A Small Update

A few people have mentioned that they don't know how Mom is doing since we haven't been updating the blog much so here is a quick update...

Being Thanksgiving and all, we are so incredibly thankful to have Mom off of that HORRIBLE HORRIBLE drug that had been sucking all of the life out of her.  Jessica mentioned in the last post that she is now on a different horrible drug they call the red devil.  I don't want to down play the red devil because it's certainly called that for a reason, but our mom is back to being Debbie.  Obviously she is still sick and can't do all of the things the old Debbie could do, but she has life back in her.  Her previous drug took EVERYTHING out of her to the point that she could not walk across the room without being completely exhausted.  I think I speak for us all when I saw we are incredibly thankful for the red devil. 

Mom goes in every Tuesday for her treatment and usually feels pretty sick on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  She still has trouble with food, but it is SO much better than her last drug.  She is able to eat and sometimes even enjoy food.  With this drug she has pretty much been able to maintain her weight whereas with the last drug she was dropping 10 pounds (pretty much just muscle) a week.

We don't know yet what the red devil is doing to the cancer.  All we know is that Mom is able to function on this drug.  Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as we are all hoping her current drug is able to control the cancer.

Mom looks great!  She has been through so much yet still has so much class like she always has.  Her eyelashes are even growing back with this drug :)

I'm ashamed to admit that we (myself included) were not there for Mom as much as we should have been when she was on her last drug.  I don't think any of us knew and will never know just how hard it was.  Part of that is because Mom somehow was able to maintain a good attitude and somewhat hide what was really going on inside.  Better late than never, we started arranging some meals to be brought into their home.  I don't think you will ever know how much a simple meal can help someone.  I know for this, both of my parents are incredibly thankful.  You have to know something about my parents, they will NEVER ask for help.  And if you ask them if you can help them they will say, "No".  You have to just do it.  I mentioned that Mom is doing so much better now, but the meals and other gestures are still not only appreciated, but needed.  We were doing 2 meals a week, but since she is doing better we will be doing 1 meal a week for a while unless her needs change.  If you would like to take a meal, you can contact us for the schedule.  My parents have mentioned how grateful they are for this.  Thanks to everyone who has sent cards, called, dropped by gifts, taken meals, flowers, or helped her with things that are so simple to us like taking dishes back from all the meal, but are pretty overwhelming to her.  She has such a great support group!

Mom hosted Thanksgiving (as always).  She worked really hard to make it just as nice as ever.  Things just take her longer and she has to stop and rest when she is working.  This year we went around the table and told what we were thankful for.  Mom mentioned that she was thankful for life.  May we all be so humble as to give thanks for our every breath.  Mom you are such a great example for all of us!  We love you!