Treatment #5

Hey guys! Well this week has been kinda crazy so I am a little behind...but still better than being a month behind! :) We had treatment on Tuesday and Mama is really down this time. They told us that the last couple of treatments would be the worst and they were right. Her bday is TOMORROW!!! Dont forget to call or post a message! We have Woman 2 Woman ladies meeting tomorrow morning at 10 am and we are going to have a party there then also next weekend my brothers will be in town and we will have yet another celebration. It's sad that it takes a crazy situation like this to teach us the important of every single year that we are blessed by having someone special in our lives. If you have any questions or want to come around for any parties just let me know and I will get information to you.

Here are a few things that are going on:

>Final CT results showed a SMALL cystic mass as well as some peretoneal disease, which
basically means there are some cells trying to implant.

>CA 125 is down to 23.4 which is within normal range now HOWEVER we still have to
continue with treatments to get everything out! They have even discussed the possibility
of us doing 12 months maintenance chemo with Taxol only.

>Sis Burris is coming in town today to speak at Woman 2 Woman tomorrow as well as church
on Sunday...she rocks so come out if you can!

>Saturday September 13 MARILYN'S BIRTHDAY!!!

>September 30 Next treatment ...OH they are NOT counting the one treatment of Taxotere
towards her 6 treatments so we have two more left with the Taxol/Carbo then another CT.

I think that about covers everything. If you have any questions just call and I will tell you what I know. Thanks again for everything...Please keep Mama in your prayers daily.

Focused Prayer:
>Strength for upcoming events
>Clean CT scan in 6 weeks
>JOY...the possibility of more treatments has been a punch in the gut for Mama
>Peace
>Also, this has nothing to do with Mama but lets pray for my Aunt Debra who recently had surgery on her feet...she has been in a great deal of pain


Thanks Again!
Charlcy R.

New PIX!

I added more pictures and revamped the slideshow so scroll down and view ! 

Charlcy

September 3, 2008

Hey everyone! It has been a while but I have a valid excuse...the internet was down! Lightening hit the house and ran in on my PC but thanks to my brilliance I simply replaced the ethernet port and we are back in business!  A lot has happened over the past month as you can imagine, the most important being that we got a great report from Dr. Santoso. At our last treatment August 19th they done a CT scan to see what was going on. The preliminary results showed us that there was no tumors or "gross disease" we will of course get final results on Tuesday when we go back for treatment #5! Mama is so excited because we only have 2 left! Here are a few quick notes about what has been going on:

• CA 125 - 43
• CT scan preliminary results are clear
• Mama and Daddy celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary!! (Tedd and I made an amazing cake...will post pix soon!)
• Stephanie Ray graduated college with her business degree! 
• We are back on Taxol and Carbo... the Taxotere made Mama way too tired and cranky :) 
• "The picture looks good" -Dr. Santoso 
• Mama's 52nd birthday is Saturday September 13th(will be on Ladies Day...other celebration tba)
• Tuesday September 9, 2008 Chemotherapy #5 

Everything seems to be going well! She is a little down from being in the house but overall is excited about the end being in site!I will post new pictures soon! Thanks for everything and if you want to get in on some bday action for mama just let me know. Talk to everyone soon! 

Thanks Again, 

Charlcy 

August 2, 2008

Hello Everyone!!! Thank you all for dropping in regularly and staying in touch! We have had a ton  of things going on recently...sorry for the delay...again! :) 

• Last week we were in Jackson, Ms with my Aunt Debra. I picked up Tedd from the airport on Tuesday evening and the fun began! :) Church on Wednesday night, Kyotos Thursday morning, shopping thursday afternoon, and Impact that night made for great fun with the family! Mama had a blast at the conference and enjoyed meeting my best friend Megan's parents as well as my boyfriend's family. We also got to see several other old acquaintances.  Friday was Tedd's birthday so we had to party on our way back home. We had lunch at P.F. Chang's and my good friend from high school Becky came out to celebrate with us! Great FOOD!  Then we headed back to good ole Myrtle! 
• Saturday my brothers and their families came in to spend time with Mama prior to her third treatment. We had a blast cooking out and playing with the kids! 
• Sunday Mama preached hell, fire, and brimstone! :) It was a great service...she had my brothers , my father, and I pray for her. After church, we came home to some KFC! 
• Monday evening, after running a few errands, we drove into Memphis and got a hotel to avoid having to get up at 4am to drive to treatment. We had japanese food and TCBY whOOp! Then crawled up in bed and ordered Horton Hears a Who :) 
• Tuesday morning was our third treatment! Are you ready for CA 125 results??? 56!!! It went down another 49 points!! PRAISE GOD! The doctor decided to switch her chemo drug from Taxol and Carboplatin to Taxotere. Dr. Santoso said that they are equally effected only one causes less neuropathy which is GREAT! Treatment went great with only one hang up ... Mama's liver counts are continuing to rise. They have scheduled her an appointment to see a specialist before her next treatment. After treatment we hit up the mall so I could spend my birthday money and we could all get CHOCOLATE!! Godiva baaabaaay!
• 4 days out from treatment and nothing exciting has occurred. We have basically been laying around. Mama is usually extremely weak for several days following chemo. She finally got out of bed for a couple hours today to play a few hands of Rummikub and to beat my boyfriend up...its her favorite. :) Currently she is laying in bed watching To Kill a Mockingbird and trying to get her temp back down. It is constantly going up and down and we do not know why. 

I will be adding some new pictures in just a little bit so be sure to check back in! ALSO Aunt Debra wrote a letter and I posted it. If anyone else would like to send Mama a message either post it directly to the blog or just email them to me.  I am sure she would appreciate it greatly. The cards are slowing down quite a bit so any encouragement is welcomed. Thanks! :) 

Focused Prayer:

• Liver counts to drop
• CA 125 to continue dropping
• OK report from liver specialist
• No side effects
• JOY
• Body temperature to remain constant and at a normal level
• Strength
• Full body scan next treatment....We expect it to be normal in Jesus name! 

Thank you all for everything! 

Charlcy Ray

A Letter from Debra

Seasons in our life change and the way we view things sometimes change but one thing NEVER changes....and that's the way we love our family.  Marilyn and I have been by each other's side through thick and thin.  We toured Europe for three weeks, sewed clothes all night long for our kids to have matching Easter clothes, celebrated many Christmas days together; Laughed and cried through the good bad and ugly and yes....sometimes...although VERY rarely, even disagreed.  But down through the years I believe our relationship is just as deeply rooted as it ever was.  She is truly one of the best friends I've EVER had.  We're so much alike that's it's sometimes scary.

You know, there's an old, wise saying that says...."What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger".  That's how I feel about the love that I have for Marilyn.  She's been there and will NEVER love you only half way.  It's all or nothing with her. 

She's walking through a journey right now that I don't understand.  She's always been the strong one that I could lean on for problems.  However, while she was visiting my house for those four days last week...I saw a vulnerable side of her that I've never seen.  Very soft and just going with the currents.  The storm looks like it's raging but you can tell by looking at her...she's not bending or losing strength.  If anything....she's gaining a NEW strength.

The best part of her visit was when we were driving back from Columbia.  It was just the two of us on those dark, country roads, sharing and reveling in the awesomeness of God we had experienced that night.  We had no clue how to get home but we managed just fine. :)  When we got home I fixed us a bowl of Trix cereal and we piled up in the bed and watched HGTV...(our FAVORITE channel).  Afterwards, when she started to dose off...I thought she was asleep and my face was facing hers on the same pillow and with her eyes closed and in a very quiet voice she said "I sure do love you Debra".  I told her I loved her too and that when we got through this storm and made it safely to the other side that we would look back and know that God carried her.  Then she replied...."I will Debra.  There's only TWO things that I'm sure of right now and that is that I'm breathing and bald".  I told her "Praise God for the 1st thing because there's hope the 2nd will change also".

I Love you to absolute pieces Francis!  You're gonna make it....and WHEN YOU DO.....we're gonna do more for God than we ever did!  AND...we're gonna go on a nice little vacation....just the two of us.  Remember...we promised to grow old in our rockers together.  I'm holding you to that.

Love always,
Deb
AKA..."Do-Head"

July 22, 2008

Today is a great day! Mama and I are up packing to go to Jackson, MS! My Tedd is flying in tonight. We are staying tonight with Aunt Debra then heading to Columbia tomorrow for Impact conference. I just wanted to give everyone a brief overview from the past few days before heading out...

• Mama preached on Sunday...It was a great service! *PAUSE* THIS WOMAN JUST CAME IN HERE AND BROKE OUT IN HER CHURCH DANCE ...IM LISTENING TO TRADING MY SORROWS ...SHE IS A TRIP! *UNPAUSE* :) She preached about sowing the word...one of those sermons that reminds you just how little you are doing to reach the world.
• She supervised more cleaning :) I reorganized our utility room, she vacuumed the house and then I mopped, pretty much we done a ton of underneath cleaning yesterday.
• OOOH...My birthday was Saturday so Mama woke up wanting to go to town...she bought me a beautiful bouquet of circus roses and yellow daisies. We picked up a cake from Sugarees Bakery then went to lunch at McAlister's. Brittney came over and hung out that night...It was pretty much a great day :)
• I almost forgot...so sorry...We saw the dr Thursday and they done blood work. There was no infection praise God! Thanks for the prayers! They said the fever was most likey caused by the lack of hormones in her body. So far no more high temps! WooHoo!

OK so I am being rushed...Latrelle, mama says I am as bad as you are because I take 5 hrs to get dressed. LoL I am going to pack but dont be sad ....we will be back Friday and I will have lots to tell you I am sure. Thanks for everything guys!

Focused Prayer:

• Liver counts to decrease.
• Second treatment is the 29th.
• No side effects.
• Safety for our trip.

Thanks! We love ya!

Charlcy

Music Player

Photos from our journey...

July 16, 2008

HELLO EVERYONE! 

Thank you all sooo much for not fussing at me this week :) It has been a rough week since chemo. This treatment has caused mama to be extremely tired! She has her good days and bad days but by this time after her last treatment she was up and going and doing whatever she wanted. 

Highlights from the past week:

• Ladies Day: We had ladies meeting which is Mama's favorite! She went and had a blast...she also laid down as soon as we got home. :) 
• Church on Sunday: Someone else had to preach because Mama was too tired but we were there. It was a good service!
• WE FINALLY BRAVED WALMART!  :It started out as a quick run for a bday card for Stevie( his bday was the 15th) but turned into a grocery trip once she realized she could do it...see people she knew while wearing a wig...such a brave, sexy, redhead! :) 
• Went to the church to make calls: She wanted to take care of a little business so i took her to her office for a while. She made calls and I cleaned! 
• Salvation Army: After cleaning the entire house, we had quite a contribution for the local Salvation Army chapter.
• BIG BROTHER 10! OK so maybe I am the only one in the entire house that loves the show but I count! :)

Along with the highlights come the low points. Mama has been running a low grade fever for the past three days so we are having to go to the West Clinic for blood work tomorrow. Also, She was put on a different pain medication which makes her tired. She HATES laying in bed during the day but she is just out of it. 

Focused Prayer: 

• Liver counts to drop
• Body temp to remain normal
• Blood work for tomorrow to be normal
• Joy: She has really been down this week 
• Energy and Strength

Also, a little rumor has been started stating that "things" have spread to her liver... NOT TRUE! :) READ PEOPLE...her liver enzyme counts were up BUT we are trusting God that even that will be down by tomorrow AMEN? AMEN! :) 

Mama wanted me to let everyone know that she so appreciates all the cards and letters...she said they really help. 

OOOOH...If any of you have a webcam we now have one also to chat with relatives and friends that we aren't able to see more often. If you ever want to have a little web chat and see her beautiful face just send me an email or give me a call and we will arrange it! 

Thanks for EVERYTHING!

Charlcy

char6r@aol.com 

charlcy.ray@gmail.com 

Treatment #2 and July 4th

Yet again I am behind...Sorry everyone! I will do my best to include as much information as possible but its late and I may leave some blanks. HERE GOES....

July 4th:

Stevie and Tawana stayed the night Thursday night so Mama got to see the kids for a little while. We all got up and had breakfast together but Stevie's family along with Tedd and myself headed out pretty early for Alabama. Jay had borrowed a friends boat and took it out on the river for the day. Of course it rained on the drive over and for about the first hour we were there. For some reason unknown to mankind we allowed Jay to pull us on a tube...my backside is STILL sore! :) Tedd and I only stayed for a couple of hours before heading back. We stopped and picked up fireworks...got home about 8:30 and had a small fireworks display for mama and daddy before calling it a night. I didn't get to see much of mama but she and I did have a blast with our sparklers on the back of the truck!

July 5th:

We pretty much did nothing...Mama was feeling really weak and Daddy had to work so we sat around and play rummikub. Later that evening we took Jake Ray out to the fish house for his graduation...we couldn't go because of mama's surgery. OH YEAH and Mama talked Tedd into rearranging the pantry(more like dug her elbow into his shoulder until he agreed) :) Overall a pretty good day!

July 6th:

So this day was kinda "stinkypoo" in the words of Mama. We went to church and she preached a great message and of course she danced! When we got home, Mama took a shower knowing her hair would most likely all come out only little did we know how difficult it would be. He hair did not simply fall out! The hair that had fallen out in the shower had formed a knot all the way down her back...it matted up basically. She came out and had me try to help but once she realized we would never get it out we had no other option but to cut it. As you can imagine this was extremely painful and emotional for mama who has not cut her hair in over 20 yrs since receiving the Holy Ghost. Tedd and I cut it as far down as we could but by the time we were finished she had a short bob that hit right below her ears. After it dried, I curled it all up and we took her out to eat baked spaghetti! She was very brave about going inside with her hair...It was still hard. It was an extremely draining day emotionally.

July 7th:

Today we were SPOILED! We slept in then went to Memphis to go shopping for wigs. It was tough to start out with but after trying on lots of hair we picked out two very cute light red wigs! We even found a curly bang so she would still have her curls! ALSO, we order a MARILYN MONROE wig off line...Mama said she can't wait to go incognito to WalMart HAHA! After finding lovely hair that she does NOT have to curl every morning what more could Mama ask for??? OH YES...GODIVA AND NINE WEST! We hit up the Wolfchase Galleria for a little shopping! Tedd spoiled us with new shoes and chocolate...I know ...I have the best boyfriend ever! After successfully wearing mother out we brought her tired little self home and put her to bed while Tedd and I stayed up preparing for her treatment the next day. Last treatment we bought out the vending machines so this time we got smart and made sandwiches and packed drinks and snacks also pillows, blankets, cards, magazines, Bible with commentaries, iHome, and a cd player! WE WERE PREPARED or sooo we thought....

July 8th:

TREATMENT #2 Her appt was at 8am and we were about 15 minutes late...no one to blame *cough cough* TEDD *cough cough* Things looked a lot busier and were moving very slowly when it came to our attention that they had scheduled the patients who missed treatment on July 4th along with all regular Tuesday appts. 40 patients for a chemo room that seats only 18. It was apprx 10am before we went to lab and about 11am before we saw the dr and headed to chemo. After sitting in the chemo room for over an hr without starting treatment the nurse informs us that the in-house pharmacy is backed up because the other chemo center downstairs also had doubled booked. CRAZY! Plus side is that Mama's port worked amazingly! She was so thrilled to only be stuck one time! Thank God! We had to have Sis Angel come sit with mama for the last two hrs of her treatments because I had to get Tedd to the airport in Jackson, Ms...dont ask. It was a long day. I got home about 12:45 and Mama and Daddy were still up watching Little House on the Prairie. Something in her pre meds yesterday caused her to be restless all night last night. ON TO THE GOOD NEWS...

CA 125 results were 105!! They dropped 48 points!! if they stay at this pace we might only have to do two more treaments!! :) There was a little bad news...the dr says her liver counts are up which could be due to the chemo or due to the amount of pain medication. He didn't want to do anything this time but said that if they arent back down by the next treatment she will have to see a specialist so please be prayful about that! Other than that everything looked great and Dr. Santoso seemed to think that everything is working!

July 9th:

Dont ask me about anything before 1:30 pm! I was out! Tedd had major issues with his flight and getting back to Oklahoma so I was up til early this morning trying to help him work everything out. After I got up Mama wanted me to redo the organization job that my boyfriend had done on the pantry so Jake Ray and I scrubbed and cleaned for quite sometime then Mama and I settled in for a long evening of Little House...we laid around watching Season 8 until 9pm. She was so drained from no sleep last night that she got a shower and had me read a little from Psalms then she crashed. I have been up for quite sometime cleaning and trying to get somethings accomplished after sleeping a day away.

I think that about covers everything guys...heading to bed now. Sorry again! Please post your comments and thanks again for everything! The cards and flowers are so appreciated! :) God Bless!

Focused Prayer:
-Liver count to decrease: If it gets too high they will stop her treatments and we do not want that.
-Joy: Losing her hair has been a punch in the gut so please send some joy this way!
-Strength: The first week after a treatment seems to be the hardest on her body.
-NO SIDE EFFECTS: We would really love NOT to experience the neuropathy this week from her treatment...last time was way too rough on her.
-Peace!

THANKS!
Charlcy

A little behind...

June 28:



Aunt Debra and the twins are here! WooHoo! We got up early and had WAFFLES then got dressed to head out for a day on the town. Mama bought several new outfits from TJ Maxx and let me tell you she is just the cutest thing! Then we all hit up the new Kyotos in Tupelo. The wait was long but it was worth it! Hibachi grills are just a fun experience! After a great meal we came back to the house and played Rummikub until we almost passed out! :) Aunt Debra and Tedd got just a little competitive with it...LoL!



June 29:



We went to church! Mama preached for the first time since her surgery and she was serving the devil notice no doubt! She even broke out the baseball bat! The sermon was built around the Tye Tribbett song "I Want It All Back." Everyone wrote things on the wall that they felt had been stolen from them in the past due to circumstance and trial. It was extremely powerful! After church, we hit up Mi Pueblo with Aunt Debra and the twins, Sis Angel and family, Mama, me and Tedd. Overall, it was a fun day and we crashed as soon as we walked in the door :)



June 30:



Mama had her Power Port put in this morning. We were at the hospital at 6am and they didn't even call her back for lab work until 10:15am! It was an outpatient surgical procedure...we were back home by 4:30 pm. Mama came in and crashed...she was sore and drained.

What is the Power Port? The Power Port is basically a catheter under her skin running through the main artery in her neck. When she goes in for chemo they will locate the port site with their fingers and lock a needle in for treatment. We chose this option because her veins were too small and fragile to do an IV each time. She was getting stuck too many times and we could not have that! :) Any questions...just email or post them.



July 1-3:



Basically Mama has been recovering from the port placement. She feels a lot better but is still a little sore. Her hair has started coming out and that has been extremely emotional for everyone...she is known for her beautiful red hair. I just keep ensuring her that God understands and that we will love her no matter what. I personally think she is the most gorgeous 50 something woman alive but maybe I am a little biased. :)



We are having a few people over to cookout tonight. BBQ chicken and burgers...be jealous! Sorry for the delays everyone... promise I will do better at keeping everything up to date. :)



Focused Prayer:

-Joy: Losing her hair is really rough.

-No side effects: Our next treatments is July 8

-Peace: Knowing that God holds us in His hands is the most amazing comfort



Thanks for everything guys!

Charlcy

June 24, 2008

We got our nails did! :) We have two days before the projected date of mama's immune system bottoming out sooo I took her to get her nails done. Mani/Pedi...She looks lovely and feels great too! Had a little business to tend to then off to get George's chicken!! WooHoo!



Back home and relaxing...we are about to watch yet another movie. I promise we do other things our options are just slightly limited ...we live in MYRTLE MS! :) I am attempting to catch up with all this blogging...I have been a little of out it with the medications the dr gave me...so sorry that I have been slacking!



GOOD NEWS!! My boyfriend will be back in from work tomorrow...I will be in Jackson, MS to pick him up on Thursday and he has already informed me that the competition is on! He says that by the time he is through waiting on mama hand and foot she would be wishing him to be her son! :) We will see!

ALSO...Daddy gets off work tomorrow until after his vacation so we will have him around more! YAY!



Focused Prayer:

-Continue praying for no side effects...she has been great and we would like to see that continue

-Strength in body and mind

-Please cont praying for me...I need to get better so I can take care of mama! :)



Thanks for everything!

Charlcy

June 23, 2008

So today was interesting...We took Aunt Robin to the hospital for some sort of evaluation. Then mama made me go to the dr. I finally gave in! $63, one stab in the backside, and two prescriptions later...I still feel icky! :)

We checked out more dvds from the library...Sense and Sensibilty, Northanger Abbey, and Becoming Jane...can you pick up on our new addiction? Not long after crawling up on the couch to watch a movie the knocks started at the door. First it was Jake coming down to show us the 7 lb bass he had just caught, then Brittney to fix Aunt Robin's hair, Jake came back to play Rummikub with mama, Daddy came in from work....It was a wild and crazy night at the Ray house no doubt. Mama was exhausted but at least felt like she had accomplished something within her day. Finally we got some rest....about 11:30!!

Thanks for everything!
Charlcy

June 22, 2008

WE WENT TO CHURCH! Mama said it was difficult trying to refrain from dancing! :) She is so crazy! Overall it was a great day! Aunt Robin even went to church with us! After church was out JR Kizer(Stevie's BFF) and new girlfriend, Amber came over and grilled out for us...it was a blast!

The pain level is WAY down. Mama seems to be doing great...a little tired at times but great!
Again we want to thank everyone for your prayers and support!

Charlcy

June 21, 2008

Hello everyone!

Today has been GREAT! I called the on-call nurse this morning and they decided to increase her pain meds which has worked! She gets irritated at how it makes her feel but then again she would rather be out doing just about anything other than sitting in the house all day.

I MADE WAFFLES! Sooo for days now mama has been craving waffles and fresh fruit and this morning I finally got out of bed in time to make them for her! Breakfast at the Ray house ROCKED OUT this morning! :)

VISITORS: Brittney and Sis. Pulse(my mom's previous pastor's wife) both stopped by today...that was greatly needed and appreciated!

Focused prayer:
-NO SIDE EFFECTS!
-Strength...she wants to go to church in the morning.
-ME...I am still feeling icky!

Thanks for everything!
Charlcy

June 20, 2008

Today has been rather rough. The neuropathy has been worse today than any other. We have had to keep heating pads on her legs almost all day. She desperately needs prayer for strength and peace as well as the support of her friends and family. Your calls(though she may not answer) , cards, and visits(only if you are NOT sick!) are very much welcomed! :) Thanks to Latrelle and family for the flowers...she put the on the coffee table so she can look at them all day...beautiful!

We are driving daddy crazy with the chick flicks...Jane Austen's Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Ever After, aaand lets not forget mine and mama's all time favorite tv show....ANDY GRIFFITH! WHOOP! If you guys have any suggestions for relatively positve movies, no swearing or killing, pleeease let us know! :)

Focused Prayer:
- Please pray for my body...I have been sick since Monday evening and I cannot seem to kick this myself.
- The neuropathy...is was unbearable today!
- Daddy's nerves! :)
- We could all use a little more strength and peace.

THANK GOD FOR HER HEALING AND WHOLENESS!

Thanks for everything!
Charlcy

Treatment 1: June 17, 2008

Our first treatment was kinda rough. The reality of the situation set in...very emotional. Blood work until the end of the treatment, 7:30am til 2:30 pm, made for a loooong day for sure. Most of the day we hung out side by side in the same recliner listening to the ipod and talking about the faithfulness of God. The doctors and nurses decided that her veins were not good enough to continue administering chemo through an IV. We have decided to do a port in her chest. This is a surgical procedure that will take place prior to her next treatment. With the port, she will not have to be stuck continually and risk burning her veins out. She will get stuck only once each visit and that will be for her blood work.

CA 125: 153(target is 30 or below)

Received: Taxol and Carboplatin(Carbo)

Side Effects: Mostly she has experienced neuropathy and some nausea as well as fatigue.

Focused Prayer:

- Strengthened immune system

- No side effects

- Peace and Strength for our family especially Mama and Daddy

ABOVE ALL...THANK GOD FOR HIS WORD AND THE HEALING THAT HE HAS PROMISED MY MOM!

Charlcy

Intro to Blog

Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping in! I wanted to give you a brief overview of everything that is going on so you do not get lost in the terminology and numbers. Most of you have heard the diagnosis as well as orders from my mom not to claim them sooo we will NOT be using the "c" word on this blog. We are having to do a little bit of chemotherapy(chemo) to appease her surgeon however we are trusting God for complete healing and wholeness.

Terms and Medications:

CA 125: A test known as a tumor marker, it is a way of measuring what her body is doing and how the cells are reacting to the chemo. Anything above 30 is noted as being dangerous/suspicious. Prior to surgery Marilyn/Mama tested 989. Since surgery, the number decreased dramatically. It was at 153 at our first treatment. This is a blood test that will be given prior to each treatment and the results will be posted with the days treatment blog.

Pre-meds: These are drugs given prior to receiving the chemotherapy lasting apprx 45 min. Saline(for additional fluids), Benedryll(to head off any allergic reactions), Zantac( contains an antihistamine, as well as helps keep her stomach calm), also one other shot which helps prevent nausea for up to 10 days.

Taxol: A chemo drug. This is the first part of her treatments which takes up apprx 3 hrs. It has minimal side effects of which we thankfully have not experienced any at this time and pray we do not ever.

Paraplatin/Carboplatin: A chemo drug. This is the second part of her treatment which takes up apprx 30 min. The side effects with this drug have been a little more evident. She has been experiencing an extreme amount of pain in her joints. This is called Neuropathy.

Dr. Santoso: The Physician/Surgeon

Mrs. Mary: The RN

If I have left out anything I will explain as I enter it but this is just a few things that will be mentioned. Thanks again for your support!

Charlcy