(Note to readers: Sometimes I post on the blog, too. If you’re looking for more of my posts, they can be found under the category “Stine Thoughts” on the list to the right.)
I’m happy to report that Brian made it out of his first chemotherapy treatment yesterday afternoon, and so far, it’s not as bad as we thought it was going to be! We have been told that his side-effects will get worse over the next few hours and days as the medication he was given through his IV wear off, and the next few days should be interesting to watch. The entire treatment took about three hours, but the nurse told us it will go faster once he has a chest IV port, and we get used to the routine.
The day started with us heading out on a few errands near the Group Health in Seattle, and then we arrived at the hospital a little early. That gave us time to head to the pharmacy to pick up the medication he will need today, and then we had a light lunch.
As we got closer to the treatment check-in time, Brian got more and more nervous.
"Maybe if I just sit here quiet and still, no one will make me actually go through with this." - Brian
Once we arrived at the “Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic”, a fantastic nurse with a New Zealand accent checked Brian in, gave us a tour, and started the process. Because Brian does not yet have a chest port (due to his apparent hemophiliac tenancies), the nurse started an IV in his hand, and we were off to the races!
Cancer Patient? Or... um... cancer patient?
After 5 minutes of chemo, he still had his hair! Bonus!
We heard from several people who have been through this before that it is important he stay hydrated during the chemo treatment to flush his system as quickly as possible after treatment. Brian took this information to heart.
All of that hydration did as nature intended, and he ended up using the restroom facilities several times during the three hours we were there. This was a little awkward, because he had to roll a large cart of IV’s and equipment along with him as he went to the bathroom.
The fluid in the IV's runs right through him.
To start, they gave him an IV of anti-anxiety drug, and anti-nausea medication. This got him into a relaxed state of mind, and after 45 minutes of chemo, he ate a snickers bar while watching Cash Cab on TV. After an hour he took a nap, and slept through most of the rest of the treatment.
He slept solidly on the way home, and woke up long enough to get into the house and onto the couch. He slept on the couch until his sister Tanya came over at about 8 (hi, Tanya!), and then went back to sleep until about 10. Then he had some popcorn, watched TV, and went to bed.
So far, so good. He has several medications he has to take at various times over the next few days, but so far it’s not as bad as we were thinking. Of course, things will change as his body is subjected to more treatments, and after he loses his hair, and after he has had his immune system challenged for a while. Only time will tell how he reacts over the next few days, but I’m hopeful, and Brian is in good spirits.
I’ll post again soon, but right now I have to go cut up little pieces of cheese to hide his pills in.
Brian, you hang in there and take deep breaths, your going to kick this cancer. Christine, you are doing a great job with the posts. I was lol when you went to cut up more cheese. I am thinking of you both and praying for a complete recovery.
Hey Brian and Christine! This is awesome! (To fellow readers no I’m not insane and rude – I’m a past celebrator of the Chemo celebrations). Be sure to keep on the meds for this first time. If he keeps responding well and not feeling too bad then by cycle 2a or 2b you should be able to “play with the meds” a bit more to see if he needs them the full 3 and 4 days, respectively. The best news of all (especially if he continues to feel pretty decent today) is that this first treatment is “setting the stage.” For the most part your body responds the same way to the chemo each time (although for me i started relating things to the chemo and it took me a good 9 months before I could eat egg salad again – that was mental though). Your immune system will get beat up more each time, but the physical response stays pretty standard – or can even get better as you adjust to what it is like.
We keep praying, are here for whatever you need, and I’m dedicating a lot of my time on my bike for you guys!
lol stine.
Thanks for the update Stine. To continue with the analogy from yesterday, it looks like Brian got a decent fellowship set up and moved on to site 2.
Brian, your father tells me you are strong, store your strength permit the family and friends too carrier the load of the world. Believe in your faith. PS: EAT THE CHEESE
I just welled up in my school computer lab. And I should note this is not a large, expansive UW-style lab. It’s a claustrophobic little room with a dozen computers and at least 13 people at any given time. The person to my left just stopped mid sentence which I took as her noticing my warbling. I love you guys. Lots.