Post-Chemo Progress

Parrish came home Thursday night...my bad for not alerting the troops via the blog. Last week was a little crazy (to say the least) due to things inside and outside the walls of the hospital. This past hospital stay was our first, shall we say, sub-par experience. It didn't start off on the right foot, as previously discussed, and we couldn't seem to shake that vibe. In the end, Parrish received the second round of treatment (which is all that matters, I guess). But, he had to spend more time in the hospital than he should have due to a delay in ordering medicines from pharmacy, being assigned a nurse who couldn't hang chemo, and the chemo-certified nurse putting the meds on a slower drip than required. And yes, I made multiple attempts to correct all of these problems...and eventually got everyone straight. I am pretty sure there is a large note on Parrish's chart that says "Beware of the wife...appears sweet but don't be fooled. Enter with caution."

We are home, though, and even made it home for my birthday on Friday. (There was going to be something especially depressing about facing my thirty-fifth...I mean, twenty-fifth...birthday from a hospital room!) As a side note, if you want to get a glimpse of yourself ten years from now, just gaze in the mirror of a hospital bathroom; the pale walls and fluorescent lighting are shall-we-say, the opposite of anti-aging. But, despite feeling much, much older this year, I have to say that thanks to dear, sweet friends, I also felt more loved this birthday than ever before.

The best birthday gift is that Parrish seems to be handling the second round of treatment better than the last round. He has had more vomiting this time which is not fun, but overall, his energy level is better and he just seems stronger. It is probably due to the fact that he went into this treatment in a better state. Last time, he had just had the chest tube surgery, he had just come out of a ten day hospital stay, and he had just had the mediport placed. All of that took a toll on his already sick body. Throwing chemo on top of that was not ideal--necessary, yes, but not ideal. This time, he had more of a game face on going into the treatment, and I think that helped. Plus, the sunny skies and seventy-five degree weather post-treatment can't hurt. He can sit on the back porch and soak up some vitamin D!

In other news, Parrish has gained some weight...about six pounds, actually. I want my super smoothies to take all the credit, but it might have something to do with a divine chocolate chip pound cake that a sweet friend dropped off last week. Parrish can't quit talking about how good the cake is, and he definitely can't quit eating it. Whatever it takes to get him back to his fighting weight!

For now, we are working to manage the chemo side effects and waiting for this week's blood work visit (on Wednesday). On April 1st, Parrish will have a PET scan to help the doctors gauge how well the medicine is working. Then, on April 3rd, if his blood levels will allow it, Parrish will go back in the hospital for his third round of treatment. I will keep everyone posted until then, but lots of prayers for a PET scan that shows successful treatment and continued strength for Parrish.

Much love,
Molly