Yesterday we met with the senior doctors and nurse practitioners to evaluate Jim's progress. They were ecstatic re the results of chemo to date. They ordered some new meds to handle most of the side effects. Jim is looking forward to great results from the third (of six) cycles.
Today Jim went to NIH at 8:00 am to have a PICC line inserted, then received his Rituxin, run very slowly intravenously. After that he had a bag with 3 chemotherapeutic agents hooked up to an infusion pump which he wears as a fanny pack. Each bag will run for 24 hrs. and will be changed daily by the nurses at NIH. On day five (next Tuesday) he will receive a slow drip of Cytoxin. Thanks to all the drivers who volunteered to take him to NIH each day and to the good friends who are providing wonderful meals. And thanks also for all the comments, prayers and loving concern. We are truly blessed in our family and friends!
I've noticed that he is already feeling the effects of the large doses of Prednisone (240 mg. per day) in that his appetite and energy level have increased. He can't seem to stop doing things. I had to stop him from building a fence around the arbor where a robin has nested to protect her 4 blue eggs from predators! I'm afraid he is going to collapse if he doesn't slow down.
Love to all, Barbara
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Dear Barbara and Jim,
ReplyDeleteSo, now day #1 of the 3rd cycle is coming to a close. Yeah! Hope that it has gone well. Jim, slow down with that prednisone. You are going to wear yourself out. Barb- it must wear you out just watching Jim being busy. I've had a busy week at work, so haven't written anything for several days. Alyssa's dance recital this week-end on Sat night followed by her Girl Scout bridging ceremony on Sunday with her participation in a reading competition at the high school to be squeezed in on Sat morning followed by a small birthday party for Lauren on Sat afternoon- she'll be 10! Whew! That's our week-end! Jim, how is that tooth? I haven't seen any updates. I'm hoping that maybe I'll get to talk to you for a few minutes sometime this weekend- if not then hopefully on Monday. So glad that all the medical people are impressed with your progress- keep up the good work! Love you two.
God bless you both,
Jeanne, Frank and Alyssa
Wonderful news! We are so happy to hear that Jim is doing well.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Peggy and Fred
We are all hoping all those side effects will be tamed with change in meds. Great news about the response to the chemo! It must have been great to hear. We love you exponentially! John and Susan
ReplyDeleteJim keep up the good work. Sorry I can't handle the Preakness pool as we have to hit mass tonight so we can participate in St Pete's Graduation Tomorrow am. I anyone wants in the pool $5 / horse . Blog Jim.
ReplyDeleteThat's if anyone...this left handed typing is for the birds
ReplyDeleteOK...Andy, I'll take Rachel Alexandra to win for a jillion dollars :) wish I had a crystal ball...Jim, hang in there and you can win the triple crown...hope the new meds make you feel better...love, Joanne and Sam
ReplyDeleteJIM & BARB
ReplyDeleteGREAT NEWS ABOUT CHEMO RESULTS!! KEEP FIGHTING.
BARB-A MALE FAY MADE MORE HIPER BY PREDNISONE,OH BOY! SHARI WOULD PUT ME BACK IN THE HOSPITAL,OR GO TO KENTUCKY TO VISIT HER MOM.
MAYBE THERE IS SOME DRUG YOU CAN TAKE.
LOVE ANDY'S RUNNING A PREAKNESS POOL
LOVE
BRO BOB
Barbara, I've been following Jim's progress for weeks and routing for him. I know he's a tough and fiesty guy who will not quite. Please give him my best. Jeff Langsam
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