Chemo Round 1 & James' Visit

Greetings from Chemo treatment #1.  On Wednesday, September 28th, Ken had his first chemo cocktail, made with Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin, Avastin and Oxaliplatin.  The chemo treatments typically take 3-4 hours.  During that time, there are 6 other recliners in that room where various people are receiving their treatments.  TV's are present and WiFi is available.  There is a stocked pantry and fridge for patients, and on this day one woman was lucky enough to be celebrating her last treatment, so there were some sweets for us to indulge in!
Once all of the medicine is administered, a portable pump (I.V.) is hooked up to the port in Ken's chest.  This pump time releases chemo into his body about every 90 seconds.  Ken is to wear this portable pump...equipped with it's own awesome looking fanny pack (pictures to come later) for the next 48 hours.  Then he goes back to the office where they disconnect the pump and flush his port with saline to prevent it from clotting or becoming infected.
After the first chemo treatment, Ken felt very weak.  Nausea is a side effect that he battles, almost daily, but the doctor did give him some anti-nausea medication.  And slowly he is learning when to take it so that he can avoid feeling sick.  Other side effects that Ken is encountering are fatigue, neuropathy (numbness in his fingers), sensitivity to cold drinks, and occasional hot flashes.  Mainly these lasted the first 4 or 5 days after the pump was removed.  However, his treatments are cumulative, therefore the more chemotherapy that he receives, the greater the chances are for his side effects to worsen and/or last longer.   Thankfully, though, he will be receiving his chemo treatments on a bi-weekly basis, therefore his body will be allowed some recovery time. 

Fortunately for Ken though, he had something to look forward to!  A few days after his first treatment, Ken was visited by his friend, James, who lives in Connecticut. James had never been to Colorado, but was greeted with beautifully unseasonably warm weather.  They took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, but were unsuccessful in finding any elk...maybe next time!  Ken had to take James to a few of his favorite eateries...Sonic, Hacienda Colorado, and of course Chili's!  He didn't leave hungry!  Although his visit was way too short, it was a welcomed distraction from everything!  So any of you out there looking for a good excuse to come to Colorado, now you have one! :)                                                                              


                                                                              
 
  Well... he's one chemo treatment down...and 6 months to go!  Our spirits are up (today) and we continue to take it one day at a time.  We will try and post after each treatment to keep you all updated.  Thank you all for your continued love, support and prayers!  Love, Ken & Nicole