WIGS, CHEMO DOCTOR AND LOSING HAIR

POST BY CHRIS

I have been asked by Selena to do a couple of days worth of blogging.

First of all, Selena has been feeling good the last two days. She's had a fair amount of energy and even has a little color in her cheeks and eyes. It is amazing how the chemo saps the life out her face.

Secondly, we are very thankful to God for giving us the rain from Hurricane Dolly without it giving us a direct hit. We hope that everyone in Corpus Christi, TX is OK but we REALLY need the rain.

WIGS

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2008

We drove to Houston, near the Galleria, which would have been about an hours drive, but the rain from the outer bands of Hurricane Dolly and a navigation error put us seriously behind schedule. We went to the American Cancer Society headquarters in Houston. They are a very kind organization and offered to let Selena have a wig. We got there about 20 minutes before they closed (3:40 PM) but the lady that saw us, Theresa Garza, was VERY nice and stayed until almost 4:30 PM making sure Selena was happy with the wigs she picked out. Theresa is a certified wig fitter and helped Selena pick two wigs instead of one. Selena really liked two of them a lot so Theresa said that she could have both. She also let her have a nice little 'cancer' hat. She gave us lots of literature and gave Selena a big hug and made her feel very special. They are good people.

After the wig fitting (pictures to come later) we drove back home in a real downpour and slow 5 o'clock Houston traffic. No accidents thank God. We stopped at the Sketcher Outlet Store and a Honduran restaurant, Las Hamacas. The restaurant's air conditioning was out and it was miserably hot, but Selena and mum really wanted to go so we stayed. (Selena's mom is called mum. I am not sure why, maybe it's a Canadian thing.) The food was very similar to Panamanian food so they were in heaven. I enjoyed the food as well, but it's not too hard to please me. That's probably why I weigh as much as do. 

The food is rice, beans with chicken, pork or beef. The plates are served with plantains and little salads. It's not spicey, just really tasty.

Mum bought some Tres Leches Cake and Flan at a Pastry Shop and had some when we got home.

CHEMO DOCTOR

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2008

We went to see Cindy the PA and Dr. Markowitz in the afternoon today. Selena spent the morning starting to load up on fluids, protein (eggs) and lipids (milk and yogurt). It's supposed to help balance her nutritional needs during the first few days after the chemo.

Selena was cleared to have Chemo tomorrow (Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 12:00 PM).

Cindy felt that the tumor had shrunk a little. That's good because that's the whole goal of the treatment. She also gave her a prescription for Ambien CR to help her sleep when she is really agitated. (Even though the prescriptions and Doctor's visits are covered by the insurance, the co-pays are KILLING us. We probably spend over $200 a week on doctor visit's and medicine!)

We found out today that Selena's tumor is Her2/neu negative. It had been 2+ which meant it had to be sent out for a special test called FISH. Flourescent In Situ Hybridization. Fancy tech terms for a more accurate way than simple staining to look for the Her2/neu receptor. Having that receptor would have meant that she would have needed a years worth of treatment that targets the receptor to block the cancer cells from growing. The drug is call Herceptin. It is a good thing it is negative, because Her2/neu + tumors tend to be more aggressive.

Because of this, the next step in her chemo will be to finish out the Adriamycin/Cyclophosphomide at the end of August and then start Paclitaxol every week for twelve weeks sometime in the middle to end of September. This depends on whether or not there are any complications, like mouth sores or infections. Keep us in your prayers that she has an uncomplicated course.

LOSING HAIR

JULY 31, 2008-1:00 AM

It has started......

Selena was feeling restless tonight and realized that her hair is starting to fall out. I can pluck out little finger fulls when I run my fingers through her hair. We knew it was coming very soon.

Good night and more tomorrow after her Chemo treatment.

Thank you to everyone who is reading and commenting.

Just out of curosity, who are the visitors to the blog from Israel and Eritrea?

God Bless You all for your prayers, thoughts and good vibes. We receive them with gratitude and humility.

CHRIS MITCHELL