Hair today. Gone tomorrow.

Week 3

I made it through my first chemo cycle. I checked in to the hospital last Thursday and returned home Easter Sunday. I had a private room with a tv. I tried to stay busy during the day with work and walking the halls. Julie and the kids visited for dinner and a movie at night.

In preparation for daily chemo, I was given about 8 pills one hour before treatment to minimize the nausea. The chemo treatments took about 2.5 hours each day and were delivered intravenously.

The nursing staff at OHSU is great. I didn’t have nausea but I did get indigestion from the treatments. They gave me yogurt to help with indigestion. After returning home, I felt tired and didn't have much energy. I started feeling like myself again by Wednesday.

I am very thankful for all the support.

Bolshevik Soup

Despite the first round of chemotherapy, Mike has retained his humor - and sarcasm. 

I tried to make him some comfort food.  Red lentil, ginger soup (thanks, Jennie, for the fabulous recipe).  It's a beautiful, brightly colored soup full of fresh ginger and topped with feta and cilantro.

I did make a few errors along the way, some things got burned including my finger.  I blended the ingredients at the wrong stage; the lentils shouldn't have gone into the blender.  It ended up looking like baby food. 

Mike took no interest in dinner and referred to it is "bolshevik soup."  Whatever that means.  I admit it wasn't pretty or as tasty as Jennie's version.  I now have 5 quarts of soup in the freezer.

Week 2

Another week closer to being cured…

Last Friday, I had a bad reaction to the clinical trial drug. I am on the highest dose for this trial and I developed a severe rash. I stopped taking the Sorafenib for one week but will be back on it tomorrow at half dose. It looks worse than it feels.

I have started my chemo treatments - today is day 2 of my first cycle. I am feeling good. I ordered "Susan D's Lunch Special" - pbj sandwich on white bread, Lay's potato chips and a Coca Cola. It hit the spot.

Friendships Made in Oregon

Last week, we met my brother’s neighbor who just completed 6 months of the same treatments Mike will have. We have so many questions about what to expect that it was good to eliminate some of the unknowns.

We talked for two hours about his experience, the side effects and how to he coped during the process.  It was both humbling to hear his story and sobering to know what is ahead.

Both B and his wife have offered support over the next six months.   We are so thankful for the support of new friends, old friends, coworkers, neighbors and family.   Thanks to you all.

Deep Breaths

Anxiety is on the rise.  Last night, in an effort to slow dinnertime questions and rapid-fire commentary from the kids, Mike asked everyone to take a deep breath, sit quietly and take in the smell of our dinner.   After 2.5 seconds of silence Jacqueline observed, "Cucumbers don't smell and my nose is stuffed."  Laughter makes for good medicine too.

Week 1

I am through my first week of taking the trial drug Sorafenib. I started medication to reduce high blood pressure caused by the trial drug. Other than minor side effects, overall I am feeling great. It feels a little weird how good I feel now and to think that I’ll start chemo that may make me feel ill.

We are working on the man cave in the basement. I’m preparing for some serious relaxation and restoration. I have been trying to cut back on sugar and eat healthier but I sure miss the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that Ellen brings in to work.