Another Dad Update - April 1, 2008

April Fool’s Day –

Sorry, I couldn’t think of much to fool about today that wouldn’t be cold and cruel.
I just wanted to give you a quick update on Rebecca this week. It’s been another week since her last chemo – and I think, all in all, Rebecca has tolerated this round perhaps a little better than the first one. She’s been more active and has been able to work during most of the time. It’s good to be able to stay busy.
However, most of her remaining hair is disappearing fast – this may be the hardest thing emotionally for a woman – especially while she’s in the “tweener” stage. The nice “buzz” cut Shelby gave her last week is getting patchy while it gradually falls out. Within a couple of days it will be all gone – but maybe getting through this transition will make it easier to deal with.
We’ve also had a couple of new side effects to work through – heartburn, insomnia, and slightly weakened vision. The impairment in vision is temporary – apparently the chemo slightly changes your eyes, so she is a little more near-sighted. She says her eyes feel “filmy”. I noticed this on Sunday when she couldn’t distinguish between 2 friends of ours at church. Both are bald – but only one was in the choir – and she couldn’t determine which one that was!
The heartburn and insomnia are apparently cumulative effects of chemo. So, we’ve gotten her some Prilosec and Tums to handle that, and some Ambien to help her sleep. She usually falls asleep just fine, but lately has awakened at about 4am and can’t go back to sleep. Hopefully, the Ambien will get her sleeping better.
We have been very well attended to by friends bringing meals and doing favors. We want to thank everyone so much for the meals, flowers, cards, and especially your prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes.

Mark