First Infusion

Yesterday was "The Big Day."  Arrived at St. Joe's at 8:00 a.m. for start of chemo.  After settling into our "suite" (hospital bed with appropriate hospital-equipment accoutrements and fashionable curtain walls), John was prepped to receive his chemo with an IV regimen of steroids, anti-nausea meds, Benadril and yet another blood test.  Two hours and 45 minutes after our arrival, his 4-hour infusion finally got underway.  He received a 3-hour infusion of Taxol, the stuff that makes your hair fall out, followed by a quicker infusion of Carboplatin.  I was on hand to fetch ice cream, tea, juice, lunch -- which came from the hospital cafeteria's deli and was very good -- and work on my stash of saved NY Times crossword puzzles.  John had his very own nurse, Susann, who happens to enjoy exploring the world of wine and making beer.  So the time passed quite quickly as they discussed wine; beer; visiting Howe Sound Brewery in Squamish, BC when Susann and her family head to Whistler this coming week ("Ask for Dave and tell him 'John sent you.'") etc., etc.  So my husband has added yet another female groupie to his entourage of women who think he's an amazingly- knowledgeable  good listener who gives them his rapt attention as they discuss their personal wine preferences.  Little do they know!  Only a wife knows her husbands "listening skills."
After chemo it was on to the oncology department where John hooked up with his new best friend:  His very own 5FU infusion pump.  He gets to live with the pump 24/7 including bathing time, bed time, and any other kind of time for the next six weeks.  I'm not sure how much "other kind of time" there will be with 5FU literally hanging around.  Getting dressed this morning and figuring how to feed tubing through t-shirts, dress shirts, pants, etc. was comical.  And cats Token and Abigail added to the challenge as they naturally think that "5FU" is some new kind of high-tech kitty toy.
After getting hooked up to "5FU" (you know what WE think the "FU" stands for), it was on to a 5:00 appointment at radiation for John's first zap.  We were back home around 6:15 that evening.  Talk about a tough day at the office!
This morning we were back for a 7:30 a.m. radiation treatment.  And I later chauffeured John to work for his 10:00 start.  Since we're not sure how his chemo and anti-nausea drugs will affect him, we thought it best that he not drive until we know for sure.
So far, so good.  But we're just getting started and have been told that some of the more uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea or constipation, mouth sores, etc., don't show up for a few days.  But John's taking his meds to help either deal with or fight off whatever side effects might come his way.
At least now we're into somewhat of a scheduled routine.  Radiation will be Monday-Friday mornings at 8:35.  Every Wednesday will be a picc line dressing change and reloading "5FU" with another week's supply of infusion.  John's next all-day event will be in three weeks.  And, of course, there are interspersed doctor's appointments here in town.
And that's what's happening in our little corner of the world.  Thank you for checking in.  Our love and thanks, as always, to each of you.  You will never know how much your notes, postings, letters, etc. mean.