Routine has returned to the Smith household and there is some solace in knowing from one day to the next what will happen. Last Thursday I went to the NW UMC clinic for my first round of chemo treatment, given intravenously. I have a port-a-cath surgically inserted near my collar bone, making it much easier for the nurses to get all their lines into me relatively simply - the poke still hurts. The medication has become far less complicated although I've added Lovenox injections - blood thinner twice a day and Tarceva -an oral chemo drug. And then the big daddy, Gemcitabine, once a week while at the clinic. The nausea pills are still there, although I've grown fond of some that seem to work better. Chris gives me the shot and is doing a great job. It's finding fat in my tummy that is the hard part - the site for the shot. (There has to be something said for such a problem but I can't think of it just right now.)
The main side effect for this round has been fatigue, always sleepy and easily out of energy. Today, I painted the front door, and watched it dry most of the day from the couch - my kind of day.
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You painted one door, then sat around to watch it dry...you are now officially qualified for a new job in government....hey, maybe you can join a union now!
ReplyDeleteSeriously big bro, I knew it would just be a matter of time before you started back into your Mr Fix It routine....just stay away from the lawn mower...
You know, now would be a good time to teach that old dog some new tricks too...well, something other than hearding. If you tie a paint brush to his tail, Sir Harold the Nutless could probably paint the whole house in two hours - provided you have enough left overs to inspire him!
Keith, you don't know me personally but I have come to know you somewhat through Chris. I just want to say I am sad about what you are both going thru but also awed by the strength of your commitment to one another. No words are necessary, and things are ok, when you know your other half is by your side.
ReplyDeleteI am going thru a similar circumstance with my husband and our strength comes from the peace of knowing we can live and love each other through it every day
oh, and by the way, our door needs painting too. I promise to let you watch the paint dry.
Keith I have been told that you are up and getting around. I would like to stop by the house to see both you and Chris. I miss you and hope that you are in good spirits. My dad also sends his best as he was just in town and left on Sunday. Tony, ANtoinette and I are paraying daily for god to give you the strength to contiue to get through this storm. You have a huge cheerleading team out here in the "social work" field and we are rooting for you and your family. You are a true winner and I know this is a battle that you will win!!! I hope to see you soon.
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