We learned something yesterday...
Chemo is boring.
Boring, however, is not that important when you consider its effectiveness. :)
Zach had his first round of chemo yesterday and things went very smoothly. For those of you who are not familiar with the process, chemotherapy consists of several medications that are administered through an IV drip that is connected to Zach's port. The medications are given one at a time, two of them being very quick and two that drip for hours...they're not painful and Zach said he couldn't feel them at all. All in all, it's pretty "vanilla" as far as medical procedures go- the only slightly exciting thing about chemo is that it temporarily turns your urine red....which I find incredibly amusing and Zach shrugged off as if it were completely normal. Go figure. I guess he's probably seen weirder things at work!
The day was a long one...we arrived at the oncology center at 9:30 in the morning and left just before 5, right when the nurses were leaving for the evening. So if you're wondering what we did for almost 8 hours, I'm going to tell you: we read magazines, chatted with the nurses, spent some time on our iPods, and then Zach watched a variation of "Deadliest Catch" involving swordfish fishing...for a good 5 hours. 5 hours. Not quite as dramatic as the medical procedures shown on Grey's Anatomy, is it?
Post-chemo hasn't been too bad so far...Zach has experienced some nausea and tiredness but for the most part he has been able to go about his day without feeling hindered. It helps that his parents came for a visit this weekend- it's been a welcome distraction and huge comfort to have family here with us. Wii games, shopping, restaurants, and chatter are so much better than 5 hours of swordfish fishing on TV!
Zach's next appointment is 3 weeks from now, but I promise I'll write another post or two before then so that everyone knows how he's doing.
***Other info to note:
***Apparently chemo does not cure cravings for Qdoba...it only makes them worse.
***We've added a Snuggie to our arsenal of cold weather accessories: sock hats, an electric blanket, and house slippers. Hopefully chemo doesn't cause hot flashes and sweating or we'll be completely unprepared. I guess he could always go lay in the snow for a while...
***We're not supposed to use our cell phones in the hospital during his chemo sessions, so if you message us and we don't answer please don't assume that something is wrong or that we don't think you're cool anymore. You're always cool...er, well...we think so anyway.
***THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who have sent Zach "Get Well" cards and sent me cards of support. Thanks for the goodies, the care packages, the messages, and the cherry red BMW convertibles. (Okay, so that last one was just to see if you were paying attention...you got me.)
Thanks again for your love, concern, and prayers. You guys rock. ;)
-Kristin
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Wow, 5 hours of watching swordfish fishing, not even doing swordfish fishing which would be infinitely more interesting, you ought to get a gold medal just for enduring that! Glad to hear it all went well, of course we were thinking about you and checking the blog continually! Thanks for posting Kristin. Now for those miracle drugs to do their work...
ReplyDeleteLove, Karen & Kris
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteIf you ever need physical help with Zach you know you can call Justin (minutes away)anytime.
Gregg and I think about what your both going through all the time. Even though it will be hard it will make you stronger. Hang in there.
We only wish we were there to help.
Gregg's boxing up a bunch of old movies to send to you(help pass the time). He loves movies but will only buy them at WalMart for $5.haha ...Making us about 10 years behind the most recent movies. Oh well, here come some oldies to help with your boring days at home.
Praying for a speedy recovery with lots of love Gregg & LD
Dear Zach and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteYou are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Your strenght and your humor is so up lifting to all of us. Please remember we are all here and willing to help anyway you need us.I'm hoping to get down there next weekend with your mom. Please call this week if you need us. We are jut a short drive away. Zach hop his week goes smooth. Love you both so much.
Greg and dar
Zach,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear things went well with your first chemo session. I've been in touch with Nana and she is reading the blog. Nana and computers don't get along to well, but she is trying and always ask about you and Kristin and how things are going. I wasn't thinking and just sent a stack of motorcycle magazines to recycle. I will get the next stack to you. Gotta be better than swordfishing.
Thinking of you,
Howard & Marilyn
WHAT???? Swordfishing is not cool? So glad all went well with minimal side effects. Good time to brush up on your Catch Phrase skills. You both are going to need it. Uncle Bob you are welcome as others!!!
ReplyDeleteMarty
Z&K,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers today. Wish I was there to pass out hugs. Love you both and I'll be checking in later.
Dar
Thinking about you guys. Hope today's treatment went well and there was something other than swordfishing to watch this time.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Karen & Kris
So glad to hear this news. Hope things continue going this well. You look pretty good! You are still so handsome nothing will change that!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you need anything! (Both of you)
Love, dar
We looked for "swordfish fishing" on the Golden Globes". Perhaps it will be nominated on the other award shows.
ReplyDeleteWe recall Jerry's successful C treatment 8 yrs ago. Z and K, we think of you daily with our prayers.
We'll stay in touch. Love, Jerry and Alice
Dear Zach and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteWe think and send good thoughts and prayers for you.
With Spring just over the hill, we're reminded of a Shelly poem. "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" Love, Jerry and Alice