Mom Update

There are probably about 10,000 things I'd love to chat about right now, but the thing that's at the forefront of my mind is Mom.  So, it's time for a Mom Update.

Mom started chemo about a week and a half ago.  She had a port implanted on Tuesday the 12th.   She was really having an off week due to pain meds and pain in general, so she was a little confused when they did the procedure.  Then, the next day she started chemo, so that was kind of a miserable week.  She hurt, she felt sick, she was still healing from the port.  She kept telling us something was wrong with the port, it shouldn't feel that bad, and we had to try to explain to her that the pain was most likely because of chemo and her healing body.

To her credit, she tried to eat a little, but she was hard pressed to find something that wouldn't make her sick.  She could sometimes handle a little watermelon or a bit of soup, but nothing much, and she was weak because of it.  Hans and I kept trying to find things that might sound appetizing to her, but there wasn't much.  I think one day all she had were two lime popsicles. 

Then, at some point last week, there was a shift.  The pain started to subside, she was taking fewer pain pills, and her appetite started to return.  On the way to the doctor's office last Wednesday, she asked if we could stop at Starbuck's for a smoothie.  She downed it in about 2 seconds, and as we returned home she asked for another.  Yesterday she had two smoothies and a bowl of orzo soup with garlic bread.  Today, she didn't even wait or ask for me to make her something.  I came downstairs and she'd put some stuffed spaghetti squash in the oven.  And that was after having a pancake and some fruit!

So, needless to say, things are going much better this week.  She's still in a significant amount of pain, and she's still on meds, but something seems to have shifted.  I'm thrilled she's eating, and I love that she's up and about again.  It makes life a little easier.  Well, in reality, I actually have to tell myself not to worry too much about her, because I'm constantly worried she's doing something she shouldn't.  Let's just say I'm learning to pick my battles.

So, all in all, it's been a good week.  The meals that friends and family have prepared have been a God-send, and Mom really seems to be enjoying them.  I know I'm going to have to start making more meals, and I'm terrified, but at least I know of a few things she might like!  Here's to good weeks!