The Machine

Some days all I want is for the machine to function. By the machine I am referring to the family schedule. If I just oil everything properly, get the kids fed, out the door, walk the dog, go to work then the "mechanical" routine maintains my forward momentum. I am careful not to look back at the wake left behind by the morning routine (a messy kitchen, a table littered with dishes, towels and clothes on the floor).  Most days I can handle the job of House Manager-Scheduler-Mechanic.

Sometimes something breaks. Someone is sick and the domino effect begins. I have to slow down. Shift gears. And it alters my misguided belief that forward momentum equals progress.

Today, let progress be to sit still, nurse a sore throat and read a book to my child. Progress. So be it.

My New Coif

I’m sporting my new look. Not all my hair is gone yet; I’m transitioning with a short-shaved cut. I thought I’d have an irregular, egg -shaped head but I was happily surprised (and relieved) that my head looks normal. The best comment so far came from Rylan’s friend Rees. “Mike, why did you shave your head? You look like an alien.”

I want to say a big thank you to Christi Carlo for taking photos and to John Chuck for styling my new coif.

Ch-ch-changes

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.