Mom’s first chemo

My mom is such a classy lady, she does everything in style, and chemo was no exception. She had a facial and a pedicure yesterday and even bought a bright new orange top for today’s chemo. Last week she had her locks cut off into a really short spunky style. This morning at 8am my dad and her were at the chemo rooms, ready for the first session. Her divine doctor, who clearly is not only brilliant, but very astute (he told my mother she has a beautiful daughter – me) sat with my mom and dad and explained what was to come, what to expect etc.

 

My dad called me at 8:30 to say that my mother was comfy in her chair, already chatting up a storm to the woman next to her. That’s my mom; she is forever making friends where ever she goes, in the queue at the post office, in the checkout line, even in the loo. We all know that if we leave our mother alone for five minutes, she will have found someone to chat to and will know their life history within the first few minutes. People are instantly drawn to her. My mom has friends in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life.

 

I went to go see her at 10:30 and she was looking very strong. As comfy as one can be with a chemo drip in your arm. I chatted up a storm with the other women there, I guess like mother like daughter.

 

I have been very nervous leading up to this moment (I had to take Rescue Remedy the last few days) but now that it has started, I am feeling a little relieved. It has started, we are in it, and we will come through fine.

 

My dad, as usual, has been amazing. If my husband loves me half as much as my father loves my mother, I will be a very lucky woman. My parents have been together since they were 13 years old, and I think he loves her even more today than he did way back then. This has been incredibly hard for him; he keeps saying this is not how it is supposed to be.  My mom is the strong one; she wasn’t ever supposed to get sick. But, we are all strong for her and with her and we know this will all end well.

 

I called my dad a while ago and they are home now. My mom is fast asleep. Apparently she was absolutely exhausted when they got home. I can well imagine.

 

So, the first step has been taken. I know there are hard days to come when the side effects kick in, but I am glad we have started and that she has such good care. Thanks for all your well wishes and kind thoughts. My mom reads my blog and I know it means a lot to her, and it means a huge amount to me too.

 

Lastly, spare a thought for my friend Alida who finds out tomorrow whether the cancer trial she has been on is working. If it is working she gets to carry on with treatment, if it isn’t working….well, we don’t even want to think that way. 

 

I arranged for Alida to meet with my mother this past weekend, and Alida gave my mother some great insight. Such special women, both of them.

 

What a scary world this cancer world is, how removed I have been from it up until now, and how close I am to it now.  

Comments

[Louise M]

So glad to hear the first treatment went well. Keeping my fingers crossed, sending lots of well wishes from Canada. Hugs to you and your Mum.

[Jennifer]

Love to you and your family, Tertia. I'm thinking of you...

[Macca]

Love to your Mum, she's a trooper. And your Dad will love her more today than when they were 13 - they've both grown a life and a family together, which means more memories to love together. Hugs to you to Tertia, as a daughter who walked through cancer with a parent, I know what you are going through at the moment.

[jen]

I'm not the type of person that prays but I am thinking of your mom, you, and your family. All the best to you all.

[Heather]

So glad that the first treatment went well. She is in our thoughts and prayers.

[Janet]

Tertia, my thoughts are with you all. I can relate to what you and your family are feeling, having been there with my Mom almost 19 years ago. Your Mom is so lucky to have you as a daughter, and I am sure she tells you this often.

[Jennifer Rindfleisch]

I am thinking of your Mom as she goes through this scary journey. I used to work for a non-profit cancer fighting organization. Every person I met who was effected by cancer was so amazingly strong. I know this doesn't take away the fear, but strength has it's benefits when dealing with something like this. I will continue to pray for your Mother's health and strength.

I also wanted to pass along a website that you might be interested in (if you haven't heard of it already). I received a one brave chick kit for Christmas from my husband. It might be something for your Mom, Dad, and even the rest of those in your family.

www.onebravechick.com

Stay strong!

[Val]

Your parents and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad your Mom pampered herself in preparation of the big, bad day. Now it's, and I'm sure that your dad and you will be there for your mom when she's not feeling so good. I just think how lucky she is that the cancer was found much earlier than normal. That's a huge plus on her side on the cancer game board!

Your dad sounds much like my uncle. My Aunt Yvonne has Polycystic disease of her kidneys and liver. She went into the hospital at the end of August for a liver transplant already having had a live-donor kidney transplant several years ago. She's still in the hospital. My uncle is with her 24/7. He won't leave her side because he loves her so much. I'm sure that's one reason we still have her with us. She seems to take one step forward and two backward. We won't give up on her because she's a tough cookie, but we are very worried. We have a prayer session at 9:00 pm where ever you are in the world. If you see this message, pray for my favorite aunt tonight.

[Jeannie]

I think your mother is going to come through this with flying colors, and when it is all far behind her, find much to value in the experience.

A woman at my old firm went through chemo and lost all her hair. When it grew back in, it was so lovely, much nicer than it had been before. SHe had had longish hair that she died blonde. When it grew in, it was gray, all silvery and gorgeous, and looked awesome really short. She kept it that way, very short and silver,and she looks stunning. She would never have had the guts to do that before. It makes her look fierce.

[Shawnee]

At least your mom is trying to make the best of a bad situation. She will be in my thoughts, keep us posted on your mom & friend.

[Orange]

Of course your mother came through Day 1 well—she was wearing my color!

Best wishes for strength and health and perseverance to your mom and to Alida. (And to supportive daughter/friend Tertia as well.)

[Nicole]

Tertia, I am really glad that your mom took her first day of chemo so well. I keep fingers crossed that she (except for the unavoidable hair loss and fatigue) won't have any other problems.
I would like to bring up an issue, though, that you might not like hearing: it is not an issue here in Germany but in the States pregnant women are discouraged to enter a chemo clinic as there might be some chemo fumes in the air that could potentially be harmful for the fetus. Obviously, there are no studies out there as it would be unethical to execute them. So you will find no data on this.
However, I remember being very cautious around chemo during my pregnancy (which was actually quite hard to avoid, being an oncologist) - I always wore a mask and wore 2 pairs of gloves.
May be it would be an idea to see your mom after the chemo?
Sorry to bring it up,
Nicole

[another karen]

just catching up after a few days and didn't get to comment on the last post about your mom. you are all in my thoughts and prayers. hoping 2009 brings only HEALTH and happiness to your mother, to your friend, to all of you.

all the best,
karen

[Emma]

Your mum is a lucky woman to have such a lovely daughter and family. I beat liver cancer 31 years ago (I'm 32 now and in perfect health, if you overlook the infertility), back in the dark ages when chemo wasn't even on the cards. I also had an ovarian cancer scare this year, replete with watermelon-sized cyst removal (fun!) and having followed your blog for a while, all this has hit pretty close to home.

I just wanted to wish you and your family, and especially your mum and dad, all the best in the coming months and years. Not that your mum'll need it with you around to kick its ass ;-)

[sunshinedoula]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Tertia!
May 2009 bring HEALTH and all the happiness to you all!
xxxx BIG HUGS xxxx

[silene]

My thoughts are with you and your Mum as she starts down this difficult road. I firmly believe that she with her family by her side she will make it back to full health! May the new year bring you every happiness.

[D]

Your family is in our thoughts. Your mom doesn't sound like the type to just give up and throw in the towel so she will be ok. Attitude and your mind is a very powerful thing....

Take care.

D

[Jill]

Good on her. We're thinking of her. Just so you know, don't be surprised if she starts feeling really bad 6 days or so from now. It's to be expected - you just feel good right after, so you think it won't be bad, and then boom. But that will pass too. Once you go through that bad part, you know you can do it again, and that makes it not so bad.

[Rachel]

You and your mom (and the rest of your family) are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am glad to hear that everything went well. I love the fact that she went out and treated herself to a day of shopping and pampering before today. She should make it a tradition!

[Tess Lyons]

hi tee,
my cancer surviving mum works on the oncology ward in the local hospital and says frame of mind has a LOT to do with how patients come through chemo. your mum's attitude is fantastic as is the support and love she is getting.

so many love and prayers.
xo tess

[Kathy]

Three cheers for your beautiful mom as she begins this scary journey. I think of your family often and I hope 2009 brings you all much health and joy.

[amy]

Your mom sounds like one of my dear friends. Makes strangers into friends within moments :) So glad she has spunk! And so glad her first treatment is behind you all..

[deblet]

So relieved for you that it went well so far.You are so lucky to have such great folks who clearly adore each other.Love and best wishes for your Mom and family for 2009.Going to be an exciting year ahead with Maxs arrival in the new year too.

[Jessica]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mum sounds like an amazing woman. I have been thinking alot about her. Unfortunately i lost my mum to cancer. On Monday night i dreamt of you and your mum. I dreamt i was going in for my 2nd ICSI and i met ur mum in the hallway, and exactly like u say she started chatting with me asking my why i was there. The amazing thing is that she was carrying your child, however it was a girl, one of a pair of twins. It was a very healing(if i can use that word) dream. As i was talking to her u joined us and told me to hang in there, however difficult these procedures get. It was just what i needed to hear. You and your family have been through alot. I pray that your mum gets well soon and that 2009 brings health and happiness to you all.

[Flicka]

Sending all my love and prayers your way. I'm glad her first run with the chemo was as positive as it could be. My mom and dad are in love like yours and it's so special. I'm cheering all of you on.

[Flicka]

Sending all my love and prayers your way. I'm glad her first run with the chemo was as positive as it could be. My mom and dad are in love like yours and it's so special. I'm cheering all of you on.

[Kristin]

Cancer has hit way too close to my family this year too. I'm glad to hear the first round of chemo went well. Praying for all of you.

[kbreints]

((hugs)) good for you for being strong for her!!

[LisaG]

Sending lots of love and support to you, your mum and your family. May this coming year bring much happiness and the gift of very good health!

[BiancaW]

You, your mom and your family were in my thoughts on Tuesday. Glad you guys are doing okay. XXX

[Julie]

God Bless You and your family. Ill keep your mom in my prayers. My mom is starting her first chemo tomorrow morning and I can honestly say that I have no more worries. I completely trust that the Lord will bring us this victoriously. Stay strong and trust in the Lord.

[ontario dermatologists]

I will also pray that your mom get well soon.

sphin