Yeah, yeah, yeah.....I know, I know....it's been way too long since I've kept everyone up to date on the goings on with Dad. My apologies. There's not been much time lately. I've been a neglectful blogger. Anyway, let me bring everyone up to speed.....
Just today, Dad was disconnected earlier this evening from the latest infusion of Folfirinox. This weekend was Round #2. In two weekends, March 29-31, he will undergo Round #3. He will undergo 4 rounds total, and then the team will run some tests and scans to see where things lie.
So on Fridays of these chemo weekends, we pretty much spend the entire day in Baltimore in the infusion center, receiving the most toxic of the drugs first, Oxaliplatin, followed by a combo of others. (If you research this Folfirinox, you'll see it is a combo of several different chemo drugs, which are introduced into the system over a 3 day regimen.) We've typically been finishing up on these Fridays around 5pm or so. By the time we get home, the in-home nurse also gets to the house; she hooks Dad up for another 46 hour infusion of the rest of the ingredients of the recipe that constitutes Folfirinox. Having this in-home treatment has been very convenient.
I'm sure as you're reading this blog, and perhaps also reading up on this chemo and the side effects, your question is, "How's he handling it?" Honestly, he's been a ROCK STAR! I am truly amazed with how well he has tolerated the stuff. The other meds he's been taking during the treatment have really curbed the nausea. He's had very little of that. I know that's always a big concern. He's had a serious case of the hiccups both times. (He's actually hiccuping beside me right now.) Bowel issues have cropped up, but eventually "work out" (literally). His feet have been tingly. Overall, though, he has done very well. There has not been a side effect that he says he cannot handle. But you all know him, he can tolerate a lot. His appetite has been very healthy, so he's been able to continue to enjoy my mother's yummy cooking, which has helped keep his weight up.
Just to share some indicators of truly how well he's tolerated the treatments, everyone should know that he played 8 holes of golf last Sunday. He also worked with Mom to get the yard raked and cleaned up for spring. The warm weather, and being able to be active has encouraged his energy level. He's doing what he wants to do, and for those of you who know him, that's important! In fact, I originally scheduled the treatments to begin the weekend of Feb. 22nd. However, that schedule conflicted with his social calendar. Who knew? Guess I need access his Google Calendar more often. Yeah, he had already made plans with the super-awesome neighborhood folks that ARE my parents' family to attend an all-you-can-eat (and beer to drink) oyster feed on Feb 24th. He didn't want to have to haul around the chemo pump that day, but more importantly, he wanted to be able to partake fully without feel sick. Awesome, isn't it????
Today we had a great visit. It's been several weeks since Sam has been around. They enjoyed a little bit of time with him, to include a heated game of "Go Fish!" Matt set Dad up with a new email address. If you've missed your daily emails from Dad, then please send Dad an email to jhans1941@gmail.com. This will be the email address that he will be using from now on. If everyone sends him a message, it will save him from having to copy his contacts into ....... oh wait, actually it will save ME from having to copy his contacts from his First Action Team address book to the gmail one. Just kidding (sort of)! Seriously, please send a little message to him. I know he'd love to hear from everyone and get connected again.
Please keep those prayers coming. Yes, I believe my dad is an amazingly strong man who can tolerate a lot, but I also believe the power of prayer has also played an important part of each day. We cannot thank everyone enough for your continued support and love.
Time to get out the door back home. Much love to all......Jen
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