Week 2

I took mom to her appointment today. Today's was a herceptin treatment. It is given just like her normal chemo, but it isn't chemo. It is a drug to treat the Her2 protein that is found on her tumor cell. This particular protein would have been extremely bad a few years ago, but all it means now is that she has to go in every week for a special drug. The special drug is directed specifically at this protein, and she has to get it every week. Her appointment was at 10:00, which we decided is perfect. We can leave at 9:00 and miss rush hour, and get out by 2:00 which gets us home before the afternoon rush hour. Today the office was PACKED because of the holiday weekend. It is both encouraging and depressing to see so many people having cancer treatments. While she gets her treatment she can read, sleep, eat, play sudoku, basically whatever she'd like to do. Usually there is room to sit in the treatment room with her, but because of the number of people there wasn't room today so I stayed out in the waiting room. The treatment room is a rather large room with eight or nine large pink reclining style chairs (they remind me of pedicure chairs) lined up in a room. There are less comfortable waiting room chairs facing the treatment chairs for family to sit in. You're allowed to bring lunch and drinks in with you. Today I got us some Taco Bell while she was having her treatment.

After her treatment I dropped her off at home. She was feeling alright - mostly just tired. Jarryd (the 9 year old grandson) is going to stay the night at grandma's tonight so that she isn't home alone. Dad is at work in Knoxville so Jarryd is there "just in case". That way we know someone is in the house with her. She hasn't had any horrible reactions yet, but better safe than sorry!

Her next appointment is another Herceptin treatment and that will be next Wednesday at 10am again. Wednesday are now her treatment days - unless she needs to change it for some reason. So every Wednesday for the next few months Steph will have to go to Nashville. Finally somewhat of a schedule!

If you have any questions feel free to ask and we'll do our best to answer them! Love to each and every one of you!

Kira