Second day of Chemo - Onward and Around and Around...

'Today, it's my turn.  So, I'm Dani's Mom and shes a little tired (not OF, just FROM) so I get a turn to write.  Nausea has not been a problem and we are grateful for that but, there has been one little interesting side effect of one the meds Dani is taking.  On Thursday night, she has to "load" Dilanton.  That means she had to take 400 milligrams at 5 pm, 400 milligrams at  pm and 400 milligrams at 11 pm.  This medication is to prevent seizures.  It seems to be working on that front, but they forget to inform us that it also can cause dizziness.  Big time.  So now we have "Dizzy Dani".  Thank goodness for walls in hallways.  Walking today was an adventure.  She has come up with a couple of useful hints when experiencing this phenomenon - 'Don't duck when you are walking downhill when you are dizzy'; and  'Down elevators and dizzy don't mix.'
Today's schedule was similar to yesterday's with only 4 blood tests in 4 hours.  They did check the Dilanton levels and suggested she skip the dose tonight and see if that helps with the dizzies.  So we are hopeful for a less dizzy Dani tomorrow.
One thing that Dani is enjoying the last couple of days is getting out of bed and just going to the clinic in her pajamas.  What fun!  So we go to the lab and corner the best two recliner chairs and park ourselves there for the duration.

All the staff at the clinic seem genuinely helpful and kind.  All the patients are struggling with some sort of cancer and yet they are all very friendly.  We met a couple from Alaska who have been here since January that are staying here at Pete Gross house where we are, and two gentlemen from Florida.  Both the men have the same type of cancer and agree they feel that being here is their best chance to overcome their illness.

 We are grateful that we have begun the process toward a cure for our Dani.  Since she has been here she has signed a great number of papers indicating permission for certain treatments.  The other day when she signed several, the doctor made some comments about "signing your life away" and Dani said that she feels that she is "signing her life back".  That's how we feel.  We are grateful for our faith and knowledge that she will again be the strong healthy young woman we know and love.

I'll say so long for now, it is late and we have a medicine "break" and 1 am and 2 am so I'd better put this somewhat older lady to bed.  Thanks to all of you for your love and support.  Bye for now,

MOM