chemo - day 2, doing well
Good day today... the liver functions were close enough to normal that she started chemo again today around 2pm. The fact that we're starting again is encouraging as it means her body was able to withstand the effects of chemo. Thus far, this dose has gone much better than the last one. It's been about six hours and her heart rate, temperature, etc are pretty close to normal. We won't know the results of any of the blood tests, which provide details on the liver, until some time tomorow but so far everything looks good, so we're optimistic. We're hoping for a quiet night tonight and then we'll hopefully be back on the regular treatment schedule.
Her appetite and energy levels were great today. She had a full meal while i was here and had eaten a few times throughout the day. When I arrived today with my normal bag of stuff for her (clothes, pictures, candy bar, mentos, and a dozen other things), she jumped out of bed and wanted to put everything away herself - so that's always a good sign. For the past 4 or so days, I feel like there definitely has been a steady stream of improvements. Obviously, there is a long path ahead but right now, we're feeling good. Hopefully, a couple more good days of chemo and feeling better and the memories of the ICU will fade away.
Her god-sister Ana from Florida was in Philadelphia today on business and decided to drive up and surprise her with a visit. It was great to see her. She's relieving me of duty tonight as I was scheduled to spend the night in the hospital chair (woo hoo). Anna (the patient) is still limiting visits at this point, but if its immediate family and you live more than 200 miles away, I guess we can make a couple of exceptions :) Seriously though, give her a few more days to get through chemo and then we'll start to see how she feels about visits. We do appreciate all the people that have wanted to stop by, she just hasn't felt up to it which hopefully everyone understands.
She wanted to thank Stephanie H for sending a card today and everyone else for continuing to check in, post comments and call. BTW, if you dont know the number and want to call, please email me tom@gaff.net.
Judy - Hopefully, the cheesecake has the caramel topping :)
Tammi - UFC is not football. Where have you been hiding.
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Great news
Hey, guys. I'm glad to hear that Anna's strength is up and that she has so much energy. I'm also glad, Anna, that you told me you're the "hungriest cancer patient ever." Makes me happy. Also good to hear about the chromosome test, since I remember the doctor talking about it the day I came to visit. Manie, as I mentioned to you, sends his love. He asked me to tell you that. Everyone is pulling for you.
Love and good thoughts,
Mario
P.S.-Anna, I thought you would get a kick out of this, since you've always known how much of a nerd I am. I just finished putting my entire comic-book collection in order, alphabetically and chronologically. It looks great. Take care.
excellent - thanks for the update
Hi Anna,
I'm glad to hear that so far today's chemo session is going well -- and that you're able to eat and be close to normal (or at least the new normal :)). My mom is sending you a very cool daily prayer book. All the good, peaceful, healing vibes will continue coming your way without fail. Take very good care, don't overdue it, rest when you're tired, and eat well.
We love you very much.
Stephanie
PS -- no hospital chair for Tom - yippee! :) LOL!
Heck yeah it has caramel!
Heck yeah it has caramel! It’s her favorite; she put me on to it a while ago. I’ll make sure to bring enough for all of us. ;p
I’m excited to hear that the second round went better than the first (BIG SMILE ON MY FACE RIGHT NOW!).
XOXO
Judy
Keep the good news coming...
Anna,
It was so good to talk to you the other day. I found TJ's pictures and I can't believe how big he's gotten. He is so cute!!!! I told Frankie that I spoke to you and you were asking about him. At first he couldn't remember who you were. So I went through...you know the candles we light on Sunday for Nanny, Andy and Anna...and I got a yes with a puzzled look...then I asked if he remembered when he came to work and spent time with the really nice lady on the other side of the floor...I know he remembered then because his eyes got big and he said the pretty one with the black hair!
Stay strong!
Lots of love,
Roseann
LOL
Hi T,
OOPS..that's Fighting!!! I forgot, working at the plantation over here and they are making me crazy! I remembered I watched that with you one day.
Hi Mamasita,
I am so glad you are doing well!! Praise Jesus, lord is working his miracles! I am so glad your god sister surprised you with a visit, I know you were very happy! Keep up that appetite. I will send T an email for your number!
Much love
Tammi
Hiya!!
Hiya!! Glad to hear things are positive. Stay strong and keeping smiling (or laughing at Tom, which ever :-). OK, well I am going to be in NYC at the end of next month. I currently live in Scottsdale AZ. Do I get a visitors pass???
Take care. Be well. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
lots of love
Ursula
Hiya!!
Hiya!! Glad to hear things are positive. Stay strong and keeping smiling (or laughing at Tom, which ever :-). OK, well I am going to be in NYC at the end of next month. I currently live in Scottsdale AZ. Do I get a visitors pass???
Take care. Be well. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
lots of love
Ursula
oh boy
just read what i posted... i sure used the word "stuff" waaaay to many times! Sorry. guess it's late and i'm not using my best vocab words. :)
nite...
Hey There!
So glad to hear you're having better days Ms. Anna. We're all so thrilled to hear good news. Even the small things which we know add to the big picture! Have to tell you, i'm learning so much from this blog.... medical terms, treatment plans, sports, Spanish, food stuff (who knew Tom liked caramel topping? and Halle Berry?), movie tidbits... wow, so much stuff [ok, what is picadillo please?] We all knew you guys were Yankee fans and that Tom liked his beer, but all this extra stuff is bonus for us!!! Obviously, not the way we'd wanna find out all this juicy stuff (to bust Tom's chops on of course!), but humor will definitely help with healing.
Ok, since Ira's been name-dropping all over the place, i'll just have to add to the list :) Marianne and Jeff send along their best too. Figure we could add their prayers to the pile... definitely can't hurt!
Hoping tomorrow brings another good day. Take care you guys!
Shannon
btw... that son of yours is just the cutest! Definitely a happy boy! Thanks for sharing the pix!
Fan-freakin-tastic!
Lots of great news today. No Philly Chromosome, lots of hunger, and normal vital signs during second round of chemo. You go girl!!!
Thanks again Tom for all your comments. By the way, Ethan told me to send his regards, and he will say prayers as well.
Ira
Great news!!!!
Anna,
I am so happy to hear round two is going better. I will keep my fingers crossed that it continues that way. Prayers are on the way!!! I am thinking about you everyday. I am going to try giving you a call tomorrow.
I am so happy that Ana was able to come see you. That must have been a wonderful surprise and a boost you really needed. Hang in there and know I am praying for you every day!!
Joan
Great to hear!
Tom...
YES! YES! YES! That is fantastic news. One step at a time but I'm glad to hear she is getting better as the days go by. I pray that everything continues to improve.
Anna....
So glad to hear you had a good day....I went thru this with my dad so I know how some days can be better than others. Just keep the faith and the positive thinking and leave it all in God's hands...he is gonna take great care of you and help you get better before you know it.
Smooches!!
Yesy
For tom...
Well I tell annie everyday but I just thought I'd let you know that you have a real sense fo humor and most of the time I end up cracking up about what you write..lol