Two Down

Cycle 1 is complete. Two treatments down.

Mary and my father stayed with the kids today while I went with Kevin to get the infusion pump off. The kids were thrilled to have Ms. Mary there again. They'll miss her because she and my father leave soon to winter in Arizona.

By Tuesday evening Kevin is becoming jumpy about wanting the pump off. Wednesday arrives and he is practically climbing the walls.

So the extra waiting at the clinic really wears on him. Sitting in the infusion room for 45 minutes before someone can get to him is barely tolerable for him. Today the nurse/pharmacist noticed him waiting and did the job herself. She commented that he shouldn't have to wait like that. I was loud in my agreement.

The place seems chronically understaffed and a little on the chaotic side.

The pharmicist/nurse did notice the irritation the tape is causing on Kevin's skin and told him to insist on something else next time he is in. I really appreciate this sort of observation and action. This is the kind of care (minus the waiting) that I want for him.

He's more tired today than before and the headache is lasting a little longer. We've found he does ok as long as we keep to a Tylenol schedule of no more than 4 hours. Keeping the headache at bay also helps keep the nausea down. He's been able to manage the nausea by managing the headache and eating smaller meals more often. The cold sensitivity has increased in his mouth and his fingers. We have gloves stashed in all the cars and near each door and the refrigerator.

He's feeling a little more discouraged about treatment and wishing out loud that he hadn't startead it.