In the Oct. 15th posting, I mentioned Jeanne's severe reaction to the chemo drug, Xeloda. Her hands and feet were very red and sensitive. As well, the mouth sores made eating difficult.
On Monday, October 22nd, Jeanne was scheduled for the next round of chemo. Although we guessed she would not be able to receive treatment, we went to the appointment anyway because we wanted the doctor to see her in person. (Living 80 miles from Portland, we tend to limit the number of trips.) As well, Sarah's 6 month follow-up visit was the same day.
At the visit, the doctor said it was not the worst case of hand-foot syndrome he has seen, but it was bad. He thought it would take another three weeks to heal. He also stated we were wise to discontinue the Xeloda when we did, and would not recommend starting back on it for awhile, and if so, at a reduced dose. As expected, he gave Jeanne the option of receiving Taxotere that day, but recommended she wait. We decided to wait.
So, instead Jeanne was able to go to Sarah's visit. Sarah had an x-ray and blood work, then we saw Dr. Malempati. He said she is looking great, and there are no areas of concern! YEAH! He instructed us on watching for warning signs of a recurrence, or a secondary illness. But, all in all, he, and we, were pleased with her health. Sarah was also glad to see the nurses and staff again, and many commented on how great she looks. (Yes, proud Dad talking here!)
Over the course of the next week, Jeanne improved to the point she could eat most solid foods, was up and about, and doing most things on her own, albeit at a slower pace. So, we went to OHSU to receive her chemo treatment on Monday, October 29th. The doctor stated the lab report showed her liver was improving. In other words, the Taxotere is having a positive effect! He even went so far as to say that if it continues, he may not prescribe the Xeloda again. Good news!
So, she recieved the Taxotere that day. She continued to improve for the next few days, and by Wed, she was making doughnuts, running errands, and seemingly on the mend. But, by Thursday, her hands began to become sore, and her feet were swelling and red. As of this writing, she has been fairly immobile, primarily because her feet are so tender.
Despite all of this, I continue to be impressed with her positive attitude. I personally am not pleasant when sick. Jeanne is a saint in comparison. She is very patient with my inept attempts to help, and my poor timing with humor. Its a bit of a role reversal for us: The nurturer, Jeanne, teaching the clod, me, to nurture.
So, why the title of this entry, "the woods?" We have used the saying "we are not out of the woods yet" to describe our state of progress through illness. It implies that being in the woods is not good, and that we are trying to get to a better place, i.e. a clearing/recovery. Being ill does not feel good, true, but is it bad? Hmmm? It makes me wonder if I just need to view "woods" differently.
Thank you to all that have helped by visiting, bringing meals, praying, and offering helpful tips for her recovery.
Pat
