Well he came through it just great. Friday was our first chemotherapy session, and as I write this on Saturday night, he’s suffered no severe side effects. They told us that usually, side effects begin to manifest 48 or so hours afterwards, so we’ll see how Sunday and Monday go.
We dragged it out at 4:30 a.m. on Friday, hit the road by 5:45, and pulled into valet parking at the cancer center at 7:00 for a 7:15 appointment. We got him all checked in and wired up, visited the vampires, then reported upstairs for the consult with the oncologist.
I have to tell you, Dr. Velcheti is a cool guy, and we’re fortunate to have been referred to him by the attending physician during Michael’s hospital stay. He gives us all the time we need to ask questions, and his answers are never rushed or over-complicated or flippant. He listens, takes his time, and appears to be singularly dedicated to finding the best targeted treatment for the patient. I like that, and I like him. Although there are many talented oncologists out there, we feel we won the lottery with ours.
After the consultation, we hoofed it across the hall to get the chemo started.
The treatment rooms are quiet and private, sharing only a bathroom for every two rooms. After getting situated, he munched on some snacks and enjoyed the beautiful view. When the nurse came in and hooked up the medicine, I felt a definite sense of arrival; of peaceful relief. We’d been waiting for this moment since the 31st of May, and now it had come to pass. We’re finally on the road to controlling this hideous, mad disease.
After going through training with the doctor’s nurse about what to expect, when to call, how to handle symptoms, what to eat, what’s available to us, etc., the second round of medication began. (His specific cocktail is pemetrexed mixed with carboplatin.) After about 90 minutes in the chair, it was all over with.
My son texted me and asked how he was doing, and I sent him this picture. The response: “That is a brave man right there.”
Yep, he is. 
Much love!
#teamthriller
So happy to hear that the regime of fighting back is underway!
Praying for no side affects, the strength of a bear for Thiller and the patience of an angel for you Ms Fink. Wait…what am I saying you always had that right? Right…right?
Way to go, Michael! Here’s to a side effect free (or at least minimal side effects) time between visits…big hugs and prayers continually heading your way! <3
After all of the madness I am glad to read that you are able to finally find some peace as you begin the next stage of your journey. I hope the side effects are minimal.
Love to you both!
Thank you, dear friends! It’s 6:30 a.m. right now, and we met in the kitchen as I was making coffee and he was making his way to the men’s. He said he got a really good throat clearing around 4:30 this morning, and slept pretty well. Let’s hope it continues! <3
Thank the Lord for those blessings. Those two things are a huge success for Thriller. Praying for many more.
I know, Mave. And you are part of our little victories!
Glad to hear it went well. Praying for no unplesant side effects. God gives the toughest battles only to His strongest warriors…you got this! Keep up the positive attitude!
Thank you Deb — and great to see you the other day. You look wonderful!
It was wonderful to see you also. Sorry I didn’t really get a chance to talk to you more. Keep smiling!!
That’s so great to hear. I remember a friend’s husband being told by Kaiser Permanente doctors that if he experienced any side effects from chemo for his non Hodgkin’s to go eat a Big Mac. Completely counter-intuitive but it worked for him. Anyway I wish the Thriller continued success.
Thank you Ross — that is a bizarre suggestion, but I say whatever works, do it! The Thriller is eating like it’s his job — anything he wants. Whatever keeps the weight on him, I’m all for it.
?You are both in my prayers. I’ll be following your journey. ?
Thank you Barj! Love you!