Spa Day

Might I suggest to everyone who is struggling with pancreatic cancer right now, patients and caregivers alike, to stop everything and run to your nearest spa.  The pampering alone is so very uplifting, but the massage is like a healing balm.... Pure Bliss!

Mom and I had the luxury of our very own Spa Day last week.  We made an appointment at Cold Water Creek Spa for their Ultimate Pedicure:

After arriving we were escorted to the back and chose our polish color:

We were asked to fill out a medical form (mom's was long...) and then the therapists took us to the back and the pampering began!  They settled us into relaxing loungers and tucked us in with warm blankets:

Lights were dimmed and the music was soft and soothing.  After a heavenly foot soak, they leaned the chairs back, adjusted the pillows, covered our eyes with a cool mask and started the foot and leg massage.  Simply blissful.  No other words to describe it! And that medical form?  Helped them address any issues we had, such as mom's swollen legs and ankles.  Her therapist worked wonders on the edema without undue discomfort to mom.  I know next to nothing about acupressure and pressure points, but I do believe we got our first lesson during this massage.  The release of tension and euphoria of such boneless relaxation made me completely forget the camera (pictures wouldn't do it justice anyway!).     

The relaxation was utter and complete.

The stress and tension of dealing with a terminal illness is insidious and relentless.  Those who are there understand completely.  There is no escaping the daily assault.  It is physical, it is emotional and it is spiritual.  No escape. 

But moments of rest.  A brief respite to relax.  That was the beauty of our spa day.

The ultimate pedicure only lasted 80 minutes.  But they were the best 80 minutes of our day!  We walked out of the Spa both relaxed and refreshed.  Not to mention, we walked out on beautiful, pampered feet!

I think we'll be "walking" right back there next month for a repeat performance!

Peggy's on the Line

It's been a few days since I've checked in... All's well! Guess we've been out living life instead of writing about it :) But really, I have to be honest, it's all my internet's fault. It's been spitting and sputtering at me for the last 3 days. We are in a love/hate relationship right now. I've tried to keep my feelings bottled up. But they spilled over when "Peggy" answered the technical support line. Things did not go well... I'm typing fast, because you never know when our fragile connection will be severed by the fickle wi-fi box.

So, here's the update. Fast...

Mom has felt really good all week. You go, steroids and marinol! Her appetite is so much better! No vomiting and barely a touch of nausea. Pain under ribcage is still somewhat a bother, but pain meds are keeping her comfortable.

Yesterday was pampering day at the spa... Ahhhhh.... Such indulgence. A bit of shopping and Olive Garden for dinner. Good day.

Today was our weekly appointment with Dr. Davis and chemo. Mom's good friend and neighbor, Pat, came along and helped us laugh the afternoon away. It would have been mom's 3rd round in this cycle, however her platelets were again too low (77). But, Hallelujah, her tumor marker was lower too! Down to 282. Making progress. Other blood work was within norms, but with platelets so low, Dr. Davis called off chemo this week and she just got fluids, Decadron and Kytril. Good combination. We will start a new cycle of Gemzar next Thursday. He was also unruffled by the increase in mom's pain. He doesn't feel it's the cancer spreading, more likely some "irritation" from the stent in her bile duct. Will be watching it carefully, but relieved for now.

Also, good news, for all you weight watchers out there. Her weight gain has been steady and she is now back in the triple digits! Yea! And to continue the trend, we stopped at Central Market today and picked up all sorts of delectable treats. Pumpkin bars, cranberry muffins, russian black bread, lingonberry jelly, bread pudding and creamy mac-n-cheese. Please don't call the nutrition police. We know it's an odd assortment, but it all packed calories and yumminess. We'll get healthy tomorrow and eat our greens!

Of course, I may be eating chocolate, especially if this internet crisis lasts much longer! I have pics to upload from these past days, but the computer-internet wheel has ground to a halt and won't budge no matter how much coaxing and stomping I do. Even the dogs have taken cover under the couch... smile...

Ok, maybe time for a good long walk outside! Breathing deeply of the cool, crisp night air. Tracking a shooting star. Releasing tension bit by bit. Trusting the God of this vast universe to care for the aches of my heart and frustrations of my day. Seemingly trivial to anyone else, but completely significant to Him. Just what this harried soul needs tonight...

Whisper a prayer of thankfulness for all that has been good in your day. My gratitude overflows at mom's continued stability in the face of this aggressive cancer. From God's Healing Hand, we're given physical relief for this day, soul-satisfying peace for tonight, and the promise of the Start-over, Washed clean, Neverending, New Mercies for a New Morning. What Grace...