Chemo again

We met with Laura's oncologist today, dr Raish.  He said to start chemo pills tonight and then the other biological agents tomorrow.  She takes the chemo pill twice a day on a full stomac and the biological agent once a day on an empty stomac.  

She does this for two weeks on and then one week off and repeat.  The dr. Said watch the side effects very closely since about 50% of people have to get their dose adjusted.   The most common side effect is hand and foot syndrome which causes a painful rash or cracking on hands and feet.

Laura is progressively more tired and nauseous from the radiation but doing alright.  Here is a pic of Louis just because!

Week off

Whole brain radiation is done!  Laura has a week off before the chemo starts!!!  The full effects of the radiation take a couple to 3 weeks to kick in so Laura is getting more tired each day but her spirits have been good up till yesterday when her hair started really falling out.  Intellectually with 17 or so brain rumors losing ones hair isn't really a big deal but it is.  It says cancer.  Laura has never been one to care too much about the western ideals of beauty- meaning that she didn't wear make up till she lost her eyebrows and such.  But it is hard for a woman to lose her hair.

We have had a good week though!  Friends gave us a night and dinner at a hotel on the long beach peninsula half an hour away.  We had a sweet mini vacation Wednesday night.  

Yoga continues to really help Laura and I have been going three or four days a week too.  It really is amazing. 

Last weekend, I drove down to San Francisco with Rachel, Jeremy and Mark to see two nights of the grateful dead.  We happened to be in San Fran during gay pride just after the Supreme Court made gay marriage legal. It was cool to say the least!  The shows were wonderful too! So fun. We drive home Monday and I actually slept in for several days this week catching up on sleep.

So happy 4th of July everyone!!!  I will listen to some music today down at a brewery and we will have dinner with John and Rachel Whisler I assume probably at our house.  On Sunday, we will watch the women's World Cup final in Portland and the go to a Portland Timbers soccer game. We wi spend the night in Portland at our friend Margaret's house she is letting us use and then a dr appointment Monday and Laura's firs t chemo pill...

Oh the kids you ask??  We don't see them too much. Ani has two jobs: crest motel breakfast person and big 5 sporting goods and Tim is at texico gas station every day but Monday's.  He will take a few days off later in July to do a little college tour with me. Though!!!  Peace out friends and family!!!

Day 8 of radiation

Laura has had more energy the past couple days than the first few days of radiation.  She has had fun driving in with Rachel and Ami.  Here is a pic today just outside the radiation wing at the hospital.  She is wearing a new dress she got on Tuesday 

Day 6

This is Laura's mask that is bolted to the radiation table while the actual radiation takes place.  I have a couple more pics below.  Laura is doing surprisingly well but very very tired.  Friends are helping with the drive to Portland and back.  The sun continues to shine.

Baby deer

I have to admit I do battle with the deer.  I have netting and fences all around our back yard to protect my fruit trees and gardeners.  But one day old baby fawns are so so cute.  We have two living below oiur house.  

Sunset was pretty sweet again tonight too. 

Laura feels dizzy, nasuous and very tired.  She is tough though.  No Trips to Portland today or tomorrow which is great!!!

Day four of radiation

Laura goes to Portland today with her friend Taeryn.  She feels nauseous and exhausted but doing ok.  I am taking a couple hours off of work this morning and we had breakfast in bed and watched the much needed rain out our window.  I am looking forward to July and August off!!!  Nothing much to report but she is doing ok.  

Our mealtrain started last night.  Friends are cooking us dinners on Mondays and Thursdays for the next month and a half. One of the perks of cancer!

Day two of radiation

Today Laura's friend Ami took her to radiation. I got off work a bit early and met john and Rachel at our house who made use a chicken dinner and vacuumed and washed woodwork and such so Laura came home to a clean home and dinner.

Laura was feeling nasuous and head achey and tired when she got home but took pls for her belly and are a little   The rest of us loved dinner.  

Amazing blood red sunset tonight.  Laura might not feel great but she has a great attitude of let's get this radiation thing done and move on!!!  

I am feeling more confident that this will really help and keep Lu alive a lot longer.  Here are pics of Laura's new close line and the sunset.