We were able to go for a short visit and dinner to our sons house - 30 miles away. Third and fourth day after chemo - body aches but feeling pretty good. Pills of nausea helped that situation but caused constipation which he dealt with for a few days.
December 20 - Paul had his first chemo treatment. Premeds for allergic reactions and nausea made him sleepy so he slept a lot through the four hours of taxol/carboplatin. I stayed in the room with him - watched tv - they gave me a lunch tray. This was at the VA hospital in Syracuse, NY. Everyone was kind and helpful.
I drove home and we both slept a good night sleep.
I was the only one anxious. Paul was fine. We got there about 8 a.m. and he went in about 9 a.m. and finished by 10. They gave him Versid and pain meds. No problems - went well - no pain. As usual he was hungry and ate a big breakfast before we left for home at noon.
This port will make chemo treatments and blood draws so much easier as his veins are hard to find and deal with.
Tomorrow is his first chemotherapy treatment at the VA hospital in Syracuse. They are a special group of nurses and doctors there and he will be well taken care of. I will hang out and give support, etc. Just hoping side effects are minimal and we can celebrate Christmas as planned.
Happy Holidays!
December 5 - Dr. Palozzi was impressed at how well Paul tolerated the radiation with very few side effects and obvious improvement to his breathing. He said there was "shrinkage" but a little early to know the final results as radiation continues to work weeks and months after finished.
Dr. set up date for implanting a "port" in Paul's chest to administer chemtherapy treatments. Treatments start on December 20 with one each month for probably 4 months. After a couple treatments he will have tests done to see how well the treatments are working!
Here is Paul walking Penny - his main form of exercise - going to get the mail....
November 19 was Paul's first Ct scan after radiation. Doctor will get results and we will know at his next appointment to what extent the radiation has worked or is working - radiation continues to "work" for weeks after and sometimes months. His only side effects have been a little "burn" area on chest and back - doctor gave him cream for that.
He is more fatigues which is to be expected but nothing serious. Otherwise, he feels much better, breathing better, etc.
Veterans Day!
We celebrated the day by going out to dinner with our oldest son and family. My husband spent 20 years in the Army, two years in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart. We are very proud of him.
We do not have any results of the radiation yet - officially. However, we KNOW it worked - to what extent we will find out in a couple weeks. Today official results did not matter. Paul feels great, did not need oxygen to get to the restaurant - ate a big meal but brought enough home for tomorrow.
Attitude is good - happy is good and state of mind is everything.
Each day is very special!
Happy that Paul's last radiation treatment is over. They gave him a cute diploma! They are so nice there. One girl said, " hope we never see you again" (not here anyway!).
Side effects are minimal - sunburn looking skin on chest in both spots and little on his back. Throat dry and a little uncomfortable but no pain. Some intermittent short pains in his chest which will get better. Some stomach upset but not all the time.
He will return for checkup 4 weeks - which means November 19 is CT scan and December 5 appointments with both VA oncologist and radiology oncologist.
We are going to try and relax until then - do other appointments - dental, etc. and spend some time with family.
More after results! Probably chemo next!
