The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines!

On Friday, Michele started her first chemotherapy treatment at UT Southwestern bright and early at 7:00 AM!

Michele’s chemotherapy cocktail is comprised of four powerful drugs, which will greatly aid us in this battle. As Michele told the nurses, it was time to call in additional support from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines (she aptly named her four drugs). You don’t go to war with just your foot soldiers, you need support!

Scott and myself accompanied her and we came prepared: blankets, hats, jackets, iPads, movies, meditation tapes, snacks – you name it, we were ready.

The nurses at UTSW were very nice and walked us carefully through each step of the process. First, they administered multiple anti-nausea medications in addition to atropine, a drug used to counter side effects from one of her chemotherapy drugs.

Then we began the chemotherapy treatment. A few side effects appeared including some muscle twitching but after a brief pause we were able to get the side effects calmed down and finish treatment.

My mom rocked yesterday. I’m not just saying that to pump everyone up. My dad and I witnessed it, for 9 hours.

She took all the medicine they threw at her head on, powered through some initial scary side effects, and finished the treatment. We are extremely proud.

Fortunately, we had some wonderful meditation tapes (thank you Klein family) to help us stay calm and relaxed during the treatment. Then, we proceeded to watch Devil Wears Prada, totally my suggestion. Who doesn’t love Meryl Streep?!

One of the chemo drugs has to be administered through a pump until Sunday and it comes in an amazing fanny pack. Because we didn’t want to be left out, my dad and I picked up matching fanny packs and we all three wore them on our walk today (see picture below).

Michele is resting and recuperating over the next few days, as her next appointment is in two weeks. Thank you to everyone for the countless showings of support. For those that have expressed interest in helping further, we are in the process of setting up a food ordering and delivery service through Central Market Plano’s catering service and will share with you the details shortly!

Together, we can accomplish anything.

“And I know, you’re stronger than that.”

Love,

Zach