matter that it was close to midnight; everyone joined with us in prayer...I know that is what got them home!! We are so grateful for all of you.
Last Friday, I was able to take Auntie for her second chemo treatment since it was in Tulsa. Needless to say, we were ALL apprehensive about the outcome based on the last treatment. I teased her that I would not be driving my new car to the treatment...I was going to drive hers in case there were yucky side effects this time, too : ) But I stepped out in faith that this was going to go much better than the treatment 3 weeks ago and drove the new car! Thankfully, everything went so well. We are truly blessed with a wonderful doctor and staff in Tulsa, too and they make it so nice. They gave Auntie several anti-nausea pre-meds, plus helped her with her anti-nausea arm patch (apparently the last treatment it wasn't sticking properly, so it basically offered her no support). We made it through the treatment just fine and she was actually hungry on the way home! She did report some yucky tummy feelings later on, but thankfully no throwing up!!
So, she's halfway there on finishing this second phase of chemo. It's four treatments spanned out over 12 weeks and she's already had two. Woo hoo! After she completes this second phase of chemo (it'll be around the end of August) she will undergo surgery. We are not sure yet what type of surgery she will undergo (lumpectomy, mastectomy, double mastectomy, etc.) as it will depend on how the cancer has responded (shrunk) to the chemo treatments. This is one area we could use LOTS of prayer on. Please pray with us that the doctors will see clearly and have a very clear opinion for her on what type of surgery is necessary. Please pray that Auntie will have a peace about the path that is "recommended" and feel good about what will be happening next. There is also question as to whether the surgery will happen in Tulsa or in Houston...again, please pray for clear guidance and peace on this choice.
After surgery and healing, there will more than likely be radiation to go through. All of this should be wrapped up and finished by Christmas, pray with us that it all continues as planned and that we get every ounce of this cancer's booty kicked in time for a fabulous Christmas gift of "cancer free" designation for Auntie!!
Again, we thank you for ALL you do...prayers, kind words of encouragement, funny note cards that lift Auntie's spirit each week, meals, etc. We feel so very loved. The meal schedule is still up at www.takethemameal.com and I can get the password to anyone who needs it!
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
