5/28 - Cycle 4, The Hard Part's Over

Kristine finished her 4th chemotherapy cycle this weekend. She was a little more tired, a little less nauseous, and a lot more emotional than in previous cycles. She's managed to stay strong and positive through every stage of this fight, but the medication and difficult regiment periodically constrain her optimism. Her emotional struggles are short and she always bounces back with an amazing amount of fight and courage in her.

One of her weak moments came on Thursday at the cancer center. Nothing in particular triggered the breakdown, it was more provoked by an accrual of constant discomfort and exhaustion. Linda, our oncology nurse, consoled Kristine and confirmed something that we had all suspected since her first cycle. She told Kristine that hers is one of the most difficult chemotherapy regiments that a patient can go through. She emphasized how amazing it's been to see the stamina and strength Kristine has shown over the past couple of months. It's encouragement like this that helps Kristine to move forward.

The fact that Kristine's nights have been less than satisfying in the sleep department hasn't helped her emotional state. She's been consistently waking up in the middle of the night in cold sweats and in general discomfort (fortunately without fever). She eventually gets back to sleep but it's not without a pill and bit of restlessness.

We're headed into the second week of the cycle -- the nadir week. Kristine has an appointment with the Oncologist on Wednesday to check her blood counts as well as another CT scan that afternoon. This scan will give us another data point on how the disease has progressed. It will also arm us with the latest information to discuss with the Cardiology surgeon, with whom we have an appointment a week from Wednesday. This will be the first of many consultations to determine possible next steps.