Michelle and the grandkids came in Tuesday afternoon and have helped brighten the house. Michelle has pitched right in and taken care of dinner preparation and kitchen cleanup.
Cheryl is understandably a bit nervous about what she is facing today. She took Dexmethasone, a corticosteroid night and again this morning. We have several other medications that she will need to take in the coming days as well.
We are hoping to get more details and gain a better understanding of what to expect in the coming months when we go in today. Pray for peace and calm for us both and for the chemotherapy to be effective.
I will do an update this evening after we get home from Savannah.
Evening Update
Cheryl got checked in at the Anderson Cancer Institute (part of Memorial Health) at noon. She wasn't taken back to the therapy suite until 1 PM. They started her on fluids, anti-nausea and other drugs in preparation for the chemo. At 2:30 they started the bag of Docetaxel. It took a little over an hour to run. At 4:00 they started the Carboplatin. This bag ran for about about an hour as well. She had to wait for a half an hour after they finished the chemo before she could be released. We are very thankful that she showed no reaction. The infusion nurse said that normally, if you don't have a reaction during the time they are injecting the chemo you won't have one later.
Both drugs were administered through the IV port on Cheryl's upper chest and did not use the IP (abdominal) port at all. We were given a few things to watch for and instructions for anti-nausea drugs over the next few days. The nurse said that Cheryl may have some days where she is full of energy and others where she feels totally worn out. No two people react exactly the same, even to the same drug combinations.
We didn't get home until nearly 7PM. Michelle had a nice meal prepared for us when we came in. Cheryl gets to go in and watch the Vikings/Saints game with her feet propped up. On the bright side, at least it is football season while she is having to take it easy.
Pray that the chemo will have the desired effect of stopping the cancer and that Cheryl will have no or only minimal side-effects over the coming days.
We are praying .. thought you went in yesterday so we were praying all day then to.. maybe we prayed you into today lol. We love you and know this will be hard whatever you need we are here for you. love the powells
ReplyDeleteI, too, thought it was yesterday and was praying. But, now I'm praying today concerning the chemo! Knowing this will not be easy but trusting that the Lord's grace will see you through. Remember, no matter how bad you feel, or how hard this is...HE will never leave you nor forsake you. Standing with you in prayer, Cathi
ReplyDeleteCathie I think you have said this eloquently. Also, standing with you in prayer~the Walls', Gerstner's and Haus' households.
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for you daily Cheryl. I'm so glad we're being kept up on your daily trials and progress. I'm also glad that you have Michelle and the grandkids there with you. My prayer has been for peace and comfort along with prayers for no pain. We continue in prayer for all of you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that as of this posting Cheryl did not have any reactions to the first round of Chemo what a tremendous blessing. Love you and am constantly in prayer for you. Rachel
ReplyDeleteI am praying that the chemo will have the desired effects and that you will experience little or NO side effects from it. I am also thanking the Lord that you experienced no adverse reactions to the chemo today! Praise the Lord; He remains faithful! Enjoy the ballgame! I've watched part of it but I've given in to a good book I've been reading...it's calling me back...;>)
ReplyDeleteVery thankful for the update. God answers prayers. :-)
ReplyDeleteso glad to know Michelle and the little ones are there with you, I know how happy they make you! You are all in our thoughts and prayers, stay strong Cheryl...you can do this! I miss your cheerfulness. Love you!
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