I am sitting in front of a lovely fire which Leland built earlier this evening and in front of which we also had our simple supper of soup and toast.
Leland had his 11th treatment this week, and so far seems to be feeling better than last week, more energy, enjoying the taste of food more, doing some chores and able to enjoy projects on his computer. We talked to his ND Oncologist regarding the taste problem, and she told us to get Zinc Picolinate, 20-30 mg and take it once a day. So we did that yesterday and it seems to be helping already.
He lost a pound last week, but all his blood work is fine. We borrowed Del and Chuck's clippers and gave him the "Chemo-Haircut" - very short. But not short enough, so more will have to come off on Sunday with the new clippers we got while in town. He has lost a lot of hair and has some pretty bare spots especially on top, so it really does look better short. Will probably have to really shave it in a couple of weeks or sooner. He was dreading it (as he told me afterward) and so was I, but really keeping it all in perspective, bald for a time is really not a big deal. We laughed about it and I offered to shave mine too, which he declined-can't say I am sorry about that!
We returned home via Portland this time, in order to go with Cherilyn and Todd to the 20 week Ultra Sound with them. What a special time that was-getting to see the baby already fully formed and functioning. We could see his little face -yes I said his!-arms, legs, hands, spinal column, brain and heart along with a very clear picture of his little "peter". Cherilyn recognized it first, and said "It's a boy!" Could see him moving around a lot too. We were all thrilled to find out he is healthy and a boy. Todd and Cherilyn couldn't stop smiling, and neither could we. Due date is March 25 or 26 and we are planning to be there!
We came home to a nice clean house, so all we had to do was unload our things, put away the groceries and unpack, which did not take long. Thank you Cherilyn and Todd for the gift of help you have given us, and thank you Del for doing such a great job in all you do. We have so much for which to be thankful, in addition to Leland feeling better, and our tiny little grandson, it is Chaunda's birthday today, and she started her new job this week.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Nov 2, 2012 10th Treatment
This trip was special as Del and Chuck came along with us, and we went a day early so we would have a day to do other things in the area. We drove up on Monday and spent Tuesday taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island to see our dear friend Jackie who has had a stroke. She is in a very nice rehab center there, and progressing very well. It was good to see Wes, her husband who has been staying there in Paulsbo with their son so he can see Jackie every day.
It was a very wet and rainy day in Seattle and on the Island. Waiting for the ferry we could see the tops of the skyscrapers shrouded in misty fog. We were interested to see the Washington State Patrol K-9 unit working the waiting cars, each one being sniffed for explosives. The dogs are extremely well trained and the teamwork between them and their handlers is amazing.
We were all glad to have Chaunda for our driver all day as she is not only fun to be with, she also knows the area much better than we do.
After seeing Jackie and Wes we explored a little of Bainbridge Island going to Indianola to see the new home which Chuck's brother and his wife recently purchased. It is in a charming neighborhood dominated by hundreds of very tall fir trees and attractive homes. We then took a different ferry back to Edmonds and meandered south to Seattle where we ended up at the Pikes Market. It was just closing so we did not see much, but we were all tired by then and ready to rest.
Leland's treatment was Wednesday morning as usual. The chemo is beginning to affect him a little more each week, and he is not feeling quite as well as before. We saw a PA who assured us that the side effects he is dealing with are temporary, and will recede when treatment is over because the supplements he is taking are protecting him from permanent damage. His sense of taste has been affected the last couple of weeks; his food does not taste as good as good to him as in the past. He says it is the oral equivalent of having a semi-sheer veil over one's eyes. But even with that, he was up another 4 pounds, for a total of 16 pounds restored. The smaller clothing we bought a couple months ago is getting snug on him. Shawna, the PA said that is a very encouraging sign. There will be two more treatments, then another round of tests to measure the progress made. The Oncologist said that realistically he should expect to need another 6 treatments, but the test results will help to determine that.
Thank you Chaunda for spending a whole day driving a bunch of senior citizens around-you did great :). And thanks Del and Chuck for going along and sharing your company with us. We always enjoy doing things with you. We are blessed with family who are also friends!
It was a very wet and rainy day in Seattle and on the Island. Waiting for the ferry we could see the tops of the skyscrapers shrouded in misty fog. We were interested to see the Washington State Patrol K-9 unit working the waiting cars, each one being sniffed for explosives. The dogs are extremely well trained and the teamwork between them and their handlers is amazing.
We were all glad to have Chaunda for our driver all day as she is not only fun to be with, she also knows the area much better than we do.
After seeing Jackie and Wes we explored a little of Bainbridge Island going to Indianola to see the new home which Chuck's brother and his wife recently purchased. It is in a charming neighborhood dominated by hundreds of very tall fir trees and attractive homes. We then took a different ferry back to Edmonds and meandered south to Seattle where we ended up at the Pikes Market. It was just closing so we did not see much, but we were all tired by then and ready to rest.
Leland's treatment was Wednesday morning as usual. The chemo is beginning to affect him a little more each week, and he is not feeling quite as well as before. We saw a PA who assured us that the side effects he is dealing with are temporary, and will recede when treatment is over because the supplements he is taking are protecting him from permanent damage. His sense of taste has been affected the last couple of weeks; his food does not taste as good as good to him as in the past. He says it is the oral equivalent of having a semi-sheer veil over one's eyes. But even with that, he was up another 4 pounds, for a total of 16 pounds restored. The smaller clothing we bought a couple months ago is getting snug on him. Shawna, the PA said that is a very encouraging sign. There will be two more treatments, then another round of tests to measure the progress made. The Oncologist said that realistically he should expect to need another 6 treatments, but the test results will help to determine that.
Thank you Chaunda for spending a whole day driving a bunch of senior citizens around-you did great :). And thanks Del and Chuck for going along and sharing your company with us. We always enjoy doing things with you. We are blessed with family who are also friends!
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