New Plan

Monday, at the Clinic, Larry opted out of chemo.  We are hoping that the quality of our days will greatly improve.  We shall see...

Update

The doc has put Larry on a new schedule of two weeks on and one week off.  Two Mondays in a row he gets chemo, followed by a reprieve the next Monday.  The lymph nodes in his groin area have really dammed up the circulation in his left leg.  This has caused serious swelling and a horrendous case of lymphedema.  Its definition:  Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling.  It is common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment.  It usually affects an arm or leg.

Normally Larry wears a size 11 shoe, but now can barely fit into a size 14!  When the cooler weather arrives, I don’t know what we’ll do to keep his footsies warm.  He is getting less mobile as his leg and foot continues to swell.  That affects his level of weakness and his stability to walk.  Chris and Scott, plus the “girls” are generally here on the weekends, but much of the weekdays he is in the recliner, sitting or sleeping.  We don’t have too many “up-days” anymore.  We both are hanging in there as best as we can—taking the good with the bad. Friends and family members are our support system.  Thanks to all for your care, concern, and prayers.

Monday Monday...

We arrived at the Clinic on Monday as usual, ready for the chemo treatment.  Larry's blood work was OK which meant everything was a "Go".  The Doc doubled his pain medication, so we shall see if his days go better.  As of this morning, he's feeling alright; I just hope it continues that way.

Update

Dear, dear Peggy reminded me that I haven't updated lately (Thanks, Peg!)  I tend to forget people read my blog besides me!

It's much appreciated to realize we have a great support network of family and friends. Yesterday we went to the Clinic for the weekly chemo treatment; however, Larry's blood work showed platelet count was way too low--so we drove back home. He is now wearing a pain patch that hopefully will take care of some of the aggravating pain he experiences.  Perhaps he'll sleep better at night now.  The med is highly addictive, but who in the hell cares!  I am still trying to "fatten" him up with pastries, baked goodies, and ice cream. That seems to be working because he gained 2 pounds! I have a large bowl of M&M's next to his recliner, which he snacks on continuously!  His immediate goal is to make a trout fishing trip in August to Bennett Springs. I'm afraid, though, we won't make it; he hasn't the strength or stamina. Besides that---his "fat" foot won't fit into his waders! It looks like the trunk of a sequoia tree! We are keeping a positive attitude as we muddle through this mess.

Again, thanks, guys!