Sunday, October 30, 2011

Better the Deer You Know Than the Flamingo You Don't



Our Uncle Kevin suggested replacing the fake deer with fake flamingos. This may create a whole new set of problems…

I spoke briefly with Melissa. She’s definitely starting to feel the effects of the chemo. Fatigue and nausea are the words of the day. It’s expected, just praying that it passes sooner rather than later.


Christine

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Deer is Down Again


My parents have a fake female deer in the backyard.  I believe the theory is the fake deer will attract the wild deer in the area, and there is nothing my parents love more than watching deer in their backyard.
Lately the fake deer has been a little too good at its job. (I should mention that it’s mating season.)  When I was home last weekend we woke up to discover the deer had been knocked over by a frustrated male suitor. Melissa and I found this hilarious and sad all at the same time. I began to argue that it was almost mean to leave the fake doe in the backyard at this time of year, but mom and dad weren’t hearing it.  This morning, I called and spoke to Melissa who said, “I was just about to call you—the deer is down again.” Apparently the downed deer explains some weird noises she and mom heard in the middle of the night last night.
Despite being woken by strange deer noise, Melissa slept really well last night. She also got some good sleep during the chemo treatment yesterday thanks to the magic of Benadryl. Other than that the treatment was fairly uneventful.  She read a magazine; she hung out with dad.  She is still feeling pretty fatigued, but the doctors say that should improve once the chemo has a chance to take care of business.  As far as side effects from the chemo, she is okay today. The doctors said to expect “a good day” today, to be followed by around three “bad days.” Obviously each person reacts differently. 
So, we’ll know more tomorrow.

*While signing in to post this, my sister called me for a video chat to tell me what channel the Va Tech game is on.  Video chat is the coolest thing ever.

Friday, October 28, 2011

My Sister is a Bathtub


A few weeks ago my sister was feeling discomfort in her abdomen. She went to the doctor, who ordered a few tests. During the tests, they found fluid in her abdomen and drained it. She and I were talking a day or two after that particular appointment when she said, “Gotta run- I’ve got to drain to my stomach.”
            I’m sorry—what!? At this point I felt it was appropriate to respond with, “Like a bathtub?”
            If you’re reading this you know that the diagnosis from those tests is stomach cancer.  Since receiving the diagnosis the doctors have installed a tube in Melissa’s chest, to be used when administering some of the chemo. They call it a mediport; I call it her faucet. She almost got a shower caddy. They were considering a type of chemo that would have required her to carry an “apparatus” all the time. For the time being, they have opted to go with a pill instead of the apparatus. (The pill will be one of three medications she will be given. The other two will be administered through the faucet.) I have yet to think of an appropriate bathtub metaphor for the pills. Bath salts, perhaps.
            Since the diagnosis, Melissa has received a massive amount of calls, emails, and texts. These are very much appreciated, and she keeps telling me that she wishes she could speak to everyone. Unfortunately—being sick—she just doesn’t have the energy.  She has asked me to create a blog in order to keep everyone updated and in touch. We’ll both be posting here as frequently as we can.
           
            She starts chemotherapy today. The nurse working at her oncologist’s office on Fridays is a member of my parents’ church. We are grateful there will be a friendly face administering my sister’s treatment. I’m sure she’ll be tired tonight, but we’ll try and get an update posted tonight or tomorrow.