Gus had his third and final chemo for this stage of the treatment plan last Friday, August 1. He even drove the car home from Bozeman feeling no ill effects. Later in the evening while we were moving cows, he started getting sick and had to go back home. Then the next day, Saturday, was his worst day yet for how he felt since starting treatment. Gus spent a large part of Saturday in bed sleeping.
Gus' blood count was down enough so he was only given 2/3 of the scheduled dose of chemo. His white cells and the platelets were the main concern. The doctor had an emergency when it was time to meet with us, so Gus only saw him for a few minutes during the infusion. I did ask for some time after Gus' infusion to speak with the doctor so we would know precisely how the 24-hour pump and chemo would work and who administered it. I knew the schedule and the plan for the radiation, but not the chemo. Dr. Hensold, the medical oncologist, met with us and told us the next step would not start until August 18th. Starting on Monday, the 18th, Gus will receive radiation daily Monday through Friday for six to seven weeks. During the same time, he will be on a 24-hour 7 day a week infusion pump for the 5-FU. The 5-FU chemo, the pump and the PIC line will all be monitored by this special team of nurses. The doctor will keep track of Gus' blood count and side-effects and then these nurses will make the necessary adjustments.
A couple of weeks ago, we came home to a huge stack of firewood in our yard compliments of Jay Dee, his family and some friends. Jay Dee is Lane's father and a very special part of our lives. Today, those same angels came and split everything and stacked it where we keep our wood for the winter. Dave also finished first cutting today and he will head home to Hamilton for a couple of weeks. The second cutting of hay will not start until later in August and we will only do about 50 acres. Gus could not have done any better a job on the haying than Dave, Jerry and Lindsey have done. We are absolutely overwhelmed how others have so blessed us.
2 comments:
Gus, you are a champ! You have really "cowboyed up" throughout this whole process, and as always, you are my hero. I began my third week of radiation today with three weeks to go. The drive is tiring and the lumpectomy and radiation have really kicked in the fibromyalgia. But, every day when I make that drive I think of you. Kathleen, you're the best support system a husband could have. Your friends and family are good souls to step in and help with the ranch. You are in my prayers EVERY day. Love to y'all from Texas...
Melba
I think they should have chosen a less blatant, more friendly acronym for you drug than 5-FU. Hug each other and everybody for us, and Dave when he gets back. Thinking of you. J &S
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