Update on Al #26

Well, things have been looking up. Al felt pretty decent most of the weekend, and we actually slept through the night -- TWICE!!! Then he tells me he was up around 2 am, having a bottle of Boost -- his stomach stays calmer if he can keep SOMETHING on it. But we're both getting some rest, and that's always a good thing.

The oral chemo seems tolerable -- though it does make Al feel sicker to his stomach as the week goes on -- and we're managing decently with a little help from Zofran in the morning and Phenergan in the evening. He's learning what helps and what irritates, so he's managing it pretty well just now. In fact, it's gone well enough that we were able to attend Stacie's going away party -- in a BAR!!! -- and stayed and laughed and hugged for about an hour. (Thanks for including us, guys!) This was followed by a stop at the DQ for a Mr. Misty. Those and ICEEs are Al's new favorite thing!!! These were the first things he'd had by mouth for several days.

Al just popped in and wanted me to tell you all "Weeds are Hell". LOL He's been going out in the yard and pulling weeds in the flower beds for soemthing to do when he feels decent. He seems impervious to the heat these days, and is a real visual treat during these outings -- generic jean shorts with sandals or tennies, tank top coverd with an unbuttoned long-sleeve chambray shirt and wide brim hat. NOTE TO SELF: catch a picture!!!

He's feeling well enough that he even managed some cantaloup, and last night enjoyed eating a peach. I think it took him about an hour and a half, but he really enjoyed it!!! Everything else gets blended and put through the PEG, but he's more interested in soups and FLAVORS than boring plain Ensure. (He's switched to Boost; seems to settle better for him.)

Saw Dr. Perez-Tamayo yesterday which was pretty much a waste of our time. She did give Al an ointment to put on his chin/throat and upper back, and he has some areas that are darkened by radiation. Looks like a 3-day-old sunburn -- which on Al is known as a deep TAN!!! His last radiation should be next Friday, June 22. He's looking forward to that, and we're convinced his voice WILL come back, as it gets stronger over the weekend when he doesn't have treatment.

We saw Carol (the PA in Dr. Beck's office) today. She's very encouraged with his labs, but we're now watching his hemoglobin. They don't want him to get too anemic because of his past heart history, so if next week's labs show too low, they're going to give him some blood to build it back up. She told us they'd stop his chemo when the radiation is over, so Al's REALLY counting down now!!!

I asked her what happens after treatment. She said 4-6 weeks after treatment is through, they'll do a CT and/or PET scan and another bronchoscopy. He'll have quite a bit of follow-up, and of course we all hope and expect he'll come up clean. So then I got brave and asked her what happens if there's still cancer left. She brought the chemo book in the room and showed us all the various 'recipes' for chemotherapy for this type of cancer treatment, and assured us there is still more to do. The hard part to that will be working around Al's allergies, but "we're not gonna just leave you hanging".

She did advise that Al get his business in order, as this IS the second 'elephant in the living room' he's managed to shoot down (she's an optimist; I like that in a doctor). But it was more of a 'you never know' kind of suggestion than anything.

My sister Vicki came up Sunday afternoon to take me out for a 'coke'. After regaling Al and me with stories of Nate's adventures all over Europe, we went to the mall and enjoyed a pretzel and a Diet Pepsi, and a bunch of girl talk. Thanks, Ick, it was a great break.

Looking forward to Pam's visit Saturday -- more 'girls day out', with a trip to Scrapbook Chic on the agenda. Might even catch a movie.

I enjoyed the earlier afternoon on Sunday with my Stampin' Up! 'gals', learning a new technique. It was fun to just be among friends having a good time again for a change!!!

Must get going now -- I'm out of milk (and those of you who KNOW me know that's not an option come morning!), and Al's craving a shake or something.

Thanks for your notes and calls and the beautiful cards, and for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts. I dunno about Al, but it makes ME feel better!!! (And yes, I sounded a bit pathetic last time, but my optimism has returned, and life seems almost normal!)

xoxoxo
Sharon