While on chemo and steroids, Fr. Tony is highly productive. It seems the steroids give him a massive burst of energy, in both his brain and body. (so massive, sleep is limited) The body requires large amounts of foooooood, and the brain enjoys plenty of time at the computer. If you've not kept current with Tony's blogging, do visit http://wvparson.blogspot.com That 3000 word essay he was to complete for the upcoming 400th anniversary of the landing at Jamestown.... well, it's done!
As you can see from the image above, Fr. Tony's looking fit as a fiddle. You might also be able to see the fanny pack in his lap. That's the toxic chemical bag and pump. Our Dr. Craig is pleased as punch at the ongoing bloodwork results. The chemo is working SO well, it looks like a stem cell transplantation may come sooner then later... AND he may not have to undergo a full 4 rounds of chemo! Thanks be to God!
On Monday, just as the infusion of Rituximab was winding down, Tony began having an allergic reaction, breaking out in an itchy rash. They stopped the chemo, and dosed him up with benadryl (diphenhydromene). The rash departed, and he was able to finish the final 20 minutes of infusion. From there, we returned home and Care Partners arrived to hook him up (IV bag and portable pump) to the 2nd round (4 days) of chemicals he'd had last month.
So far, so good, except for some swelling in his feet. First thing tomorrow morning we return to the hospital for Tony to undergo a Doppler test. (Yes, a new term for us all to learn.)
Doppler ultrasonography examines the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs with the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body). It may help diagnose a blood clot, venous insufficiency, arterial occlusion (closing), abnormalities in arterial blood flow caused by a narrowing, or trauma to the arteries.
It seems the swelling "could be" due to a blood clot, or not. We'll know more when we visit with Dr. Craig at 1pm.
Below is a small sampling of what the body requires. Visiting the local grocery store, and spending a lot of preparation time in the kitchen, is a daily affair. Along with his verascious appetite, I'm having to keep him loaded up with fluids. It seems the chemo (toxic chemicals) can really do a number on your kidneys and bladder, if not flushed from the system quickly.
You can't help but wonder HOW ON EARTH a body can withstand chemo, "if" the chemicals are SO toxic a simple bag leak, or spill can be SO harmful... Very scary stuff!
Stem Cell Transplantation
We could soon be looking at plans for Tony to undergo the stem cell transplantation. They'll harvest stem cells, freeze them, and when the time is right.. he'll be admitted to the transplant section of the hospital, undergo (I think) a huge dose of chemo, then the healthy stem cells will be transplanted/infused. From there, he remains in the hospital and they wait to see if his body starts creating more and more and more healthy stem cells. (During this waiting period, it might be a good time for me to take a much needed vacation. grin)
Our Megan: Happily in Mae Sot
Not much to report yet, as I've not received any blog entry or photos from Megan (hrumph). But, I have chatted with our Mega, via video and aol's instant messenger. It's SO wonderful to see her smiling face through my computer monitor! Fortunately, we're exactly 12 hours apart, and hooking up on line is much simpler then we anticipated. I'm looking forward to hearing more about her first day at the children's center. She mentioned there was a new baby there. A 15 year old Burmese girl had come over the border to deliver her baby (pregnant at the hands of her own father, no less! sigh). Two weeks ago she delivered the baby, and has now returned to Burma. It seems this is not an "unusual" case, and there are many abandoned babies among the legions of refugees in Mae Sot.
I DO hope we can encourage some of our many physicians and professors to plan a trip to Mae Sot and contribute some of their time and talent to a much needed cause. Ohhhh, to be rich and be able to adopt a few of the orphans.
Today, like the past few days, is cold and dreary. Laundry to catch up on. Grocery store to visit, yet again, and more sorting and cleaning to do. On that note......... I'm feeling a nap coming on. Am quite on the frazzled side these days.
Much love to you all, PitterPat
