Day 2 & 3

Day 2 - Well, Tom made it through his first night and first day at work with his pump.  The day was not very restful, as you can imagine.  To give you an idea, there is a butterfly iv thing in his port which in on the right side of his chest.  This has a tube that attaches to the pump. The pump is about the size of a couple of decks of cards side by side.  Attached to the pump is a small IV bag filled with his medication.  The pump and the bag fit into a bag much like a "fanny pack", for lack of a better term, except a bit larger.  He can then wear it around his waist or over his shoulder.  This will be his constant companion for the next 42 days.  It cannot get wet and it comes with a hazardous waste clean-up kit! 

In all seriousness, he was not able to sleep too well last night for obvious reasons.  He did work Tuesday and was able to make it very well.  He then had his 2nd radiation treatment and came home.  We have it worked out so that he can leave work at pretty much the regular time and swing through Murfreesboro and get his treatment and head home.  

The oncologist, Dr. Mainwaring, has told him that he will probably be able to work the first 3 to 4 weeks of the 6 weeks of treatment.  So far there have not been any side effects that have really manifested but we realize that it is still early.  

Day 3 did not go as well.  Tom woke up about 1am not feeling too well so he did not attempt to go to work.  He was able to rest during the day and still made it to M'boro for his radiation treatment.  The medication is beginning to make his a bit sick at his stomach now.  He has medication to take for the nausea so that helps.  From what we have been told, it would be worse if he were not getting the chemo through the pump in a continuous dosage.

Many of you have asked what we need or what you can do.  Really, I don't know!  (If you live in Vegas, if you could fix the back window on Layne's Explorer, we would be grateful!)  Many of you have offered to drive to and from treatments, etc. and right now he is able to manage on his own.  I think as long as he can do that it is best.    We will call on you if necessary, I promise!  If we come to mind, pray for us.  If God puts something on your heart, listen.  He's in charge, He knows what we need even when we don't.

We love you all!

Tom & Jan