Second Chemo (Regimen 2)

July 11

I'm at home on Day 3 of being infused with chemo on the Third chemo session of Regimen 2.  So what happened over the past two weeks during the Second session:

So same experiences at the clinic with respect to the cold sweats: they really start coming on near the end of my infusion on site, and then the continue for the remainder of the day and well into the night on that first day. I basically was awake until 1AM until I felt somewhat comfortable enough to lie in bed with towels underneath me.  Several cold changes over the night.  The sweats start to subside by Day 2. As happened during the first session, no jaw pain on Day 2, so perhaps that is a thing of the past.

Over the course of the next two weeks, there were good days and bad days (sometimes good hours and bad hours).  The neuropathy came on really strong, which was surprising to me as I thought it would start going away, and not get worse.  However, I've since heard that the new drug Irinotecan, while not increasing any of the previous side effects, also does not do much for healing of those side effects, so I should expect the neuropathy to hang around a bit.  I have to get Karla to open certain things and cutting fingernails has become a chore, but I'll deal with it.

I think the toughest thing is knowing that I am not going to get a break from chemo, and will continue to be on these two week schedules for the near to long future. I am scheduled out to September now and will just keep plugging away.  I can work, and I can do some chores around the house, but I just have to take it slow and not overdo things.  I am forcing myself to take naps on work days and that seems to be helping.

The family is all well.  Graeme is starting to sleep for longer periods at night, which is giving Karla some breaks.  He really is a great little boy.  His favorite spot is the baby swing, which has a mobile suspended above him.  He laughs and giggles a lot in their, more so than when he is held by Karla, Amarilis or I. It's really cute. Isla is fascinated with Disney's Frozen, and can't stop talking about Anna and Elsa.  She watches the movie frequently and insists on Frozen books before bed.  She and Amarilis are making full use of the complex's pool each day, and she has made many friends there, which is great.





I think I'll write a separate blog over the next few days to express my thoughts on the World Cup.  It has been thoroughly entertaining, to say the least.  And for all of you who send texts and emails, thanks so much.  Sometimes it takes me a while to respond, and I apologize for that, but know that I love to hear from all of you, especially as some of us are so far apart.


Love to all of you.

Andrew