Sunday, January 17, 2016

1/17/16 Never ending sickness

Dear friends and family,

This is just a short update since my chemo #3 a week ago Friday.  Since then, I have been extremely sick with a virus that won't go away.  I have had fever, vomiting, coughing, congestion, headache, and sinus blockage.  Each day I wake up to more of the same.  Why?  Because my immune system was blasted by the chemo and keeps sinking day after day.  It has not even hit it's low point yet--that will come five days from now on Friday.  Then it will slowly inch back up.  Think of my immune system as an inverted bell curve that hits its lowest point two weeks after chemo.  Without my immune system, I can't fight off this sickness.  

I am too weak to do anything, so I read a bit and watch tv and write a few notes to people.  That's about it.  I hate this.


My next chemo will be February 5 and my first CT scan to see how the chemo is or isn't working will be on Feb. 23.  I have never had this chemo drug before (Doxil).  I do not have a sense of whether or not it's working, though I pray that it is.


Because the weight of all the housework and meals is on my family right now, and they all work full time while taking care of me, I would like to request that you consider bringing us a meal.  My friend Maribeth set up a "take them a meal" website where you can sign up for a day.  If you don't cook, it could be a gift certificate for a take-out restaurant or some such thing.  Two restaurants near us that have good veggie dishes and other are Black Pearl Shoreline and Full Moon Thai Shoreline.  If you can't help--no worries!  Just keep praying!


Here is the site for the meals:  http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=DTAK2098


If this link doesn't work, go to takethemameal.com and use our last name Dudley and password 0218.  Thank you!!!

"And God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Phil 4:19


Love,

Gabrielle

P.S. No photos.  I look awful!