The Chemo Experience

Clancy started chemotherapy on Friday, October 1st.  It was an intensive 24/7 dose for four days.  The nurse who hooked up the pump said to disregard everything he'd heard about others' experiences with chemo.  His would be uniquely his own.  That proved to be the case. 

The first couple days were tolerable and the next four were quite miserable.  The term "chemo brain" is real.  He went from thinking and doing to just functioning.  It was a significant adjustment for one who is so accustomed to being active, involved and in control.  Nausea, constipation, etc also came along for the ride.  Yesterday, he began to feel relief from the physical side effects and "got his mind back." 

The clinic conducts blood analysis nearly daily and his kidneys, etc are functioning very well.  His white blood cell count should plummet this weekend and that will be a good thing in preparation for the stem cell harvesting.  Harvesting could begin as early as the middle of next week.  In the meantime he must be extremely careful not to become exposed to any viruses, fungus, infection, etc.  Hopefully, the weekend will be filled with good football games and a strong appetite.

The photo shows his triple lumen port.  This is used for blood draws and introducing medicines.  The catheter goes under his skin, up to his collar bone and down to a vein near his heart.  It will be with him for several months.  The port eliminates the need for needle sticks, but Clancy reports the daily "flushes" with saline and heparin give him a queasy feeling and funny taste in his mouth.  This is still a much better option.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support.  Go Griz!