Patty Chemo #2 Update

Hello Again Friends,

After some difficulties with the first (10/1) round of chemo, including severe joint pain and hives, we ended up switching to a modified chemo regimen for round #2 last week (10/22).  Taxol was replaced with Docetaxel, but otherwise we are on the same program of potentially six sessions each three weeks apart.  

So far with round #2 things are much better.  An extra strong burst of steroids this time turned her into energizer bunny for the first 48 hours, with mostly only fatigue starting yesterday and again today.  She is in good spirits for the most part, despite a dramatic hair cut last week, now only left with thin wispies up top.  Two friends (first Stephanie, later Bonnie) made similar adorable Sigmund the Sea Monster hats that keep her warm on outings.  Except for after the very first round of chemo, we are back on the regular Saturday coffee/social rounds circuit.

Things are running pretty smoothly with a mix of family, friends and some paid care givers keeping things moving around the clock.  Dad has been working harder on his PT exercises and transfers and stuff, and talks about getting some contract work on the side to help chip in with expenses (lol).  He is getting around better these days with sustained efforts, and we are drilling him on left side skills/focus/attention.  

Recent visits with friends from Boston and San Diego were awesome, and we're continuing to be spoiled by all the delicious food and meals coming in, the stud muffins especially, and of course Jon.

If you want to be added to the meal rotation please call Diane (503-659-1689).  If you can do a Dale care shift (includes moving around & bathroom help) either on Thursday evenings 4-10, or Sunday afternoons 12-4 please e-mail Patty at flashlightpatty@gmail.com

As always, thank you all so much for the continued support, love and prayers.  Our love to you.

Walhoods (Patty, Dale, Megan/Jeremy, Jim/Gretchen, Mark)

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Patty

Patty's First Treatment

Patty had her first chemotherapy treatment last Thursday, and generally it went much better than expected, without any of the potential side effects that can happen during the session.  The worst thing about it was the ill-fitting chair that had to be endured for five hours, and the complicated pill therapy/timing instructions that began the same day.  We're hoping to have a pillow solution to the chair issue, which actually left a bruise or two behind (chair too big, hard pokey things in the wrong places).

The first couple days after treatment weren't bad at all, with just a little fatigue, but the last couple days has seen the expected joint pain show up.  Medications are helping control the pain somewhat, but it's still unpleasant.  All together, not as bad as expected yet but still a real drag.

There has been a lot of organizing of assistance the last couple weeks, and we're working on lining up additional at-home care for Dale while Patty gets needed rest.  Folks are helping out with meals and other chores, shopping, etc., and somehow everything is still holding together for the moment.

Below is the link to the blog where we have a "Walhood Meals Calendar" page that you can click on the upper right hand side.  On the calendar itself you'll find Dianne Saulsbury's email and a menu/recipe suggestion guide thing.  If you're able and interested, you can check in with Dianne to sign up for a meal drop-off.  We thank you in advance for everything from kind thoughts to meals, etc. etc.

www.dale411.blogspot.com

We'll keep this one short for now, mostly wanted you to know things are moving along OK for now and holding steady.  All our love to you and yours.

The Walhoods