New Low

We went in last week for another treatment. Layne's counts were low for white blood cells and platelets. I was concerned to hear that since it was unexpected. They even double checked just to be sure. I was kind of hoping we'd just 'plow' through the treatments and be done. We had already figured out that he would be done by the end of December given the schedule we were following. So, that's another factor. We will now get to pay even more money because the treatments will go into 2013. The hope was to be done and celebrate a new year with no chemo. Oh well...
I was a bit worried at first because I wasn't sure exactly what that meant for Layne (to have low counts) and rather he'd be alright. He did end up being more tired than usual. There were a couple of times he wondered why he had no energy...as if he felt like he had been given the infusion.
The Doctor/Staff didn't seem to think it was too big of a deal. Apparently, it happens often enough that they didn't seem too concerned.
We're heading in tomorrow to try again. Here's to a good count!

From the horse's mouth

This past weekend was my fourth treatment. Things have gone well so far. I have not had a lot of bad side effects, other than some sensitivity to cold and some tingling sensations in my hands and lips.  Those feelings go away eventually and by the next week after treatment I start to feel a lot better. I am glad I can still work, although I am slower right now than I would like.  There is a wellness program at HCH that I have been participating in since the middle of last month. Sometimes it takes a lot out of me, but I am happy to be able to be as active as I am, and appreciate the push that gives me.

Teresa has been a great support, I don't know what I would do without her. The kids have been troopers dealing with this.  We have tried to do a few fun things, most recently being the launch party for Janitors 2 by Tyler Whitesides on Saturday night.   I have also felt very touched by the kind words and thoughts from family and friends. 

I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and our family. I wish I knew a little more about how it will turn out, but I know it will be for good.  How could it not be?

Anyway, I will let Teresa take the writing responsibility back.  She enjoys it a lot more than I do.

Layne

Ward Activity

We're heading out to a church event. It's what people do when they're still hooked up to a bag of chemo, right? Apparently, life as usual around here.

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.

16K

We received a bill for Layne's first chemo session. It's over $16 thousand dollars. Wow. There's the part where the insurance company tells you how much they negotiated, then how much they paid and then the amount you owe. We're glad we have insurance. Our part is the co-pay for the doctor's visit. (I think that's a one time thing. So, it's possible that the other bills will not even have that. But, that also sounds a bit delusional to assume that...although, I really think someone told us that somewhere along the way.) I'm glad we're not 'breaking the bank' on this one. It's not exactly free to go to the appointments and pay for other prescriptions, but at least we're not thinking about rather we're going to eat next week. We're glad Layne has a job, we have decent insurance, and that we're not stressed about how we're going to pay for things.

Little Things

Nice to see Layne's running clothes in the laundry today. It was mostly a walk...but, still. He ran part of the way. I think he's glad he went. He was told that moving around a bit would help him feel better and give him more energy. He's working with the Wellness Center on a fitness program they've put together for him.

First Chemo Treatment

July 27, 2012
First chemo treatment. The line has been put through the port that is on the right side of his chest. The apparatus that's holding all of the drugs is right next to the chair.
Huntsman is located on Shoreline Ridge and gives you a pretty good view. It was nice to be able to enjoy the view since we were there for awhile.

This picture was taken not long after he was first hooked up. The tingling in the fingers, the metalic taste in his mouth and the chills hadn't set in yet. It was nice of him to smile for the camera.:} (I take so many pictures that he typically just rolls his eyes at me and continues with what he's doing.)