Chemo #2

Thank you all for your continued love and support!

It's been a week since the second chemo treatment ended. Chemo started last Thursday at the hospital... with a massage, compliments of some very kind nurses trying to help Rita feel comfortable. After a full day, she returned home to continue the rest of her treatment (Slow 48 hr Drip IV), which went until Saturday afternoon.

Post treatment, Rita has experienced many of the side effects that chemo is notorious for. She saw her oncologist on Monday and nutritionist on Tuesday. Both appointments went well, each Dr. providing next steps for recovery. It's been a busy week with ups and downs, but we are taking each day at a time.

Let's focus on the ups. Last Sunday, we received a surprise visit from Rita's daughter Alexandra and grandson Shepard, who will turn ONE in February! He is the happiest baby, making all the sweetest noises, and always has a smile on his face that extends to his eyes. They spent the night and added some more joy to our already-filled household.

On Wednesday, Rita got a visit from her friends and colleagues, Darlene, Corinne, and Steve. All decked out in Christmas swag, they definitely brought the holiday cheer to Rita that afternoon.

Fortunately Rita has a long break before her next chemo appointment, which is scheduled for the 28th (that's definitely another "up"). The goal between now and then is to identify best practices to reduce post chemo side affects and figure out which foods are easiest to digest. Rita has trained us all on the pressure cooker, making red bean porridges and homemade soy milk! We are also making homemade "Magic Mineral Broth" that's filled with lots of veggies, so she's able to at least sip on that if nothing else.

Rita continues to remain incredibly strong and determined. Over the next 8 days, the plan is to rest and bulk up. She's been binging The Crown on Netflix and we'll be on the hunt for the next series to get into... so leave any recommendations below!