Chemo Day 1

"Well, today went about as well as you could expect anything like this to go." Said Jeff in a phone conversation to a friend this evening.



He felt tired, but that's about it. He tolerated the treatment very well today. We've been warned that symptoms might start to hit next week, but you never know. They do what they can to prepare you - giving anti-nausea meds first, then the treatment meds. He received both drugs today - Carboplatin also known as Paraplatin and VP - 16 also known as Vepesid or Etopside. He receives both intravenously. Thursday he receives one and Friday he receives the other. Then we're back about every three weeks or 20 days.

They expect some hair thinning, but probably not complete loss with the VP and possible late side effects for them both include decrease in blood cell counts, so he goes in to have his blood drawn, even on the weeks that he isn't receiving treatment. That way they can monitor his levels and assess treatment accordingly. There was a vague comment which I heard as along the times of "When we come to that bridge we'll cross it.". I'm assuming it's another traumatic event, so they don't mention it if they don't need to, or at least not on the first day.

Joe was right, it's not the experience you think it is. It can be pleasant. We made some new friends - the Davis's. And older African American couple who worked in Philly for over 40 years and have retired back home in the South. As Mrs. Davis said "Philadelphia is not some place you want to retire." Being from "The Burgh", I can totally agree. They have a very positive attitude toward treatment and Mr. Davis is a big sports fan, so he and Jeff had a lot to talk about.

I noted today that, other than ourselves and the Davis's there weren't any other couples. . Everyone else came alone and at first I thought I should let Jeff come alone, then I thought how incredibly sad that these people are alone. Nothing really happens, but it helps you at the very least, maintain a sense of normalcy I think to have someone with you. Course the nurse said Wednesday's are slow days so maybe there'll be more people there tomorrow

Jeff will have a change in companion for the next go around, the week of June 23rd, his Mom should be in town the week after VBS. If this is dis jointed, my apologies, I'm falling asleep at the computer while I type, so I'm off to bed.

"the wife"