July 5th

Happy Post-4th to all. We spent the last two evenings enjoying the local fireworks off of Glenna's deck. Glenna had one of her best days in awhile last Sunday when we all went to Erin & Chris' wedding in Poppenesset. An added treat was that Jake had the night off, so was able to join us. It was a very fun night - Glenna was exhausted the next day, but it was worth it.

Then, back to reality. Glenna started her chemo treatment on Monday. She got through the first two days, and then MGH called to say her recent labs showed that she was quite anemic and should come up to Boston to have a blood transfusion. Jeanne and Glenna went up on Wednesday. She had her transfusion, but also developed really intense stomach pains. Then she started throwing up (alot). She wanted to go back home, so once she was done with the procedure, she came home, but was sick on the way home, and once she got here. They told her to hold off on the chemo until she stabalized. She started the chemo again on Thursday night and again on Friday morning (it is supposed to be taken twice a day). Then yesterday morning she had a violent reaction. She began getting sick again first thing in the morning and continued being sick until mid-day, when she finally passed out on Atavan. She slept off and on all afternoon, but was finally able to get up and enjoy the remainder of the day. On the recommendation of her doctor, she skipped another dose of chemo and has been trying to get some food in and keep it in. It's such a frustrating situation - the chemo makes her sick, but she needs to be taking it. One the other hand she can't afford to lose any more weight. So, again, its a balancing act. Today (Sat) has been a better day. She has eaten some easy foods and been able to keep it down. So far so good. So tonight she is planning on starting the chemo again, and hopefully with food in her belly, it will be more tolerable.
We're hoping for easier days ahead. Will keep you posted.
Love, MK