We left for the hospital at 7am, and were back home somewhere around 3pm. It was a long day in a slight way. But mostly, we kept it light-hearted and we kept it full of smiles. We needed to. We were strong on the outside, but still a little shaky on the inside. This is big time now. This is real. And we're in the real whether we want to be or not.
There were a total of six different IV drips, all taking different times to wash through Rob's body. Two of those were very large bags of water, to help flush out his kidneys. One of the chemo drugs he received can cause permanent kidney damage, so they really try to flush it out to help protect the kidneys.
We took a lot of pictures to document this day, so we can look back at them and remember it all. Rob kept his sense of humor, as always, and joked a lot with the nurses and with me. We talked, we laughed, and sometimes, we just looked deeply at each other. Quietly and instantly exchanging so many conversations that we just couldn't say out loud.
Once the actual chemo drugs started, they were causing spasms in his mid arm. He found if he held his arm up, the spasms weren't quite so bad. The second chemo drip was much more painful, causing bad spasms in his arm... but he was really strong through it all. And kind. And gentle. As always.
We were blessed that Rob did really well last night in terms of side effects, with this first dose. He very quickly developed that common metal taste in his mouth, that almost seems to worsen when he tries to drink water or eat food. By the look on his face, I wish I could make it better for him. He added some of the Mio water enhancer, which helps a little bit. But the metal seems to overshadow any other tastes.
Last night Rob started showing signs of confusion, really struggling for words in our normal conversations. And that continued througout today, too. He's also had slight nausea all day, but is controlling it with meds. He napped several times as the fatigue always wins over energy lately. He is sleeping beside me right now... peacefully. I like to see him at peace, without those worry lines he tries to hide behind his smiles.
They say his platelet count will be at it's lowest about days 14-21, and I know that will take it's toll on how he feels. But I hope not. We meet with the oncologist every Tuesday so he can be monitored, and will have his hearing screened every 6 weeks to check for hearing loss. And then the chemo is each Thursday. It's too much sometimes. Too much to know, and to much to remember. But God is lifting the burdens and wrapping us securely in your prayers. And at this moment in time, all things are good.
We are keeping people away right now, throughout these rounds of battle, and keeping Rob away from the public as much as possible. The unfortunate thing about chemo killing the cancer cells, is that it also kills all of his good cells... his immune system, his ability to fight off infections. He is already at a higher risk from having the surgery, and we don't want to take any chances. We are constantly washing our hands, sanitizing the handles and knobs and tops of all things touchable. I am doing my best to protect him. And it never feels like it's enough. But I'll keep trying.
I want to be witty and wise, and fill you in on details, but I've already fallen asleep while typing this at least 5 times so far. I am usually up so much later than this, but I am fully and completely exhausted this snow-filled night. So before I type some indistinguishable thought, I will wish you an evening of fulfilling rest, and a tomorrow that gives you heart-fulls of smiles.
This is a beautiful song my daughter shared with me recently by Beckah Shae, called "You & I." I find it beautiful, wrapping me in things I need to be wrapped in. I hope you enjoy it, too:
http://youtu.be/k7jEQ8TovA4
In Love and in Ever-lasting Peace,
Cheri ♥
The biggest problem with the chemo is avoiding pneumonia. The hospital is so full of germs. Being nice to the staff is a nice thought, but protecting Rob is more important. You really havebto keep an eye on the nurses and techs to make sure they wash theurbhandsbwhen entering the room. They usually are overloaded andbin a rush and I can't tell you how many times I caught nurses not changing gloves, I have a latex allergy, and I would have to fight with them to take of gloves, wash hands and put on latex free gloves. Now all over my rooms it said latex allergy, yet they wiukd come in wearing latex.
ReplyDelete? Also it is cold up there now and my father in law had chemo in Il and it was cold and rainy and he got pnuemonia.so if henis going out bundle up and put a scarf around his nose and mouth. Also wear a mask in the hospital and if you hear staff coughing insist they wear one too. Better to be safe and alive. Don't mean to be pushy but I have been through this several times and I care to much to not share what I have learned. Love and oraying for all of you