Cancer Week

It seems like cancer week around here. Today Layne went in (to Hunstman) to have the line on his port cleaned. They haven't been able to draw from it for awhile. They've just been doing the infusions with a needle in his arm. I guess I better make sure I explain... A port is used to draw blood and also available for infusions. Liquids are able to flow both in and out. It's placed during a surgery into the chest so the line is close to the heart. One way to test if it's working is to draw blood from it. If that doesn't happen - it needs to be 'flushed'. You know if nothing comes out there's a good chance nothing will be able to go in. You don't want the chemo just sitting by your heart or something bursting because of a build up. As a result, if blood is not able to be drawn then they don't use the port for intake. The only other option is to do an I.V. needle into the arm. Layne's arms/veins have taken more than they should have by now. All of the times we've been to MD Anderson for him to get chemo he's had to do the needle in the arm routine. Even before that when he had his colonoscopy and a couple of other procedures that require liquids to be run in he hasn't been able to use the port. It's more painful, less efficient, and ends up giving the veins more wear and tear then is good for them. So, having a port that works well is a very good thing.

Back to this week's schedule...

Today he went in to do the simple procedure of having the line checked and his port cleaned. They were able to get a little bit of blood, but not enough to feel confident that intake will be effective. So, he's scheduled for a more invasive procedure tomorrow. On Wednesday he flies to Houston. Then on Thursday he will get himself to the hospital first thing in the morning for labs and a CT Scan (and I'm not sure what else). Friday is a visit to the oncologist and infusion day. Saturday a bit of recovery and Sunday back home again. Fun week, right? I'm sure you're a little jealous. Anyone want to meet us in Houston? It'll be a party.

One Fourth

Layne has done 3 of his 12 chemo treatments. It feels like we have the routine down a little bit. Today went much quicker than the first two. That was a good thing.
When it was done, we had a nurse come to help with getting him hooked up with the drug that he takes home. We were a bit confused, considering that we didn't realize anyone was coming. We were ready to go. We were able to get things worked out so that they will be getting him set up before we go and then coming on Sunday afternoon to 'flush' the line and de-access the port. I'm glad. We felt like we were left hanging on that one. It's not like it would be that big of a deal once I knew what I was doing, but we didn't like the feeling of no support at all.
Layne started today with an exercise program at the Wellness Center. So, I dropped him off and went for my own walk up the canyon by Red Butte. I ended up taking a few pictures. Surprise. It was great to have a few moments in the morning to reflect and be outside.
The kids did great today. They took care of themselves through lunch and then went to a friend's house. I'm so grateful for those that have taken the kids in while we've been gone. I'm hoping that they'll get a chance to have a break in their day each time. It just seems like being home by themselves all day...every time would not be a good thing. Last time they went to a friend's house in the morning and were at home in the afternoon by themselves. By the time early evening rolled around, my parents were able to  be with them for a bit since we were much later than we thought we'd be. The very first time, they were at my parents' house and spending time with cousins. I think that was the favorite so far.
Layne did the 'cold' thing again today. I think it might be getting more intense. I noticed this morning that it seems he's getting a small rash on his wrists. Odd. But, chemo is full of fun surprises. His fingers started tingling just about the time the drug was introduced this time. So, we'll see if that intensifies also. He was weak and a bit tired afterward. The doctor told him he really is doing as well as could be expected. We're thankful the side effects haven't been more dramatic than they what has been presented thus far. Although, the steroid that makes one more emotional...not sure I like that one. Layne's somewhat anxious in the first place...multiply that and we're doing lots of deep breathing.:}
We stopped by Layne's work after the treatment. It's only a couple minutes drive from Huntsman. He had something he needed to send in. The paperwork was done, just needed to add something and sign...or something like that. As we were leaving, I told him it might not have been a good idea to stop by - once you head in, they'll expect him to follow up with the same next time. We got out to the van, he moved his fingers a bit and said there was no way he could do an actual work day (or even an afternoon) after a treatment. His hands were shaky and stiff. He also looked exhausted after being there for only about 10 minutes.