Today was eventful. After another difficult night with little sleep, we
drove through the storm to see the hematologist for a pre-chemo
screening this morning, and as we both anticipated, Dr Hsieh saw that
Melody is not yet ready - she's too weak, and
her bloodwork shows her to be anemic. I rented a wheelchair, because I
knew she was not up to walking from the parking structure, and that
turned out to be a blessing. Even still, it was very taxing for her.
Most of her bloodwork seems to be improving. One of the major
indicators, a thing called CA125, dropped almost 90% post surgery,
which, to the best of our understanding, means the surgeon did a great
job removing the cancer. The number is still high, but it doesn't
necessarily indicate remaining cancer, as it could be elevated because
of the surgery itself or the healing process.
Now we get to rest up and help her get stronger for the chemo, which is
scheduled for next Tuesday, 12/21.
Our dear Robin came to rescue us the last couple of days and, with
Gayle's guidance, made more vegetable puree/soup after the 2 large glass
jars full of Gayle's soup cracked in the freezer and had to be dumped.
What a terrible waste! They were good jars, too!
To battle anemia, Robin made a tomato sauce in a cast-iron pan, and
Corey got and cooked a filet mignon steak for her (Mel is not normally a
meat-eater). We didn't expect her to be able to, but she ate the hunk of
steak Corey made in one sitting.
She's feeling a little stronger after eating and napping today.
We are on our own for a few days - Chris will come back on Sunday,
unless things change, to be here to help again, G-d bless her!
It feels like a reprieve to get this extra week. Dr Hsieh said that
delaying will not decrease Mel's prognosis, as they normally have a
window for beginning chemo between 4-6 weeks after surgery for women
Mel's age. Unbelievably - surreally, Next Monday will mark 4 weeks after
surgery.
There's a lot of expectation management involved here - this whole thing
is one big moving target, and we are learning, a day at a time, to go
with the flow.
Thanks for all the well wishes and offers of support. It's humbling and
awesome (in the literal sense of the word) to feel the love and care
from this community of dear friends and family. You are helping us make
it through this difficult time, so thank you!
Stay safe and well!
Glen