Oncology Update

Well, we had our appointment with the oncologist today as a follow-up from the first chemo treatment last week.  We'll be meeting with her every Tuesday for at least the next four months.

After waiting for an hour and a half in the waiting room, and Rob blood-letting four tubes of blood, we finally had a chance to talk with the doctor.  She was able to answer some more questions we had about vitamins and OTC's, and we talked about side effects and test results and upcoming appointments.

An older pic, but my same view this evening.
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Rob is, all in all, doing rather well.  Although it is much quieter now in our home than it used to be.  I generally like the quiet.  But sometimes, this is more of a quiet fear place.  I don't like it there.

Rob is tired, he sleeps a lot, and he is in thought, deep, a lot.  He is sleeping on the couch next to me now, sitting up, with the cat curled up on his arm.  She's never far from Rob.  She's his little shadow.  Or rather, he's her big servant.  It works both ways. :)

Rob is having some lingering difficulties with nausea, heartburn, other digestive problems, fatigue, memory recall issues, and today, there was a small bloodclot in his urostomy bag (which the doctor is keeping an eye on).  We were given some remedies (more drugs) to help him.  Some are working.

Rob has lost a few more pounds.  He is struggling with the feeling that he's not as strong, physically, as he was.  I am assuring him this is just temporary.  I am believing that.  I know it's hurting him to see me taking out the trash and shoveling the snow and putting gas in the car... I can see the mental-wrestle in his eyes.  I am assuring him it's all okay, and it's all temporary... in the big picture.  I am a strong woman... just tell me I can't do something, and I will try really hard to prove otherwise.  Not always a good trait, but it's gotten me through many years when I needed that mindset...  When I needed to convince myself I could do something that I really didn't believe I could.

On a side note, I must say that we are becoming very proficient at handling the surgical changes.  We seem to be quick learners.  We are a team.  And it's all going to be okay.

Chemo day number two is Thursday.  He handled the big dose very well according to his bloodwork today.  The next two treatments are only with one of the two chemo drugs.  Then the next big-dose day will be at the start of round 2 (and 3, and 4).  I hope all these days go by fast.  But slow, too.  Fast in terms of the treatments and drugs and side effects.  Slow in terms of being together in this time.

So, we march forward in hopeful promise.  Armed in peace and wrapped in prayer.

And surrounded in His grace and love.

Always.  Forever.

In Love and In Peace,

Cheri ♥