Changes

I spoke too soon when I said that my mom didn't have radiation side effects. She has, unfortunately, noticed changes in her appetite (she's not as hungry) and in the smell and taste of foods. These are most likely related to the radiation to her right neck, and they will probably get worse before they get better. She is also very tired during the day and she seems to sleep 3-4 hours. Part of her need to sleep may be the Darvocet she is taking for her shoulder pain, but it may also be from the radiation.

When we went to MCV on Thursday, the doctor decided to change her anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medication because he feels the one she has been since her transplant is not good for people with cancer. She will slowly make this change over the next 10 days, and there is always the risk of liver rejection. Please pray with us that rejection will not occur. They will do bloodwork in 10-12 days and once the results are back, she will change completely to the new medication. It makes me a bit nervous, but we are trusting that this doctor knows what he's doing. (In my business, that may not always be the best thing, but the doctor actually gave me clinical literature to support his opinion.)

My dad fell down the back porch steps and has a small bruise on his right shoulder blade. He doesn't have any fat, so he hit right on the blade. Ouch!

They both need to eat more, so I will be making dinners for them and taking them over on Sunday night and making more food on Wednesday nights. Pray for strength and stamina for me. I am also trying to help them with their accounting and John is cutting their lawn (in addition to our lawn, the largest we've ever had).

It struck me again today how strong both of my parents are. They have survived many things and so when people ask me, "How do you keep going?", I will now answer that I come from strong parents who taught me how to rely on God and to be strong.

Each day is a gift from God ~ enjoy it!