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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Round 2

Today was the first day of  'cycle 2' in Dave's chemotherapy regime. It was a full day, but it went by quickly.

They did his weekly bloodwork and said everything looked good there. Then we spoke with our nurse to discuss any side effects and concerns and then we spoke with the oncologist. (His regular oncologist, Dr. Dingle, was away and we saw Dr Parent instead.) We asked for the results of his brain and bone scan and she went to get them. She came back and said, "OK. Well the brain scan found a brain, so you're good there. Nothing to worry about." Woohoo! She said the bone scan showed a 'non-specific lesion in his L3' (third lumbar vertabrae) which apparently doesn't necessarily mean anything. Bone scans will show everything and all damage he's had over time. He's had lower back injuries and back problems going back a number of years ago and it's likely related to that. At this point we're not concerned about it.

Next we waited for an opening in the chemo suite and a friend showed up to visit briefly with a HUMONGOUS happy face mylar balloon, a devotional, and some goodies for Dave. This balloon was seriously huge and quickly cheered up our little corner in the chemo suite. Thanks Jeannie! (We brought it home, and our dog Brady was terrified of the thing! We have it floating around in the living room now and he seems to be getting used to it. He periodically just looks up at it, but doesn't seem afraid of it anymore.)

The LRCP has pagers that they give you to to let you know they're ready for you. That way you can wander through the atrium, visit the library, check out the fish tank, or go to the Tim Horton's on site. It's convenient. The chemo suite itself has portable dvd players and headphones to use if you like. You can bring your own movies, or choose from their small (very small) assortment of movies. Dave watched a western, and then read the paper. I made some phone calls, and read.

After treatment we picked up Dave's anti-nausea meds from the pharmacy and then headed on our way. (There are 2 anti-nausea meds that he has to take for 3 days, and then after that he can take some as needed.)

Dave says the drugs give him a chemical, kind of toxic feeling. He felt pretty good the rest of the day and has had a good appetite, but is just now starting to feel a little nauseous. He also has to drink a ton of water to reduce the side effects over the next few days, so I don't think he'll get a great sleep tonight. But, you never know!

Thanks for checking in and for caring!  :)

Val

5 comments:

Candy said...

Hey Dave and Val!
Glad to hear they found Dave's brain! I always knew he had one. :) I am SO happy to hear that there is no concern over those scans. Praise God! I am also glad to hear Dave has a rather normal looking head. I had thought of shaving mine in a sign of support however I have a rather disgusting head with many divets and bumps. Seriously - I am so happy to hear how well everything is going (relatively speaking) and am praying hard for you guys! I hope Dave is feeling well enough this weekend!
Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

GREAT news about the brain and bone scans...many, many prayers answered.

Keeping your family in prayer.

Have a super day.

Phyllis C.

Anonymous said...

Dave Richards you are truly an inspirational man! My family and I continue to pray and wish for you every day. Continue the fight, as I know you will, and face this head on. Your courage and great will is what makes us all love you. Continue the posts for others to seek the same determination and motivation that you have! I'll be reading!

Aaron Adkin

Anonymous said...

Kay, Val - the bit about the balloon is pretty funny! Poor Brady...funny how they can be scared of a harmless balloon but way too confident around hazardous things like skunks! ;-)

I enjoy reading your blogs - it makes this whole thing clearer, easier to understand the daily things you are going through especially since we don't see each other regularily throughout the week.

Praising God right now for the clear brain scan - not to mean that your brain is "vacant" Dave! lol Continuing my chats with God and this all helps to have some good specific conversations with Him about you both - so thanks!

Love you guys!
Mel

Jessie Zellas said...

Wow! Great news on the scans. Sooooo happy for you. You are right about the bone scans showing everything as mine could tell me about all the arthritis I have (getting old). I have said this before, but you are both an inspiration to everyone. Take care, stay strong, keep smiling, and we will continue with our daily prayers for you.