Chemo has started, finally!

Yep, the first trip to Melaka is now over. We drove to Malacca on Sat - left PJ around 6.10am, got to my brother's house in Malacca at 7.45am, and then followed him to the hospital. Got Husband registered, took him straight for taking blood (for various blood tests), then to get the full scale (neck to pelvis) CT scan done... THEN breakfast, then to the oncologist.

Oncologist recommended doing the chemo once every 2 weeks, instead of every 3 weeks. This way the dosage is lower, and the body adapts better. So, started chemo with a 2 hour IV at 11.30am (done by 1.20pm), then collected a WHOLE pile of medication, went back to my brothers house, had lunch, then drove back to KL again. The rest of the chemo is done via the medication - twice a day, 4 pills each time - and the rest of the medication is to counteract some of the side effects of the chemo pills, ie, dry skin, nausea (he doesnt have any!!), gastric, etc.

The scan shows NO problem with his spine, but his back pain is still there (red hot pokers sticking into his lower spine is how he describes it). The trauma of the bed sore, the dressings, the vacuum therapy, the surgery, and now the swollen band of muscle and skin across his lower back, could all be the cause of the pain. The plastic surgeon says it could take up to a year for the swelling to go down, but the more mobile he is, the faster it will get better.

Anyway, the oncologist has prescribed some pain killers that really DO work (for a change). Husband takes one in the early evening, and one just before he sleeps, and that keeps him going. He is a lot stronger now, far more mobile, is helping Kevin and me get the boxes and things unpacked and put away, and generally holding his own in sorting out our home!

Yes, we also moved house this last weekend. As of now, I think we are 98% done. I have the final bits and pieces to sort out in the study, and Ken and Kevin have to put away all the CDs ... and that is it! Kevin is going to be here for another week, and then it is back to just Husband and me.

So, we have started this stage of the journey now, and it literally involves a journey each time, as we drive to Melaka and back for the chemo. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and, till next time, stay safe, stay HEALTHY.