Nearly February.

Well, Mom is looking more like her below Meez than ever LOL! Her hair is growing back well - she is convinced she will lose it again, during this round of chemo, but right now it looks wonderful. And I think it was very encouraging to her...she was so afraid she would never have it grow back. Now she knows it will.

She had her first round of chemo a couple of weeks ago. At that time, her dr offered her the consideration of having pills this time around. IT was something to think about. Honestly, if this chemo went as badly as the ones before her surgery went, she would have taken it. But......fingers crossed....she is doing well. She had a couple of 'down' days around the 7/8 day mark but has otherwise been out and up most of the time. She has decided to go ahead with the iv chemo again at her next appointment on February 12th. One down....four to go....

Al has been having some serious issues. He feels okay...but his potassium is very high and his PSA levels are once again climbing. For those who don't know, the last time his PSA levels were this high, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, early stages. This time, the drs think it is a problem with his kidneys that is causing the elevated levels of potassium, PSA and liver problems. He has an appointment with a specialist next week...I will keep you posted!

I would love to put together a small book for Mom and Al but I need your help. I am drafting an e-mail to send to those who don't read here....what I am asking is that you all send me a memory of Mom and Dad and Al....a good one, a funny one, a melancholy one....send me your thoughts and I will put them all together in a book for Mom and Al to read. It has been such a rough year for them both - memories and words of love and encouragement would go so far right now. I believe that Mom is closing in on a positive end to her journey and would like to provide her a moral boost to make it a strong few months and to let her know she is loved. Again, the e-mail is barbsjourney@gmail.com.

A votre sante....merci.