Day 7

Hello All!

My sincere apologies for not updating this blog more frequently. I know that many of you check it on a daily basis hoping to receive news about the sweet Pammy Sue. So, forgive me - I will be more diligent in keeping you all up to speed.

So, my mom is in her 7th day at OHSU and she is just now starting her 6th day of chemo. Her chemo doses are fed to her through her "pick line" 24 hours a day. The nurses have grown fond of her and are amazed at how much life she brings into this wing of the hospital. Two days ago I was coming down the hallway on my way to visit her and I heard her roaring laugh (roaring in a pleasant, feminine way, mom). ;) I told the nurses that they should sound proof her room because she is too cheerful and has far too many visitors. :) Needless to say, she has brought much joy and life to the Oncology Unit here at OHSU.

The first 4 days were a breeze for her. She kept saying that she felt like she was on vacation....taking naps, watching movies, having constant friends and family around, getting served, and she even has a constant companion that she gets to roll around with her wherever she goes (her IV rack). So, she is never alone.

This place is slowly becoming our family's home away from home. And yes, I admit, I have been caught by the nurses a few times cuddling in bed (twin size, might I add) with my mom watching Anne of Green Gables.

Yesterday was her worst day. Nausea is setting in. She didn't have much of an appetite at all and she slept for most of the day. It's hard watching her body reap the consequences of this chemo. But her spirits remain high and her faith strong.

As far as medical information goes, we are still waiting to find out test results which will tell us if her leukemia is low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk. In the meantime, I guess we just wait and see how her body responds to this treatment. Her results from the Mugascan (heart test) were excellent - telling us that her heart is stronger than normal.... I think we all knew that already though.

She has so loved all of your notes of encouragement, telling of stories & memories, phone calls & visits. Please keep them coming and NEVER feel like you are burdening her. The hardest times for her are on the horizon so the more support the better!

My mother is forcing me to write another little tuturial to you Baby Boomers (most likely) regarding how to navigate this blog. To write your own and/or read other people's comments, go to the comment link under any of the entries. In order to send a comment it asks you to "Choose an Identity". Click the "Name/URL" button and just type in your name (leave the URL section blank). Or else you can click "Anonymous". Either way works. Make sure you fill in the word verification as well (just copy the characters that you see in the picture above). Anyway, it sounds confusing but it really is fairly simple. If you are still having problems please feel free to email me at lindsay.beall@gmail.com and I can walk you through it.

Much love and thanks from Pam and the Beall gang!