Treatment Has Begun

After an eventful end of the week we are happy to report that mom's treatment is going smoothly as planned. Thursday night she didn't sleep too well, mostly because of a drug she was given made her feel a little loopy as well as it was her first sleep in the hospital. The Hickman port was successfully put in on Friday and her first round of chemo was administered that same day. All of the IV's have caused a lot of bruising on her arms, which is a bit painful for her but this is healing nicely as well. The Hickman will thankfully prevent this from happening again in the future. Most of us were able to visit with her throughout the evening. She has also been able to visit with a few of the grandchildren, which she loved!
This morning John (her brother and stem cell donor) came to the hospital to receive his first of 5 injections that he will receive daily. Thankfully the next 3 shots can be administered at a clinic closer to his home in London. The last shot will given again at Juravinksi on the donation day. Mom was able to visit with him for a few hours, which she really enjoyed. He will not need to return to Juravinski until next week Wednesday when they will begin harvesting the stem cells.
Mom was also able to visit with my boys Jackson and Austin this morning. Since they are both not fully immunized, once she goes into full isolation (next Wednesday) she will not be able to visit with them. We had a lovely visit and Jackson loved seeing Oma again (he is the only Grandchild allowed calling her Oma!). Each of us children and Dad got to visit with her today, which was great!
This afternoon she received her second round of chemotherapy. She generally feels well after receiving it, she mainly just gets tired and has bad taste in her mouth.
Tomorrow Mom celebrates her 61st birthday! We thank the Lord for all the many, many rich blessings He has shown her through the years! She hopes to have a quiet day and in the evening we plan to celebrate as a family together at the hospital.  
Please continue to uphold her in your prayers. We pray that things may continue to go smoothly. Each day she will be feeling the effects of the chemo and will become more and more tired. Please continue to pray for Dad as he continues working and adjusting to life at home. All of your prayers, calls, emails and messages are very much appreciated.

This Bible text reminds me of mom very much. She has been joyful and full of laughter, which is wonderful to see! 
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25