Chemotherapy

Laurie started her treatment yesterday on Thursday, Feb 24th. We started the day at 8 am with her regular labs and then met with her oncologist that talked about the many side effects that the chemotherapeutic agents cause. After that, we met with a nurse to talk more in depth about treatment and managing medications. The chemotherapy started in the afternoon and lasted just a little less than five hours.

Laurie getting prepped to begin treatment

IV line

IV bags and first chemo agent

Laurie has been feeling exhausted but has been happy to receive well wishes from family and friends. Yesterday Laurie got her book for messages. With the help of Laurie’s sisters and some close acquaintances, we received a GIANT scrapbook that Laurie will be able to put each of her letters in. I received over 100 messages.

Here is the message that introduced the book:

"Laur,

Do you like me more than a friend? YES NO MAYBE (circle one)

I couldn’t think of a better way to start this letter. I was thinking I could start off by saying “Wow! What a terrible month!” or “So this is really happening huh?” or “I wish you didn’t have to go through this” or “this is unfair” but neither of those really seemed like a good fit. If you don’t return this letter I’ll assume that you circled yes.
For the last 3 weeks I have tried my best to create something for you that I thought you would love. With the help of many, I have collected over 100 messages of support, encouragement and love for you to read. These messages are from parents, sisters, brothers and sister-in laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. They range from one line to several pages and include pictures, drawings, scriptures, jokes, poems and quotes. I will give you one message a day for the next 100 days. The purpose of these messages is to give you a different perspective from someone who loves you and wants for you to get better every day. This way you can know how special and important you are to so many people and that you are not in this fight alone. No one but God will understand exactly how you feel as you go through theses future challenges. Hopefully, these letters will lighten your load, bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart every single day."