Last Tuesday, Kathleen's port was surgically implanted without any complications. It was (is) sore and uncomfortable, but the decision to have the port was a good one. Kathleen's first chemotherapy treatment took place on Thursday, May 18th. We arrived at Dubuque Internal Medicine at 9am and commenced treatment at 2:30pm. Afterward, Kathleen felt very "drugged-up", was dizzy and nauseated. She received several anti-nausea drugs, which helped alleviate most of the symptoms, but not all. The next day, we returned to the office for a shot of Neulasta, which helps boost Kathleen's white blood cell count. We've been told that this is a "wonder-drug" and should keep her from infections and fever.

After several days of a bland diet and lots of rest, she is feeling a little better. The nurses told us that Kathleen will feel fatigued through day 14 of the cycle. Days 15-21 should provide her with more energy until day 22, when she will receive chemo treatment #2.

Overall, we are holding up ok. We've had a lot of help at home and the support from family and friends continues to be amazing. Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers, cards, e-mails, notes on the website and so much more. We feel the love and support. Please know that it is helping us get through this difficult time. As always, we ask that you continue to pray for Kathleen to be completely and permanently cured from cancer. Also pray for her to tolerate the side-effects from chemotherapy and eventually, radiation.