Happy Sunday!
Or at least I think it’s Sunday… I’m writing from the road after my trip to the Bahamas. It was a nice trip where I got to stress out about my general state of affairs whilst on a gorgeous beach! Kidding (kind of), but what really matters now is the Mommer. She is on the home stretch, we have a few more days left of treatment and she needs everyone now more than ever. Here’s a brief update from my Dad (some have received this already):
Clinically, Debby is doing well. The treatment (33 shots of radiation and 3 doses of chemo – cisplatin) had reduced the tumor by 70% at about the fourth week in what is a 7-week regimen. According to her radiation oncologist, this is better than typical. Good thing! As of today she has 3 remaining radiation treatments (M-W), and 1 more blast of chemo (M)…so treatment ends on June 7.
Physically, the last two weeks have seen a pretty big slide – serious fatigue, intense throat pain, inability to ingest solid foods, nausea/vomiting, and moderate weight loss. The side effects are cumulative with chemo being the most severe and unpredictable. This last week will be rough but the psychology associated with treatment ending in 4 days is a big lift.
Emotionally, Debby is doing ok – this last year (aside from Shea’s wedding) has been brutal for our family, and weathering this treatment 3000 miles from friends and “home” has been hard. That said, summer is beautiful here and of course we have at least one vacation per month planned through next April!
Recovery from treatment will take a few months with current unpleasant symptoms likely to last at least 3-4 more weeks. Debby can’t talk right now, and this will likely persist for another 2-3 weeks, so text is the best way to communicate.
Many of you have asked how I’m doing through this, and thank you for your concern. It’s simple – I’d trade places with her this second if I could. It’s wrenching watching someone you love go thru this…and since I’ve endured this beating before, I’d prefer this were me.
Thanks again for your love, your prayers, and your friendship. Even from a distance you’ve all made this easier with the cards, flowers, & food (no more food pls). Go hug everyone in your families and pray they don’t get this disease. It’s awful, however we remain confident we can beat it and be back to having fun here shortly.
Love to all and hope to see you soon,
Kevin
Like Dad said, they have enough food to feed a miso soup loving Seattle-based militia and you all are to thank for that. You’ve all taken such good care of our reluctant west-coasters in these hardest of times – my siblings and I can’t thank you enough. I know Mom would appreciate hearing from everyone in the coming weeks (via text) – they are sure to be rough as the effects of treatment continue (even after treatment is over) and then begin to subside.
Kaely will be out there this week and I hope to take a little jaunt out there the week after, work permitting. We love you all – Mom will be better soon and back to her vacationing ways – we just can’t wait for this chapter to be over!
Love,
Bahama Brynn
The Dog Hair Diaries 