Update, September 30

Four months ago, on May 27, Allison received her diagnosis of breast cancer. How far she has come, how much she has learned, and how much her life has changed in those 4 months!

Allison had her last chemo treatment of Round 1 on Tuesday. She is glad that this stage is over, as the last 3 weeks have been very rough. Her blood count got so low that she was very close to needing to be admitted to the hospital. She has learned--the hard way--that even running children here and there is enough to knock her completely off her feet. Thank you so much to those of you who have taken on driving the kids where they need to be. That is such a help to all the family.

Allison's plan for the coming three weeks is to lay really low, rest as much as possible, and steer clear of anyone who might be carrying germs (that, she says, is a losing battle with 5 kids in the house...she may have to lock herself in her bedroom). She's definitely in "taking care of Allison" mode, as she should be. Today, she will be receiving a shot to help maintain her blood count. Because of her low count the last couple of weeks, this shot will be 7 times the usual strength.

In the coming 3 weeks she will have another echocardiogram and a series of other appointments to get ready for Round 2 of chemo, which will begin October 20 and continue for 12 weeks. This round will have two new drugs, and she will receive one treatment per week. She's told that this round of chemo does not include the "highs and lows" as far as how good or bad she will feel. But, of course, she won't know how she will react until it happens.

The meal plan for the next phase of chemo will be to have meals provided for 3 to 4 days (Tues-Thurs or Tues-Fri) each week. Email will go out in the next week or so to start lining up meals. As she progresses into the 12-week cycle and knows what her needs will be, this plan may be adjusted. Thank you to everyone who so willingly provides meals! We had enough volunteers for the last round that we could have provided two meals each night. You are all wonderful!

Every time I talk to Allison, she expresses her utmost appreciation and gratitude for all the support that she and her family have received. It is truly a blessing to all of them to have their needs taken care of during this time. Thank you!