Let the bounce back begin. The five days of chemo is incredibly intense, but it’s just scratching the surface. The first few days after chemo are actually even tougher because his body adjusts to not having the chemo treatments and deals with the effects of all the drugs. I won’t sugar coat it at all – today was the toughest day so far (for both of us) – right up there with the original diagnosis day.
Tom & I had to be at the hospital this morning so the surgical doctor could check his port (typical protocol about a week after the surgery) and to get a shot from the oncologist. Essentially this shot helps his immune system rebound (he has no immune system after chemo because his red/white blood cells are so low) as quick as possible. This shot is great to help prevent major infections but it comes with a price because it creates the feelings and symptoms of a flu for a few days following. We ended up being at the hospital a bit longer than we had anticipated because Tom was having a tough time and had a few scary episodes. Thank goodness we were at the hospital as they were able to quickly help us in a very scary situation. Despite an unexpectedly eventful morning, we got home mid-morning and Tom was able to sleep and recover.
Here’s hoping we turn the corner tomorrow and have more of a “normal” week before the next round of chemo. One other important tidbit we learned today? I’m a terrible wheelchair driver. :) Until next time...
Tom & I had to be at the hospital this morning so the surgical doctor could check his port (typical protocol about a week after the surgery) and to get a shot from the oncologist. Essentially this shot helps his immune system rebound (he has no immune system after chemo because his red/white blood cells are so low) as quick as possible. This shot is great to help prevent major infections but it comes with a price because it creates the feelings and symptoms of a flu for a few days following. We ended up being at the hospital a bit longer than we had anticipated because Tom was having a tough time and had a few scary episodes. Thank goodness we were at the hospital as they were able to quickly help us in a very scary situation. Despite an unexpectedly eventful morning, we got home mid-morning and Tom was able to sleep and recover.
Here’s hoping we turn the corner tomorrow and have more of a “normal” week before the next round of chemo. One other important tidbit we learned today? I’m a terrible wheelchair driver. :) Until next time...