Mon., March 30: first outpatient chemo

This is going to be a long day after all.

Even though the hospital gradually increased his drip (on Rituxan) to watch or side effects, the outpatient clinic will go through that slow process again -- luckily just this first time. Then about an hour on the other med (tomorrow is only the second med, hooray).

Rather boring.

Tues. March 24: Hair Irony

As I was going home from my hair appointment today, Mike called and exclaimed, "My hair is coming out in clumps! We have to cancel our friends visit tomorrow."

Honey, we knew the hair would go. And not that it matters, but the friends are coming the day after tomorrow. They don't care about your hair.

Mon. March 23: Mike is doing well

Bendamustine.  That is the chemo drug taking the place of the more toxic (and four days) combination. I will call it "Ben."  

Mike will have a half day of Rituxin next Monday. Then "Ben" will be about 90 minutes on Tuesday. Three weeks off, and do it again. 

Not to be misleading, however, because the effects can be as tough as any other chemo.  We still expect Mike to lose his hair over the next month. The treatment will tire him, and he can have a variety of gastric issues. And yes, it will kick this cancer's butt!

For nerds, why the change?  The first lab report said the stomach biopsy was type 3, large B-cell, aggressive; and the bone marrow sample type 1, small call, indolent or slow growing.  OHSU said type 2, intermediate, with type 1 in the marrow. Doc says, "We're going with intermediate. And the treatment has lower long term risks for him at his age.".   

Friday, March 20: yes, outpatient chemo

We will get more details from the doc Monday, but the medical assistant was able to tell us that Mike can have outpatient chemo instead of being in the hospital for a whole week every time. 

I'm a wee bit worried we could be traveling more.  Oh well, we will see.

Mike is doing very well.  He's had a little bit of mouth soreness, taken care of with some food changes and a baking soda + water swish.

March 16: First post-chemo appointments

Yes, today was hard on Mike, as he is in the "nadir," the low point of his blood counts (boo, expected).  But not so low he needs a blood transfusion again (hooray).

The doctor is still waiting for two reports. One is from OHSU (a chromosome report, I think).  I've forgotten the other.  Depending on the results, Mike might be able to do outpatient chemo instead of hospital inpatient!  R-CHOP instead of R-EPOK.  

Wednesday and Friday will also have quick blood draws and possible blood transfusions.  Otherwise, some good rest is on tap.

Today's gratitude: we have always been a good team.  We will continue to treat each other kindly. 

Thurs March 12: home

It feels so good to be back home, and the last eight days were -- were they real? We have three days to adjust, then a flurry of three appointments Monday.  Mike is likely to start feeling sapped of strength by then, unfortunately.  

I might not be posting for a bit, just because there won't be anything to report.

Today's gratitude: we really enjoyed today's great weather, with more on the way tomorrow.

Weds, March 11: home tomorrow

Two bags of red blood cells today.  When he discharges tomorrow, Mike will go to the oncology office for a shot to boost his white blood cells.  We were told it's cheaper that way than doing it in the hospital. 

By the end of the day, Mike was basically disconnected from stuff, except for the PICC which will stay in.

Mike did lots of walking today.  Visit from Brooke and Kylea.

Phone call from his cousin, whose answering machine contained Mike's message, "Well hi there.  Just wanted to let you know I have cancer.  Give me a call!"

Not much else to report.  We expect things to get uncomfortable within a week, and excuse me if I don't report the details.  What's that you say, thank you? Why, you're welcome.  

Yes, he will lose his hair.

Today's gratitude: blood donors.  I donated at the Salem Red Cross on Monday.  So if you are part of the 60% who can, please think about it.