Wednesday, July 6, 2016

7/6/16 Recent chemo news

Hi, friends.  Steve here, just checking in with a quick update. 

     Yesterday was the second session of the more intense chemotherapy at UW.  Instead of a single medicine (Doxil), she is now getting that one plus one other one, carboplatin or cisplatin, I forget which.  Anyhow, it is hoped that the dual therapy will bring about more shrinkage in the cancer cells.  Unfortunately, it is indeed a two-edged sword, as with the added medicine, there are more side effects.  Whereas with Doxil alone, she would have a couple of lousy days and then be a whirlwind of energy for the rest of the month, this last dual session really took her to the mat for a couple of weeks (see previous post).  They did decrease the dose of one of the medicines, and that should help.

     It was a long day yesterday: 10:30 to about 4:30.   She had a nice visit with one of the nurse practitioners, Diana, who offered some helpful tips about foods to eat and such.  Upon finding out that Diana is an SPU grad, they had an instant connection.  I told Diana that she is lucky that Gabrielle is retired or she would have hit her up for a donation.  Labs looked good and the CA-125 (tumor marker) had even dropped a tad!  She got her medicine in, managed to order some tasty food from the cafeteria and squeeze in a couple of Scrabble games with yours truly to boot.  I am happy to report that I took full advantage of her sleepiness and won by a good margin on the second game.  I forget who won the first game.


     We are hoping for a stress-free day today, full of rest and relaxation--once she gets her chores done, of course--and since she claims "chemo brain makes me forgetful", I have given her a detailed list--I am so caring in that regard.  I have to work today, so won't be around to supervise.  After seeing the last pre-insurance amount for chemo, I am so thankful that we do have insurance through my work. 


     Since she will be home alone, she might like a cheery message or two via e-mail or Facebook.  She knows about Facebook and such and apparently checks it at least on a daily basis. 


     I will end with something I posted back in May, 2013, and which I just came across this morning while I was reading in the Psalms.  This one is for you, Gabrielle, my love...once you get those chores done (see list on kitchen counter)...


Gabrielle who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  She will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust".  


Psalm 91: 1-2 RSV*

(Revised Steve Version)

Addendum:
Chore police checking in...
Apparently, for a brief moment when my back was turned, Gabrielle got up and took one gander at the chore list then she was heard to utter something under her breath which I really ought not repeat here and then bolted.  Said that she was on her way to volunteer at Children's, holding babies and encouraging the families of kids who are staying there.  She left in a flurry, grabbing a banana and her sky blue volunteer jacket as she headed out the door in a blaze of glory.  Apparently, this chemo ain't gonna limit what she loves to do!
Now, I ask you, what's more important...ironing my socks or volunteering at Children's?  Kind of a no-brainer, if you ask me.

1 comment:

  1. Wow! She really is amazing and is such an example of one who truly trusts in our Lord! And even as she recovers from her dual treatment session, she heads straight to Children's to bless others! Gabrielle, you remain in my daily prayers, along with your wonderful family! ~Laurie Mendes

    ReplyDelete