We have some good news but it didn’t come easy.

Because Rita didn’t have any side effects last round, we were optimistic that this round would be the same. But chemo #4 started off in the wrong direction... Typically, nausea and discomfort are felt almost immediately after treatment ends. For some reason, Rita felt symptoms on her second day of treatment. She had a full week of discomfort and had trouble keeping food down.

It was unfortunate timing as her son John and his GF, Anna, were in town for the week and came prepared with a full menu. They made traditional Chinese hot-pot, pork broth soup with papaya, spring rolls, and a variety of fresh, homemade juices. Despite the excellent food, Rita was unable to enjoy any of it during their stay.

It took a full week and the majority of John and Anna’s stay before Rita started to feel better. All was not lost, as Rita acquired a new found love for juices, thanks to John and Anna. By this past Tuesday, Rita was finally back to her regular eating cadence with the addition of 3-4 juices per day!

After 4 chemo treatments (8 weeks), the plan has always been to have another CT scan to see how the chemo has been working and if the cancer has progressed. Keep in mind, the last time Rita went in for a scan (back in November) she barely made it through the front door before receiving a phone call to get back to the hospital immediately and remained in the hospital for two weeks, undergoing several procedures in addition to starting her first chemo treatment ahead of schedule. So, when Rita went in for her second scan on Thursday (the 21st), we were all a little on edge, waiting for the phone to ring.

The nurse did call Rita the following day (Friday), with some VERY (very, very, very) good news: The treatment IS working and her disease is IMPROVING. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Cue the celebratory juice! That’s all the information we have right now, but we will get the full details from Rita’s oncologist on Monday. She has an appointment to go over the scans before chemo round #5 begins… I think the nurse was just too excited to wait! It was the news we have been hoping, praying, fighting for… and we will be riding this positive wave as we head into another chemo week.

Your love and prayers are working! We are extremely grateful for all the support, encouragement, and delicious meals—it has truly made a world of difference as Rita continues to kick cancer’s butt each and every day.