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James, along with Cindi's advice to be sure your mom gets supportive therapy for low white blood cell counts, I would highly recommend pushing for red blood cell supportive therapy also. They will want to wait and see how your mom's blood counts respond to the first several treatments.
I have had chemo off and on since '99, and this year received Arenesp for the first time, for low red blood cell counts. I was amazed at what a difference it made in my energy levels and sense of well being. Greatly improved my quality of life. There has also been some discussion on the board lately regarding "chemo brain", and AlaskaAngel has a very intriguing theory about the possibility of low oxygenation (low hemoglobin levels mean less oxygen) being a primary contributing factor in this side effect. I don't know if there's any data out there about this, but I plan to start researching it, as I believe I've come through this latest regimen in very good shape, cognitively speaking.
I think sometimes insurance companies are sticky about covering these support therapies, so make sure the billing office has all their ducks in a row.
Love and Best Wishes to Your Mom,
Lolly
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