Our Chemotherapy Specialist, Dr. S., and his wonderful clinic nurse Heather, eased our minds this morning with their kind words and gentle manner. Most people fear radiation and chemotherapy because of the rumors regarding the uncomfortable side effects. Side effect management has come a long way over the last few years.
We’ve mentioned before how thorough these people are – at times we are overwhelmed with information and literature. We need time to digest it all before we try organize our thoughts and relay all that info into a post for you to read.
Regarding the chemo itself, which they just recently decided to incorporate, will act as an enhancer. The low strength and minimal doses that he will receive will intensify or complement the radiation with very few side effects. The numbers that the Dr. used on a scale up to 100 – Most patients receive 90-95 twice or 3 times weekly. The Cowboy’s number on that scale would be about 30 once a week.
“Cisplatin, also known as Platinol or CDDP is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug classified as an alkylating agent. It interferes with the growth of cells and is very effective in treating cancer.”
While they will be monitoring him very closely they’ve also educated us on how to manage these side effects. They now administer anti-nausea drugs with radiation and chemo treatments. He also doesn’t need to worry about hair loss. Except when we were back (way back) in our teens I can only recall The Cowboy without a moustache once. He lost it in a poker game . . . I told you it was a long time ago.
He may experience numbness or tingling in his fingertips or toes. It could also affect his hearing slightly and I’m not sure how we’ll ever gauge that. He suffers from that ailment that most men have called ‘selective’ hearing.
He may also suffer from fatigue. Fortunately for us and our life style he will be able to rest any time he needs to. Their biggest concern is that he stays hydrated at all times.
It was a month ago that The Cowboy was undergoing the biopsy procedure and on Tuesday his treatments will begin.
According to the Provincial guide lines in Ontario the average wait times for neck cancer surgery is 170 days or about 5-1/2 months. We are convinced we are where we need to be. We hope you are too.
There are a lot of times that I know I’m too factual in these posts but I feel compelled to form my thoughts into sentences and put it on paper before I lose my train of thought. As I get older that train seems to be getting faster and shorter.
Chinese fortunes are a lot more interesting if you add 3 little words to the end . . . ‘in the bedroom’.
Try it.
The Cowboys read: Listen to everyone. Ideas come from everywhere . . .
Mine: Love is a warm fire to keep the soul warm . . .
Our WiFi signal is very weak right now so I apologize because this post may not get posted tonight.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog.
Also a Big Thank You for all of your wonderful kind comments and messages.
Prayers go up and Blessings come down. Thank You for yours.
You are going to be so glad you posted these details later on. You will be able go back and remember the important things that you might need in the future. And they definitely have come a long ways on the side effects. Lots of prayers going up.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely prayers going up for you and the Cowboy. Glad you are getting the needed treatments without the long delays.
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at your "...in the bedroom" game. As kids my sisters and I used to sit and go through the hymnal during boring sermons. After the title of each hymn we would add..."under the bed." It was hilarious and our giggles often got us in trouble.
So many people thinking of you and Cowboy and wishing you the best. My brother-in-law had very few side effects from chemo, and he's finished this month! I hope Cowboy does just as well. They really have come such a long way to avoid unpleasantness.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted. I may not always post, but I read to keep up on how you're doing. Your great attitude is an inspiration.
I like the bedroom game, too. Funny how little things lighten the load.
I didn't realize I wasn't a follower. Sorry for the oversight, but you show up in my reader. I'll never figure all this stuff out!
ReplyDeleteFor more information about this app, visit the
ReplyDeleteofficial site of MP3tunes Locker. Additionally, guitarists should learn as many songs as possible to build their repertoire.
In the end, students would have acquired the skills and
knowledge to improvise on the spot.
my webpage; Top 20 Music Weekly