Dad started getting the shakes late last night. Shakes being that he couldn't hold on to anything & had weird twitches in his body all night & most of today. We found out today that it is a very rare (yep, shocker, it happened to dad) & very bad (develops into other severe conditions) side effect of 1 part of the chemo (iso-whatever) he is receiving. He is supposed to get 3 doses, but the dr. canceled the last dose (that was supposed to be administered tonight). When they administer his 2nd round later this month, they will do a lower dosage & hope that eliminates this side effect.
Each time he had testing done, his body was lacking something...it was potassium tonight, so he had to drink a nasty tasting supplement. The nurses say it's typical for most chemo patients to be lacking the potassium, though.
He did eat today. Ate some pizza, ate eggs & cereal for breakfast, eating lots of chocolate boost pudding (was good the first day, now he just chokes it down b/c it is high in protein & that's the most important thing for dad to be eating), ate a burger & green beans for dinner. Unfortunately the food is starting to lose all appeal & the nausea is rolling in steadily. He was nauseous most of this evening - even w/the medication (curbed it for awhile).
Needless to say, it's been a rough day.
Dad will be released Monday afternoon - as long as tomorrow & Monday morning go smoothly. Let's pray for this! Again, thank you for understanding & not calling mom & dad. Mom will call or I will let you all know when dad is up for visitors. Unfortunately, it may be awhile.
4 comments:
Being the technologically-challenged guy that I am, it took me a couple of days to realize that there was an opportunity to comment on the updates! I know, even my limitations on the computer look impressive compared to yours, Ro!
I'm so sorry to hear about the side-effects of the chemo. I know that you are fighting and if anyone can overcome frustrations like this, you can! I wish that I could bring you a doughnie right now and that you could taste it and enjoy it for all it was worth. I'm going to do that again sometime soon!
We had the Sumpter Christmas party tonight at Wendy Duplessis' house, and several people mentioned how they were thinking of you guys and praying. You still have a big fan club around that place, Ron...I don't know if it's the memory of your boyish good looks, or just images of the "Yellow Book Road", but you are a LEGEND!
Ron, one positive thing did happen today: Oregon State did NOT have a basketball game!
Bless you guys! Car
We hope it will be of some small boost or comfort to know that our hearts are with you daily. We are following along with you in your struggle. We know your experiences with the gruling last miles of The Griz' will help you endure this current physical and mental challenge. Barry and Betty
Hello, Ron, Kathey, and Torey, much valued scribe: We are reading the blog postings daily and grateful to be able to share in your daily journey, albeit from a distance. Torey, thank you for your diligence that allows all of us who love your Dad dearly, to be there with him in our thoughts (and in the back of my mind I'm wondering how to raise my two sons to be equally dedicated to their parents!). Wendi and her daughter joined us at our home yesterday for an Advent gathering. We shared with our guests some of our wonderful memories of RC, outdoor school, basketball win-streaks, covering the house on Piccardy Lane with toilet paper. Ron, you brought smiles and laughter to all in the room! What a gift you have! fondly yours, Tina
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