Thursday, January 10, 2008
January 8, 2008 - hair loss day
Family Christmas - December 29th...
Paul drove to my niece's house 100 miles north of here to have Christmas with my family of 34. He did well and I drove home.
Paul is eating well and gained a few lbs. which he does not need to do. No real side effects except aching and fatigue! He does lots of resting!
Christmas 2007
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.
First chemotherapy treatment
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.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Port implant - December 19...
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!
First trip to oncologist after Ct scan
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....
CT Scan
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.
