Monday, October 18, 2010

Reality

Reality set in today when we walked up to Cancer and Hematology Center of West Michigan to get Drew's first dose of chemotherapy. We got to the building around 8:30am and luckily got a private room. Its a first come, first serve basis whether you get a private room or sit in the large "group" therapy room. Since we were going to be there for 8 ,we were really hoping for a private.
We arrived and our nurse for the day came in and took a look at Drew's new snazzy port and took off all the dressings. She was kind enough to put some numbing spray on the skin so it wasn't TOO bad putting the needle in place. She hooked Drew up to some fluid with different electrolytes to help protect his kidneys before she started the actual chemo, that lasted around 3 and a half hours. Then they gave him some medication to prevent nausea and to help relax him through the process. Then came the big guns. He is getting a triple threat of chemo drugs. Each drug took about an hour to infuse. After all that was in, he was disconnected and his port was flushed. He is able to keep the needle in place all week so he wont have to be continually poked and prodded. He's pretty excited about that.
From someone who barely takes a Tylenol, having 9 different fluids/medications in your body at one time is really crazy. He did pretty well through the treatment, he was a little tired from the relaxation medication. Right now he says he still is pretty tired and his stomach is a little "off" but overall doing pretty well.
Thanks again for everyone who is praying for us, we truly felt lifted up today.
Our "fancy" treatment room

Drew attacking cancer with full force!

16 comments:

  1. “Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the Attack.”
    Sun Tzu (Chinese General and Author, b.500 BC)

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  2. Drew, your attitude is how I know you will kick this cancer in the (ahem) you know what! We love you and are happy you are one day closer to finishing this leg of the journey!

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  3. So glad you made it through the first treatment day with few side effects. No matter how tough the days may become we are trusting and believing that through Christ you will be healed. "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you." Psalm 55:22

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  4. Drew, that last picture is exactly why we love you so much :) That cracked us up over here. So glad day 1 went well and you're able to have a little fun with it...and we'll continue to pray the days to come follow suit! Hang in there buddy!!

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  5. Go get 'em, Drew! With Jamie at your side, and God with you, cancer doesn't have a chance! Praying for you constantly! You are thought of more than you know!

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  6. yey! first day done!! you can do it drew. love that picture. :)

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  7. Drew, It is wonderful to see you maintaining a positive outlook thru this situation, may the Lord continue to give you comfort and Joy thru out this process and heal you restoring your health. I will continue to pray for you. ;-)

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  8. Is that a Jim Kelly t-shirt...? That picture is classic Drew! Danae and I are praying for you, pal

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  9. Drew, (and Jamie),
    Lindsey just forwarded your blog to me. I am so sorry to hear the news, but I know and agree with your sis-n-laws...you are such a driven kind of guy...you will defeat this cancer thing and will be ready to remodel some more rooms in your house...(are there any left)? Adding you to our family's prayer list.
    Christy Boeve

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  10. I will pray for you everyday while you are in "chemo-land" Those nurses will take very good care of you!!!!

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  11. Drew,
    Thanks for stopping in today. It was such a privilage being able to pray with you. Please know that I am joining others in praying for you two daily. You are loved!
    Steve Childerston

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  12. Day 3! Hope all is still going well...praying for you today!

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  13. That pic is EXACTLY why the ROCKY theme is now your new ring tone on my phone!!
    LOVE you and PRAYING for you!
    (P.S. Miss Lexington and Shadow also sending their love)

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  14. Drew, you are in our thoughts and prayers everyday!! We miss you and love you so very much and wish we could be there to help you & the family in this time of need. xoxox

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  15. Drew, my name is Greg Engel and my wife works with your father at Kalsec. I went through testicular cancer starting in May and my chemo ending in July. If you have any questions about the process or what to expect please feel free to contact me. My email is engelgreg@charter.net.

    Believe it or not there were many positive effects from the chemo/cancer process. It's not all bad!

    I know you're going to do just fine with the process and have a great outcome!

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  16. Also, nice Bills shirt in your pictures! I'm from Buffalo!

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