December 4, 2010

We've had a busy few weeks since I've updated last. Mom has been home over 2 weeks now and has been holding steady since then. Last night we finished the 9-week course of antibiotics that we've been doing twice a day, every day. Mom is quite relieved to be finished, as are Dad and I. We all went to church together last Sunday for the annual "Hanging of the Greens" service that kicks off the advent season with a special program. Everyone was surprised and happy to see Mom out and about again. After that big outing she rested very well the rest of the day.

She had a doctor's appointment yesterday with Dr. Torres, the first we've seen him since his return from Montreal. Labwork showed that Mom's platelets have dropped to 16,000, so instead of chemotherapy, she had to have a platelet transfusion. Platelets are pulled from regular blood donor donations, separated from the other components of blood. They run it into her PICC line just like any other medication would. She's to return to the cancer center on Tuesday for labs to see how high her platelet count has increased with the transfusion. She got home from her appointment just in time for the Pampered Chef party I hosted last night. I think she had a good time, and again rested very well following the excitement of the day. We had a houseful of great friends, laughs, and tastey treats!

Her appetite has been great, much of which I attribute to the steroids; however, I do think she's feeling so much better just due to having nourishment for her body. We have also been enjoying several visitors over the past few weeks. I'm sure it is very difficult for Mom to be confined to the house and not able to do all the things she used to do, but having so many people stop by gives her a some social interaction aside from Dad, Justin, Allison, and me.