Starting Second Week

kimmygarland
kimmygarland Member Posts: 312
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Week 1 went incredibly well. All lab work was good and meds kept discomfort at a minimum. Most bothersome issue was the pain from the Nuepogen shots (for WBC count).

Today at chemo doc increased the dosage (last week he did a smaller dose to ensure his kidney's could handle) so he's now at 60 mg once a week.

Radiation, to this point, has been uneventful but we know what's coming. We figure he has another week or so before the pain starts. At least this time he has the tube and will not have to worry about trying to swallow (he can't swallow anyway after the operation).

Funny thing happened at chemo office today. His treatment time was 5 hours (pre meds, hydration, chemo, etc.) and after about an hour his nurse told me to LEAVE... she said I am taking care of him and I have your cell phone number. If we need you or he wants you he can call - now go. You must take care of yourself and when he's in here he is in good hands. I was kind of offended, but then appreciative. Bob was all for it, so I came home and took a short nap and played with the dog!

Thoughts and prayers to everyone who is going through treatment.

Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    Nurse was right.........
    You did need that break, and I'm glad you skipped "offended" and moved right into "appreciative"... :) I'm sure puppy enjoyed it, too!!

    I started having Greg drop me off in front of the building...at first he was SO insistant that he go up with me, get me settled...make sure my laptop is plugged in, my water glass is full, etc etc just for the 2 hour amifostine drip....and for me, just having him take me, pick me up....then take me to rads everyday is SO darned appreciated...It's tiring for him, I know. Bob has you...another GREAT caretaker...I'm sure he appreciates you so much for all that you do...it makes his heart feel good to see you get a break.

    I'm glad he tolerating the meds...did his Onco tell him about Clariton for the Nuepogen shots? I haven't had any shots yet, but did buy Clariton for when my time comes. Supposed to work on the bone pain.

    p
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    Doing Well...
    Sounds like everything is coming along well.

    I can understand your mixed feelings concerning the nurse. I know my wife would have been definitely demanding to stay initially.

    As my treatments went on it became less and issue as for popping out for a few to pick up lunch or run an errand or two.

    But in reality also, I always let her know that if anything were to happen, what better place to be.

    Best to you guys, thoughts and prayers for success.

    John
  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #4
    Skiffin16 said:

    Doing Well...
    Sounds like everything is coming along well.

    I can understand your mixed feelings concerning the nurse. I know my wife would have been definitely demanding to stay initially.

    As my treatments went on it became less and issue as for popping out for a few to pick up lunch or run an errand or two.

    But in reality also, I always let her know that if anything were to happen, what better place to be.

    Best to you guys, thoughts and prayers for success.

    John

    Great nurse!
    I agree with what everyone else was saying--that nurse was awesome! :-)

    I always feel weird in chemo because I'm usually the only one there alone. My boyfriend offered to drive me (and probably will for a couple weeks later on, when it gets rough), but for now I actually think of it as "me time." I sit with headphones on and play a game on my laptop (I'm a video game designer). I make sure it's a game I'm really looking forward to, and the time just flies by.
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #5
    kimmy
    it is important that you marshall your energies. during both chemo and rads I insisted my wife not attend unless shw had to. I drove myself for every appointment. My logic was that if I encountered disability I would need her to function for both of us, so it didnt make sense for her to burn her energy unnecessarily.


    Pat
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #6
    longtermsurvivor said:

    kimmy
    it is important that you marshall your energies. during both chemo and rads I insisted my wife not attend unless shw had to. I drove myself for every appointment. My logic was that if I encountered disability I would need her to function for both of us, so it didnt make sense for her to burn her energy unnecessarily.


    Pat

    good advice but hard to take
    I'm glad you got away, kimmy. Take these opportunities when they are presented.
  • kimmygarland
    kimmygarland Member Posts: 312
    #7
    Noellesmom said:

    good advice but hard to take
    I'm glad you got away, kimmy. Take these opportunities when they are presented.

    Thanks Everyone and HEY PHRANNIE
    Phrannie - he has taken the Claritin dose every day with shot and it's not seeming to do any good but we will keep trying. Is it just a regular dose or higher dose?

    Thanks everyone for the encouragement. He had a rough night last night but is a little better this morning.
  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #8
    kimmygarland said:

    Thanks Everyone and HEY PHRANNIE
    Phrannie - he has taken the Claritin dose every day with shot and it's not seeming to do any good but we will keep trying. Is it just a regular dose or higher dose?

    Thanks everyone for the encouragement. He had a rough night last night but is a little better this morning.

    Kimmy
    Hi Kimmy,


    Been following you guys on here. Just wanted to say - make sure you take care of yourself and I'm sending some good mojo for recovery for hubby!

    Greg

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