It's a snowy day in Richmond but we are staying warm

Mom had two guiding principles for this round of chemo:
1. I can do it better this time than the first. (Why not be a perfectionist about chemo too?!)
2. What happened the first time is a good indication of what will happen each time.

So far, both of those have been true. As Jess wrote last week, Mom had her second round of chemo last Friday. The first time, we all felt a little cocky about it and jumped right in to trying to live "normally." This time, we took it a little slower. Throughout the first few days Mom often ate bland foods in small amounts (think small potatoes cooked in the microwave and toast). This definitely seemed to help her unsettled tummy. She's discovered a deep love for peas (organic) and rekindled her fondness of beets (gross). The weather was not as great in Richmond this time around, so she was a little slower to leave the house. But, as of yesterday, one week post-chemo 2, she was able to go out to lunch, go shopping, and get her now-staple "I'm feeling a little better" meal: plain ravioli with pink cream sauce on the side from Bocca Toscana (thanks Sal & Laura!). She had some extra motivation to get out of the house this time because Aunt Mary came to visit! Jess and TJ were in town also.

We can tell that they are right about the effects of chemo being cumulative. She now relies on a 2 hour mid-afternoon nap. I have to admit, I'm completely jealous of this part of her routine. Bedtime is earlier than usual. But, during the day, her awake time has been pretty good. She has written down the exact amount and spacing of all the side effect management drugs this time (mostly to remedy nausea) so that she can use it as a guide next time. While this hasn't made it into a spreadsheet yet, I imagine it will by round 3. She also got her shipment of hats, turbans, and scarfs from www.headcovers.com. They are fabulous and a great accessory to all outfits now.

Mom and Dad went to see her oncologist for a follow-up appointment on Friday and got an "A" on Mom's progress so far. The oncologist is pleased with the noticeable improvement, at least on the surface. They will follow up with the breast surgeon on Monday to check on the below the surface progress. While we are still firmly rooted in the chemo phase, there are moments when Mom has started to glimpse ahead at phase 2: mastectomy. As the next few rounds of chemo come, we will learn more about phase 2. For now, we're concentrating on getting to the halfway point of chemo and beyond.

Today it is snowing which brings a good reason to stay inside, wear a pink fuzzy robe, rest, and enjoy some goodies sent by friends and family – thank you all for being so thoughtful!