Chemo Day

Well, today was the day Jordon started his IV chemo. Actually he is receiving it as I type. I guess I will give you a run down of our day to this point. Jordon came to work with me early this morning so we could go straight to his appointment. He checked in at the infusion desk, received an IV line in his arm, and we hurried to his MRI appointment. Since there was a wait to get the IV line, Jordon was late for his MRI (the girl checking him was NOT happy about this). After his MRI, we hurried back to infusion clinic (again, we were late) where we had to check in, and then wait. That seems to to be the one continuous theme of Doctor's: Hurry up and wait.

Jordon got settled in and then they started him on an anti-nausea IV as well as a pill called compazine (another anti-nausea med). After that was in his system, they gave him a dose of Ativan (apparently it is in the Valium family but does amazing things for nausea) so Jordon has dozed off and is sleeping peacefully.
While he slept, Jordon's nurse came and gave me the low down on IV chemotherapy. It is better because he can't throw it up and his nausea shouldn't be as bad (hopefully) but that is about it on the pro side. On the con side: Jordon's body will be even more susceptible to infection and bleeding, the possibility of him losing his hair is greater (and he just grew it back) he will be even more tired than he was, and he will lose his appetite again (plus a few more not fun symptoms).

Before Jordon dozed off he did hear the recommendations of getting a soft toothbrush and an electric razor (to prevent cutting and bleeding). He perked up (because he was excited to have an excuse to finally buy an electric razor instead of the other disposable kind :o) ).

Jordon started his IV's at 1:45 and it is now 4:00. He is about half way through his Avastin (I was told he wasn't approved to get it this treatment, but I guess they are giving it to him anyway) and after that they will give him the BCNU. I think their estimate of an 1 1/2 hours for time is kind of off. :o) That's okay though. This forces me to stop and smell the roses (or antiseptic wipes and medical supplies for that matter).

3 1/2 hours later...

We are finally finished. It has been a very long day at the hospital, but we won't have to do it again for 2 weeks!!! Jordon handled it great, and the staff was wonderful!!!! If you ever have to have a transfusion (not that we would wish it on you) we know a great place to go!