Update... Nearly Half-Way

It's been too long since I've posted here. I'm sorry for those of you that have been waiting for an update.


Christina has been struggling through this round of chemo. She had her third infusion on November 29, and is still trying to bounce back from it. Fatigue has been the biggest thing she's had to overcome, but she's also struggled with anxiety and has started feeling nauseous.


She will have her 4th chemo treatment tomorrow, Monday December 13. This is the last of the Adramycin/Cytoxan regimen. In two weeks we'll be starting the second regimen, Taxol. We're expecting that the second regimen will be much easier on her, and that the side affects will lessen. Of course, we won't know how she responds to the treatment until we get there. In any case, on Monday she will be half-way done with chemo.


Her blood count continues to be in the safe range, both the white and red cells. She's been having Neulasta injections every other week to bolster her white blood count, and taking iron supplements to help her red blood count. So far, it seems to be working.


We've had another house guest, Ellen Goodman, staying with us the last couple of weeks. She'll be leaving in a few days to go back home. We'll miss her and her help. Also visiting now is Dennis and Phyllis Kierczak. They were instrumental in helping Christina growing up, and are akin to spiritual parents to her. They flew out to LA a few days ago, then drove up to visit us for a few days. It is so nice to have friends and family who have put out so much to support us, especially in this rough time in our lives.

Me, Dennis, Phyllis, Christina, Ellen, Celia

We were able to sneak away for the weekend before the last infusion to see Christina's grandma and aunt. They only live 3 hours away, but it always ends up being a long day, so we stayed the night to save some wear and tear on Christina.

So, we're hunkering down now waiting for the next treatment, knowing that it will be rough, but that we've been able to get through it this far. Christina has been so strong, not letting this get her down. I'm proud of her.

I'll try to write again soon. Take care everybody, and please keep calling, leaving voice mails, emails, texts, blog comments, or however you want to just let us know you're out there thinking of us. We cherish your support, and look forward to spending time with each of you as this episode in our lives passes.