Chemo session #5 Report

Each week seems to get easier now that we are familiar with the "ropes".
Blood work stayed all in normal range again and Dennis has gained 2lb these past 2 weeks. He's back at 180 and hopes to get to 185 and hold. He is experiencing stabbing pain in his liver and Dr Grabelsky has decided to move up the mid point scan to next week from later in the month to explore what is causing this. Dennis takes percocet to relieve the pain and it does work well for him. If we can get the scan done early next week we'll try to get to Miami to see Dr Ardalan for his opinion. Dennis is hooked up to the chemo pump until Thursday afternoon and it will be removed at that time.
Natalie returns today after a 2 month study abroad in Spain and we are looking forward to having all her energy surround us and hear more about her adventures.

Dennis writes; With session #4 in progress; I’m hooked up to the Chemo pump today Wednesday and tomorrow Thursday, I am 1/3 the way through the 12 session program and the Doctor, yesterday, was very up on the progress I have made. The swelling of the liver has gone, and with the Dr.’s examination by hand of the liver, I had no pain. I have 8 # sessions more to go, finishing around November. At the half way point they’ll run a cat scan for the look see on how the liver and associated cancer looks. I spent 6+ hours yesterday, Tuesday at the clinic, after I saw the doctor. My usual nurse, ‘Chemical Kathy’ was not on duty so I had ‘Anthrax Anna’ Hooking up the toxins to my chest porthole. This session I have had the usual side effects come barreling back. Hyper sensitivity to cold (anything) (how do you do this program February up North?). Canker sores on the tongue. And the all pervading malaise of lethargy to the 9th degree. While on the anthrax pump, Tue-Wed-Thur it isn’t too disabling, but Fri- Sat- Sun the days after the pump is gone are no picnic. Anyway, It seems we have the cancer on the run, All we have to do is corner the cancer and finish it off and I expect sessions 5 thru 12 to do Exactly that. MK keeps the program goals in focus, even the Doctor mentioned the good work she does to help run down the cancer. Denny.

Chemotherapy #4

Today we felt very encouraged with the Dr visit. Blood work continues to be in the "normal" range and Dennis has seen a 5lb weight gain this past month! Dr. Grabelsky complemented me on my "good" work in that department. Check of the liver size seem to indicate that the treatment is effective and we will do a scan on August 25 to measure how well things really are at midpoint. Chemotherapy lasted from 1130 to 1700 and we are home now with the Chemo pump for the next 46 hr.
We got a new bottle of "magic" mouthwash from the pharmacy formulated slightly different and it should give the mouth sores some relief this cycle.

Thanks for your prayers and support <3

Chemotherapy #3

We met with Dr Grabelsky at 1030 yesterday prior to our chemo session. Blood work all came back in the normal range! It's a relief to see a positive sign. Dr said it seems the chemo is working. We will have a scan done after treatment #6 to measure progress(25August). I was pushing for earlier but Dr Grabelsky feels it would be too early. I will run this by the Dr Ardalan in Miami and see what he thinks. Dennis seems to tolerate the chemo-no hair loss,nausea just fatigue. He had gained 3 lbs so if you come to visit be prepared to do the same! I have learned so much from my sister Jean who is a Registered Dietician in Pennsylvania and we are getting results with her guidance!!

We spoke about our desire to take Natalie and Brian to Wyoming in August to college and Dr. Grabelsky said it should be a possibility. I purchased tickets for 16August-24August. It will be a welcomed break from the treatments.Snowy Mountain here we come!

Our old neighbor and friends Marcia and Randy Springfield are visiting this week from Raleigh,NC and it has been fun looking at old photos and video of our families.

4th of July is almost here and we are planning a cookout with family and friends. I'm sure Dennis will be purchasing fireworks for our at home display!