Well managed days
It is nice to provide a quick, low-intensity post. To all reading, thank you again for journeying with us.
I wonder if I ever read this again what my experience will be. I expect, that it will be an emotional roller coaster and perhaps this is your experience reading along. This last month has been the most intense of our lives, some days are just plain difficult and painful, others are quiet as we wait for next steps, new phases of experience. In all the days I think I live in a constant state of vigilance, my guard is always up, until something knocks me over. Yesterday, was a quiet day, a day of calm in this storm. My hope is that today will be as well.
Reflections on May 18
Learning lessons from the day before the current medication plan for Sam is working. He has not had anymore nausea, and when he has some pain (e.g. muscle ache, headaches) we are on it quickly and medicines are quickly made available. All-in-all, it was a quiet day. We played some video games, got down the hall for a walk, and played a board game.
Concerns and victories
Rest: we all need it. Last night was far better than the previous days as fluids are not being pushed on Sam. We still need to find more rest.
Side effects: we have have learned some lessons and are managing current side effects well-enough. Other side effects are expected. I expect that Sam’s mouth will be more sensitive as sores develop, these sores could extend all they way through his digestive track. Chemo-balding is also expected.
Potential for secondary infection: One of the effects of the chemotherapy is a reduction in Sam’s blood counts. The medical team can manage reductions in red cells and platelets, but they cannot manage reduced white cell counts. As such, Sam will be more susceptible to colds, flus, or whatever is floating around. We will likely move to a mask-up and wash-up protocol before entering the room.
Ultimately, that this intense treatment is effective at removing the cancer from Sam’s body.