Saturday, May 13, 2006

Darrrell underwent chemo for the first time this week. It was not difficult, just long and a little disconcerting. We were there over 8 hours; but thankfully, they have recliners! Darrell listened to his I-Pod, read and slept some. I (Cindy) stayed with him to see what this was all about and make sure he was getting good care.


The disconcerting part was all the medication and chemicals they pumped into him. For those of you are interested in these kinds of details, here is what one round of Darrell's chemotherapy drugs include:

By mouth- Prednisone (steroid) & Emend (powerful anti-nauseau medication)

Pre-medication IV to help ward off some of the possible side effects include intravenous Bendaryl, Tylenol and one other medication I can't remember to work against any flu-like symptoms his body may try to produce. In addition, they gave him a regular IV bag of fluids.
When that was all in his body, they began the IV chemo drugs which include Rituximab, Vincristine, Adriamycin and Cytoxan.
That all sounds pretty serious, doesn't it?! Thankfully, the medical staff knows what they are doing!
Darrell's main symptoms after the treatment were headache and weakness.
On the day after the chemo, we had to return to the doctor for Darrell to get a shot of Neulastin to counteract the potential drop of his white blood cell count. The side effects of Neulastin are also flu like symptons and bone pain. Oh my goodness- the cure is almost worst than the disease!!
Today is the second day after the chemotherapy. The anti-nausea medication must be doing its work, because so far so good on that front. The overriding feeling Darrell is having is of weakness, lack of endurance and generally feeling a little "under the weather." We, however, are encouraged by God's Word and reminded of His promises for Darrell's healing:
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Genesis 18:14

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Been having trouble posting to the site but hoping this will work now. While in Florida we picked up a skull cap of many colors for Darrell. It's so him. Also ready to lend you our juicer to help Darryl with his endurance levels. I can juice it for you if that will help. Needs to be fresh. See you soon, Janie Darryl & Gang

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much Cindy for keep us up to date. We are praying for your familiy and for Darrell's healing.

Blessings,

David & Sue

Anonymous said...

Darrell and Cindy: I posted one several weeks ago, but I guess there were some problems so I will try again. Cindy, I hope you guys still have a copy of that book ya'll gave Tom and I many, many years ago "God Calling"; because if you do, you need to go back and start reading it from the day of Darrell's surgery. God ALWAYS sends us His Word exactly on the day and in the way we need to hear it!! He is so good and I am constantly amazed at how He is always there taking care of every detail of our lives. He is so faithful and he NEVER forsakes us. His mercies ARE new every morning. I understand all that "chemo" stuff because I sat with Sandy through some of her's. Just know that we are praying for you throughout this whole ordeal and God WILL be there with you showing you more new and exciting things throughout this journey with Him. We love you, Tom and Cheryl (the pictures are so cute -keep them coming)

Anonymous said...

Just recently heard about your situation, been wanting to call you but I know you have been swamped with calls. Susie and I have been praying for you and your family and celebrating your healing from the onset, we know the Most High is in control. When you are feeling better I sure would love to sit, pray and have a good cup of coffee with you. We will be checking here frequently for more praise reports.

By the way, I like the "do", I do believe it makes you look younger.

Love and Blessings,
Chuck and Sue Surdi

Anonymous said...

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Darrell, you and your family and your doctors are in my prayers!

God Bless you and thank you for this site. It is wonderful.

I love the attitude that the haircut implies. It is as if you are preparing for battle and you are saying, "Bring it on!". I am so impressed.

Best wishes.

Leah