Today, Monday, is the first weekday in over a week without me seeing a doctor. That won't last long, as I have appointments scheduled for every day for the rest of the week. While I will post an update or two to document how some of these adventures go, I thought I'd set the stage for the upcoming festivities.
Tuesday is full, but pretty painless. I have three educational sessions. One is on care and use of the central line, which I just call a port. It's a very computer-like term. I was wondering today if they could someday install a USB type port into the brain, and we could download information as well as save and share it. But I digress... Another is a session on what you should know about Chemo treatments. And the third is a Q&A session on clinical research. Mayo is always doing research, and I'll avail myself of anything here that may be helpful.
Wednesday they do a liver biopsy. We want to be sure the tumors in the liver are the same as the ones in the colon. Odds are very strong that they are, and that's good. Two different cancers complicate things a great deal.
Thursday they put in the port. That will give a place to administer chemo drugs and take blood samples without jabbing and taxing the arm veins all the time.
And Friday is my first chemo treatment. It should last five hours, but subsequent treatments will only last three hours. I will need to wear a pump that will inject one other chemo drug thru the port for forty eight hours. Should make for an interesting weekend teaching at a church lock-in Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Speaking of that, through the last week I have received so much support, good wishes, prayers, positive thoughts, and caring from family and friends. My condition was announced at church last Sunday and the response was very supportive and welcomed. I am truly greatfull. Thanks again to all.
Chris and Julia
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10 comments:
Hey, it's hanneke and the whole class and I just wanted to let you know that we believe in you and you're positive outlook. If anyone can beat this it's you. We are thrilled that the owl weekend will go on and will be ready to hammer you with questions as well as give you support. Good luck!
Kick its ass, Chris. We know you can.
Gary
A trying week for sure. You will see this through! Not just a test of faith but a whole new faith building process.
I'm praying for you!
Chris, sorry to hear you're having such an 'interesting' time. You sound like you are in a good place, though. Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you all. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you (How about a long distance lasagna?). Take care -
We think of you every day! -Audrey
Hey, Chris,
Thanks for the link to your blog. It's so loving and generous of you to keep us all informed and let us be part of your process. You are totally gonna kick this cancer's butt! No doubt about it! Very much looking forward to the OWL lock in this weekend... as are the kids.
-Laurel Podulke
Chris, you are amazing! I suspect that your weekend plans will be just the ticket to scare off those pesky cancer cells.
Chris and Julia
I am thinking of you and sending thoughts of love and laughter. I am sending prayers for healing. If that doesn't work, I'm sending Lutefisk. That'll scare the crap out of anything that thinks your body is a good place to grow!
We love you both so much and hold you in our hearts always!
Ahna & Rick
Kevin and I are sending you lots of love and light. big hugs!!
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