Kendal Update, First Full Week of Treatment

Kendal has now started the first full week of treatment. The days have become more structured. Radiation sets the schedule. Four hours before treatment she needs to stop eating. Two and a half hours before treatment, anti nausea medication. Two hours before, the chemotherapy pills. One hour after the pills she is allowed to eat again, although by then we are usually already in the car.

The trip into the city usually takes about forty five minutes. Some days we'll leave as the sun rises. Other days we'll head in as the sun sets, and sometimes somewhere in between. Labs take place every Tuesday, with a weekly check in appointment with the radiation oncologist each Wednesday.

So far nausea has not been part of the experience, although treatment is still early. There have been no headaches, vision remains good, and there has not been much pain. At the same time, the tumor makes its presence known each day. Walking and talking remain difficult and even standing is often unsteady. The tumor also brings its own unpredictability. Even something as simple as getting to the bathroom quickly has become a challenge. It is frustrating to see something so ordinary become so demanding (rude).

The focus right now is maintaining the function Kendal still has. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are all part of that effort. The hope is that the radiation and chemotherapy will shrink the tumor and restore some of the ability to do the things she could do before February.

Hearing from so many of you continues to provide a great deal of encouragement. Your kindness and generosity mean more than we can easily put into words.

That is the update for now. We are hoping for a break in the weather this evening as we head into the city for treatment. Thank you for continuing to keep Kendal in your thoughts.