Day 16- Morning!

Half way done with course 1.. that feels good to say.  Sheila just left.. mom's still doing great... numbers continue to drop (normal) and she has no fevers, infections or other problems, so we're right on track! 

We asked about what minimal residual disease meant and we were a little wrong on the meaning.. if after day 15 a person has more than 5% blasts, like 6% or something.. then that is called minimal residual disease... mom has 1% so that's considered BETTER than minimal residual disease!  woo hoo!

We found out that Little David isn't a match, so next week they will be sending out a kit to Aunt Sue. Thank you for helping mom.. words can't even explain how appreciative we are that you are all so willing to help cure her.  

Mom skyped with Dad, Amy, Mary and Jazz last night.. she was happy to see everyone and to hear that dad is doing a great job around the house! 

Chemo went really well.. no nausea and mom's feeling great today.  She's decided she's not going to eat as much today because last night she was so full she couldn't get comfortable.... she only had 1 breakfast entree today instead of 3! 

She is now taking her pills 2 at a time.. big accomplishment.. still in the yogurt.. and she just has to take her chloroform, as she calls it.  it's just a mouth rinse that prevents mouth sores.. really called chlorhexidine.  I just think it's funny that she calls it that and the nurses know exactly what she's talking about.. and no one corrects her. 

No big plans for the day.. I'm going to do laundry, mom's going to shower so I'll be doing her hair.. I'm always nervous because I don't want to pull her hair out and I'm afraid that I'm going to burn her forehead with the curling iron when I curl her bangs.. they're soo short!!  (I'm VERY careful, dad) We'll probably read magazines (though we say that every day and get sucked into watching tv) and watch the rest of The Fabulous Beekman Boys on itunes.  I got mom a little hooked on that show too.. you should check it out, it's very funny.. planet green channel.   Way better than The Kardashians.. it doesn't turn your brain to mush as fast..

Thank you for the cards, letters, emails and comments.  It's so nice to see the smile on her face when she gets her little stack of mail every couple of days!  She's going to spend some time responding to everyone today!! 

At some point this morning Barbara, from the Artist in Residency program, is going to come in and teach mom how to paint a silk scarf.  She's pretty excited about that!  When Barbara introduced herself yesterday, mom was just getting ready for chemo, so they just chatted and mom asked to do a project today instead.  We found out that Barbara spent some time in China... they talked for at least 30 minutes yesterday all about their trips!  Barbara also does needlwork and knitting, so we'll be learning some new skills! 

This really is a great place.. they do their best to make the patients feel comfortable and occupied while going through probably the toughest times in their lives.  We also have men and women from pastoral services who come in and say prayers with us and give mom holy communion.  It brings her comfort.  

Baby steps.. that's our motto.. maybe we'll watch What About Bob? later to give us some inspiration.. and some good laughs! 

guess that's all for now..

love.