Richmond Family Updates

(written by Becky)

Hi all,

We apologize for our updates not being as frequent as you would like. Some days, it feels like all we can do is keep our heads above water. Thanks for sticking with us!

Mom has just finished two rounds of chemo, three weeks apart. This week is Week 6 and she is getting a CAT scan today to check for progress from the chemo. She meets with the oncologist this coming Tuesday to discuss the findings and determine our next steps. Will you please pray for good news? We are so desperate for good news!

Mom handled chemo relatively well this time (as opposed to Summer 2011). Her side effects were minimal – no hair loss and very little nausea. Just a few days of fatigue after each dose. Last you heard from us, she was also semi-bedridden (needing to stay off her feet to strengthen her pelvic bones and prevent a fall which would cause more damage). In the beginning of November, it was very painful for her to walk…. but now she’s feeling MUCH better! She still needs to take it easy around the house (rest alot), doesn’t drive and needs to use something to stabilize her while out and about (either a wheelchair or walker). But the improvement is really encouraging. And Thanksgiving and a few other family dinners have really lifted Mom’s spirits – so we are thankful for those times!

Additionally, Mom had a very enlarged lymph node in her neck area before this round of chemo and that’s disappeared! Another sign to give us some hope.

We appreciate your continued prayers… both for Mom’s physical healing and all of our emotional health. It’s draining to live with this month after month and the new lifestyle with shopping (only co-ops), cooking, diet, cleaning, etc. is time consuming and takes much discipline! We are so thankful for those who are helping us on a regular basis!