1st Chemo Day

I dropped off Dan at the Lipson Center at RGH this morning at 8:45 this morning.  He began the 1st round of chemo at 9:30.  He had several rounds that lasted 4 hours.  Then I had to leave work and go to the center to see how they hook him up to the "ball".  I don't have to do that but they wanted to show me and also make sure the lines are never pinched.

The "ball" contains another type of chemo that will release medicine slowly into Dan via his port over the next 2 days.  The ball will decrease in size as it releases medicine.  Dan has to carry it around in a pouch with a strap that hangs over one shoulder or as a crossbody.  He has to sleep with it and be careful/mindful that it is there and not lay on it.  He looks good with his "man purse". 😁




They gave us a "hazmat suit", gloves and other items in case of a spill or leak as the chemo is toxic and can burn your skin and bleach your clothes.  We also received a plastic garbage can for the empty chemo balls that will be discarded by the home nurse when it is full.  Plus saline flushes and other items.

Dan did great with his first round of chemo today the nurse said.  They gave him something to alleviate any nausea that will last over the next 3 days.  He may not experience any side effects until days after his last treatment.  I have a number to call in the event he develops symptoms that are untreatable with the current meds they gave us and if his temperature is 100.4 or higher.  They have a 24 hour pharmacy and a doctor on call 24/7.

They gave him food and drinks while he was at the Center and was able to watch his own personal tv with a headset which was nice.  I had filled his new duffel bag with snacks, magazine, readers, water, tissues and a scarf not knowing what to expect.  This is all so new to us.

They sent us home with a lot of stuff and information.  I still need to go through it all.










After this 2nd round that lasts 2 days, Dan will go back in two weeks to do it all over again.  Like I stated in the last blog, he will receive chemo every two weeks for the next 3 months. Then they will take a scan and if things are going well, do it another 3 months.  Sometimes people don't need chemo after awhile (for a few months at a time) and then they have to start up again.  The good news is that over the next few times, Dan will not need to receive chemo at the Center for 4 hours each time.  Apparently they lessen the amount of time for each event.

Dan is still in high spirits and taking everything in stride.  I am amazed at his outlook and mentality.  His sense of humor is still intact.  We passed IHOP and he said, "Ya know, only one legged people work there."  Distracted I replied, "Why?"  He quipped, "Because everyone hops around." We both laughed aloud!  😂 I told him I will never forget that joke and will remember it every time I pass an IHOP! 😁 (Hope I didn't offend anyone.)

And boy was Dan hungry when we got home!  So glad to see him with an appetite.  God knows how long it will last.

For those of you who have sent cards, he has been enjoying them!  We thank you! It lifts Dan's spirits. 😁

He also is enjoying Face-timing with family and friends and the texts that come in.

And we are so humbled with the outpouring of support from you all. 💖

Dan is immuno-compromised but we will accept visitors at home.  At least 2 at a time and all visitors must wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering the living room.  We have masks and hand sanitizer in the Reading room (entryway) if needed. 😷

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! 






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