Thursday, June 16, 2011

Monica had her first set of treatments today. She had to take an anti-nausea pill at 1:00 p.m. while we were on our way to the Cancer Agency. On arrival we reported to the Pharmacy on the 6th floor and were given the chemo. Monica then took the chemo at 2:00 p.m. The pharmacist (like virtually all of the staff at the Cancer Agency was very helpful).

Just before 3:00 p.m. a radiation therapist met with us and carefully explained what would be transpiring with the radiation. He patiently answered all of our questions and spoke to us about some of the possible side effects.

At 3:00 p.m. we were taken into Radiation Unit No. 4. Greg and Marley were allowed to accompany Monica and to hear all of the advice/explanations being given to Monica. Monica had to put on her mask and the mask was secured to the radiation couch so that her head would not move during the radiation. Marley and Greg were impressed by how calm and brave Monica was. (We were probably more nervous than her.)

Greg and Marley were allowed to be with the radiation technicians while they administered the radiation. We could watch Monica on the monitors and observe every thing the machine did. The machine itself is amazing to watch and incredible in its accuracy. Monica was alone in the room for only about 5 minutes and during that time she received 7 separate "doses" of radiation to different places.

We go back tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for another session. At that time we will get the schedule for next week's treatments. On June 23rd (the same day that we have the follow up appointment with the suregon), Monica will have to have her blood tested (to check her white blood cells and platelets). Only after they have checked her blood is the chemo for the following week given to us. If her count of white blood cells or platelets is too low, her status is checked by the physician before the next batch is given out. Monica will be susceptible to infections and bleeding if those counts drop too low.

As at the time of writing this blog, Monica seems to be feeling pretty good and is enjoying the book Ingo left for us ( She has always been a bit of a bookworm and it is good to see her enjoying reading again as she hadn't done much of this since this whole thing started.). She has also been a bit more emotional in the last few days and seems generally stronger (I think she continues to recover from the operation).

One aspect of Monica's character is her "stick-to-it-iveness" once she takes on a job. We are quite happy because she seems to be not only approaching the treatments this way but also applying this modus operandi to all of the health/diet/supplement suggestions she has been given. She is methodically taking everything she is supposed to take  and following Marley's checklist.