Wednesday, October 25, 2006
CHEMO DAY.....
We spent the day at the Cancer Clinic for Rocky’s second chemo in this series. It was a rainy, drizzly and dark day…..the news inside wasn’t the cheeriest either. Rocky’s CEA had climbed to 66 from a 22.5 two weeks ago. This long into the treatment we don’t panic over the numbers when they head in an opposing direction. We have learned that it doesn’t mean we’re losing the fight, just prolonging it.
Dr. Suzi told us it could be a number of things, one being that when cancer cells die they release a lot of protein into the blood, which would make the numbers elevate. There were several other factors but this one seemed the most logical to me. At any rate Rocky had his second chemo of this particular series, also the Avastin and a booster of some kind.
It takes about 6-hours for the I.V’s to empty and with the lab work, visit with the doctor and hooking the port up with the I.V.‘s, it is a long day. Rocky is blessed with the ability to sleep through anything and the well padded recliner is definitely an invitation. He naps while I enjoy a whole day of sitting and knitting by his side…… family members are welcome and actually encouraged to sit with their loved ones.
I am surprised at the number of patients who are dropped off or else the person bringing them sits in the waiting area outside the chemo area. I guess people handle things differently…..but I am a very “hands on” kind of caregiver. I want to be informed and on top of what’s going on so I can better understand and execute treatment when we are home. A good support group is the best medicine for any grievous ailment.
We will resume the Integrated Medications tomorrow since Rocky is over the nausea of the past two weeks. Three pills that cost $100 apiece take care of the problem……and no, we didn’t have to buy them. They were complimentary samples left by salesmen from drug companies. No matter how dismal the journey may seem at times there are many reasons to be grateful.
He wears a “fanny pack” home each time containing chemo which will empty into his port until Friday morning when it is taken off at the clinic. For Rocky, that’s the worst part of the treatment. He finds it cumbersome to work around and especially sleeping with it. He has found an impasse by laying it on the nightstand next to the bed and sleeping on one side all night. Whatever works!!
We are happy to learn little Brady came through today from a most difficult surgery and is doing well. Mom and dad are recuperating after the long ordeal. He’s a brave little boy who will have a normal life due to excellent medical teams that have access to the latest technology. ……….
Essentially Esther
Dr. Suzi told us it could be a number of things, one being that when cancer cells die they release a lot of protein into the blood, which would make the numbers elevate. There were several other factors but this one seemed the most logical to me. At any rate Rocky had his second chemo of this particular series, also the Avastin and a booster of some kind.
It takes about 6-hours for the I.V’s to empty and with the lab work, visit with the doctor and hooking the port up with the I.V.‘s, it is a long day. Rocky is blessed with the ability to sleep through anything and the well padded recliner is definitely an invitation. He naps while I enjoy a whole day of sitting and knitting by his side…… family members are welcome and actually encouraged to sit with their loved ones.
I am surprised at the number of patients who are dropped off or else the person bringing them sits in the waiting area outside the chemo area. I guess people handle things differently…..but I am a very “hands on” kind of caregiver. I want to be informed and on top of what’s going on so I can better understand and execute treatment when we are home. A good support group is the best medicine for any grievous ailment.
We will resume the Integrated Medications tomorrow since Rocky is over the nausea of the past two weeks. Three pills that cost $100 apiece take care of the problem……and no, we didn’t have to buy them. They were complimentary samples left by salesmen from drug companies. No matter how dismal the journey may seem at times there are many reasons to be grateful.
He wears a “fanny pack” home each time containing chemo which will empty into his port until Friday morning when it is taken off at the clinic. For Rocky, that’s the worst part of the treatment. He finds it cumbersome to work around and especially sleeping with it. He has found an impasse by laying it on the nightstand next to the bed and sleeping on one side all night. Whatever works!!
We are happy to learn little Brady came through today from a most difficult surgery and is doing well. Mom and dad are recuperating after the long ordeal. He’s a brave little boy who will have a normal life due to excellent medical teams that have access to the latest technology. ……….
Essentially Esther
