Hi Debra:
Miracle is the correct word. I have always been very into fitness and nutrition and was in my optimal condition when dx with stage 3C grade 3 ov cancer. Surgery was tough - 7hrs -the cancer was everywhere & 8in of my colon had to be removed. IP chemo started 3 wks after surgery. Continuing to work my home-based bookkeeping/payroll service about 20hrs/wk kept my mind active and kind of kept life more normal. 20% of the time it was a nightmare but, the other 80% was such a blessing to have the diversion. I think it forced me to pull it together when I might not have if I didn't have to. Also, maintaining about 60% of my fitness program at the Y (where I have lots of co-fitness close friends) kept me feeling much better. My family, friends, church & medical team were incredibly supportive and helpful and loving. I would be down for the count only for about 3 days after day 2 (cisplatin IP) - then would begin pulling it together - lightly working out & taking aerobic classes - usually 1/2 of what I was used to being able to do. Nutrition played a very imp part. I would consume these smoothies made of 1 cup soy milk, frozen strawberries & blueberries, a banana and lots of fresh-fround p-nut butter the evening home from chemo, then the next morning (it didn't hit me till about 11am the next morning when I would no longer eat/drink anything till a day or two later-mostly slept for 1-2 days) These smoothies kept my numbers and weight a little more stable. The rest of the time, my diet was all veg as it had been for many years - but by round 4 the IP chemo gave me neuropathy of my colon and I had to do all vegan - which is still the way it is. Not bad - don't mind it at all - actually feel good from the vegan diet. After round 4 & 5 - I asked for an extra week of recovery which worked well for me. My Oncologist liked the idea - even though it dragged the treatments an extra 2 weeks - I think the xtra week recovery period kept the last two treatments from totally doing me in. I was feeling pretty good and strong before each of the last rounds. Apparently it worked so far - I'm 15 mos out with no recurrence. I wasn't it total remission till the end of the 5th round - so I sure do believe in the IP. If you have any further ques - I'm happy to share all experiences I had. I now have a ministry of helping women here thru the treatment by visiting and calling, etc. Good luck!!! Hope you're mom does great! It's a very hard treatment - the hardest from what I've since learned - but doable. I will keep your mom in my prayers. Love, susan