Phase 2 of chemo begins

No more anxiousness due to the anticipation of chemo...Roger started phase 2 this morning at 11:00 a.m. The day actually began before that - 9:00 am for blood work, then radiation, then we met with Dr. Birhiray, the oncologist. He seemed very very pleased with Roger's progress and how well Roger is holding up throughout this process. Dr. B attributes it to the fact that Roger was so healthy going into this. Though Roger himself feels pretty puny, his blood counts are coming back up...so Dr. B said to go ahead with chemo (much to Roger's dismay). We talked to the doctor about the genetic test results which allegedly reflect that Roger does NOT have the cancer gene. Dr. B flat out said, "I don't believe it" to which Roger responded, "neither do I". We asked if, on the outside chance, Roger DIDN'T have the genetic mutation could he possibly avoid the surgery (the biggest part of this marathon)...we didn't get the response either of us wanted. "No, he should still have the surgery." Not the answer either of us wanted.



A high point of the morning is that we happened to overlap our visit with the same older gal with the "magic wand" mentioned in an earlier post. This morning we were able to chat a little with her, her husband, and their daughter while we all waited to see Dr. B. They make the trek up from Bloomington, IN for the treatment. Good people. Loads of fun to talk to. The woman has this joy of life that seems to radiate off of her. As we all got settled into our respective areas of the oncology infusion area, I could see her big burly husband dig in her bag and produce the infamous magic wand as mentioned in a previous post. It was absolutely silly and perfectly charming as he waved the wand over his adorable wife and then came to our little corner of the room and waved it over Roger. He didn't worry about looking silly or what anyone would think. He only cared about what his wife thought and she was tickled pink and giggling away. He also wanted to spread good cheer and positive thoughts...which he did mightily. I'm guessing they both must have been late fifties/early sixties. We learned today that its her last day of treatment. She has been fighting ovarian cancer for 5 years -well outliving the "you've got 6-12 mos" from her doctor - further proof there HAS to be something to the power of positive thought! Her energy, cheeriness and general good nature are an absolute inspiration and completely contagious. We were exited to be able to see them again today. The other reason we are excited to be here today is that she'll get to "ring the bell". You see, when each patient finishes their last round of treatment, he or she, reads a plaque on the wall and then rings the bell above it signifying the completion of treatment. Its another one of those magical moments when the room stops and smiles and claps for the patient. We've been here one other time the bell was rung. Its a great moment. It will be a great moment when Roger rings the bell.

Today's cocktail for Roger consisted of seven bags of chemicals/medicines, chemo, loads of anti-nausea and anti-vomitting medicines, potassium, and then general saline. Its a whole bunch of stuff to pump into anyone in a month's time, let a lone 8 hours. Through the course of the day his color faded a little and he ended up sleeping on and off. The numbness in his fingers quickly returned. We're hoping the other symptoms don't return. Time will tell.

The focus this week - getting the nourishment, food and drink, into Roger's system. He's still able to eat but needs to concentrate more as swallowing is getting tougher. We'll try to keep doing an evening walk until his energy is gone.


We've been having fun watching videos recommended and/or loaned to us by many of you. The current series we have been watching is Band of Brothers. Gotta tell you, normally I really don't enjoy war movies/shows...this is the exception. We're both addicted to the series! Set in WWII. Its really well done. We highly recommend (thanks Chris G for the loan).

The schedule for the balance of the week will be daily radiation, and IV fluids & anti-nausea/anti-vomiting drugs at the oncology center. Roger has his pump which is continually flowing the second chemo drug for the next 96 hours. He has an uber fashionable (NOT) FANNY PACK inwhich to carry it. We both have laughed about this new accessory of his. Poor guy. As if the chemo weren't bad enough.. :-)

We'll keep you updated with the treatment process this week. Keep sending those good strong vibes Roger's way.