First Chemotherapy


The long-awaited day has arrived: chemotherapy day.

Those words have a surreal feeling because we had

known this day was coming and had been expecting it

from the beginning of the summer. Until now it has

been a date marked as “later”, and it is in some ways

difficult to believe that the day has arrived.


The past couple days have been full of appointments

and labs. Monday’s appointment with Mom’s

Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. A, went well. The doctor

assured Mom and Dad that he feels confident that

beginning chemotherapy now is the best course of action.

Mom's most recent labs, taken Monday morning, indicate

another rise in her bloodwork. He says this further confirms

the decision that beginning chemo treatments now is a good idea.


This morning, Mom arrived for her first treatment, and

thankfully Dad was able to go along and support her.

Being able to go in together was a welcome change

from last time in the 2021/2022 Covid era. The cancer

centre itself has a few other changes such as a little

book library as well as many more people coming

and going. The homey touches were a nice and

comforting addition. Dad even found a book to

read while he was waiting! Mom was happy to see

Rachel, a wonderful nurse and friend who works at

the chemo lounge, again this time too.


Mom did great as she had her treatment. Her treatment

consists of two shots: one is the same chemotherapy

treatment as last time, and the other is the new drug

which is an immunotherapy treatment. The whole process

took just under four hours, so it was a long day for all.

Future treatments should not take as long since a lot of the

waiting today had to do with ensuring she didn’t have an

allergic reaction to the new drug. There was also a delay

due to some paperwork that needed to be filled out by the

doctor before the treatment went forward. 


This evening Mom is doing well. She’s a bit tired but has

been in good spirits. We’ve been enjoying a quiet evening at home. 


Thank you to everyone for your words of encouragement and prayers!

God has been so good and we truly feel so blessed to be surrounded

by so many people who care for Mom.


Prayer Requests:

  1. That God will bless the treatments so that they may be successful.

  2. That mom won’t feel too discouraged when experiencing moments of weakness and anxiety.

  3. That side effects will be minimal.

  4. Praise God that Mom didn’t experience any allergic reaction to her treatment.

  5. Pray that she will be able to sleep well tonight.


-Alyssa
-----
How does Immunotherapy work?


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