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.
Soooo happy to hear of the continued progress... in a positive direction! How special, indeed, to be able to go with Cher and Todd to the 20 week ultrasound.... and SEE your grandson! I'm sorry to hear that Leland is having to shave his head, after all... but .... it's a temporary thing after all :D I could knit him a stocking cap! What colors does he want? I remember when my niece, Dana was going through her chemo... she wore this cute little "pixie cut" wig, but soon after Dan and I got married, and at Pam and Chris's wedding....her hair had started to grow back... she had "peach fuzz... and she discarded the wig altogether... it was too warm to wear by that time! (June in Omaha and D.C. )
ReplyDelete