I woke up this morning anxious to begin treatment. Radiation went better than I expected. The mesh mask that snaps tightly over my head, neck and upper chest creates pressure on my throat making it difficult to swallow. I have to mentally relax as it would be easy for me to panic as it feels like I could choke with each swallow. Unlike the radiation preparation sessions which were up to 45 minutes of being strapped in, the actual treatments are only 15 minutes long. That's a relief. To stay mentally calm during these sessions, I mediate on God's attributes.
After leaving the radiation facility, which is located adjacent to the hospital complex, I was admitted for my first round of chemotherapy treatment at NKC Hospital. I received several hours of fluids and anti-nausea drugs by IV before the chemo was administered. The chemo drug itself took only about one hour to flow into my body. No nausea -- yet!
Overall everything went smoothly today. The radiation mask triggers pain in the tumor area and intense headaches... a small price to pay for a cure.
I'm in a new single-bed hospital room with WI-FI access. In fact I'm creating this entry from my hospital bed just moments after the chemo treatment finished. If all goes well, I will be released sometime on Monday.
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20 comments:
Dave,
I read 2 Corinthians 1 and was humbled. Thank you so very much;it's Him working on the inside that's showing on the outside :-). I know the steroids wreak havoc with getting a good night's rest (I furnished an entire library and bedroom one night after chemo - yikes!) but I'm praying for a peaceful night for both you and T. Love you guys so much!
Linessa
Hi Dave - so glad to hear everything went smoothly today. Your mom said you were met by someone you knew at each location . . . isn't that great to see God's hand in each step you're taking? We're praying for you and your family. Love, Craig and Julie Johnson
Hey Dave...
It's great to hear everything went well on your first treatments. Thanks for creating the blog. I'll be checking in frequently.
You're in my prayers. Rock on brother.
Kent
Dave-
Thanks for sharing the blog, and I am so glad that things are going smoothly.
You are in my thoughts
-Lee
Dave,
Thanks for the updates, brother. It was great to see you guys Saturday. I hope you didn't pay for it later on. I came home and listened to our DVD again and came away with a conclusion.....All future replays must be done from your monster home theater! :-)
Hi Dave, there are few people I have come across in my travels with the courage that you have to beat this. Furthermore, I think that there are few people that I know who are as introspective as you who can make sense of all that must be happening to you.
As Lee said, we are all thinking of you. Keep posting, we'll keep reading!
- Mike
Hi Dave,
I'm so glad to hear your first treatment went well. I like Kent's idea...do you need a bass-o-matic for Christmas?
You are amazing. If anyone can win this fight, it's you! My prayers will continue through this battle.
Love,
Rita
Dave -
Thank you SO much for creating this blog! I've been thinking about you and your family daily and praying for you. Glad to hear all seems to be going well for you. I'll be checking in.
God bless,
Dana
Dear Dave,
This morning I'm reminded of the verse I claimed as my life verse in college. Prov. 3:5&6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
You've begun a new path and God will provide to you His abundant grace to complete the journey.
Love Mom
Dave - it is wonderful to hear from you, and through your blog, we feel as though we are there with you. Strength in numbers! And, leave it to you to be the first to initiate me into blogworld - how appropriate :) Know that lots of prayers are coming your way!
Anastasia
After you're done with this fight, with the weight-loss you've experienced, I don't want to hear you say that you're too overweight to do Corporate Challenge track next year!
Stay positive,
David
Dave,
I am amazed and humbled by your strength and positive outlook through your ordeal. You are truly inspiring. I am keeping you in my prayers and look forward to future updates and the conclusion, which is you being completely well. Janet Nash
Dave,
It was good to see you on Saturday. Our family is praying for you, that your testimony in all of this will point folks to the Savior.
I know you will probably have lots of folks helping you and Theresa out, but just so you know, it won't be the last time your SF family loves on you guys!
;-D
Steve
Dave,I'm glad to hear your first treatment went well. I hope and pray the rest of them go as smoothly. As you can see from the comments you are an inspiration to many of us with your positive attitude and strong faith. You, Theresa, and the kids continue to be my family's thoughts and prayers.
Love, Shawn and Kelli
Hi Dave.
You have the right attitude. Keep fighting!
You are in my prayers.
- Dave
Dave, thanks for creating this blog, and I'm glad to hear the first treatment went well. I'll be checking regularly for your updates.
I wondered: do they allow you to you listen to your choice of music during your treatments? I know that would help me to stay more relaxed.
Take care,
Louie
Dave,
Thank you for creating this blog and always being transparent, even with your current battle with cancer.
Will you be fed a liquid turkey dinner on Thanksgiving?
-We are keeping you in our thoughts. Carey and Graham True
Dave,
I'm glad to hear your treatments are proceeding well. I know we were trying to schedule a lunch, but quite frankly your lunches don't sound very fun (ha). When I think of friends who have beat the "big C", like Rita Abernathy, Windy Welte, and others, I'm sure you'll join the club. You've outrun others in life, I'm sure you'll beat this one. Keep the positive thoughts and enjoy the time to play with all your techno toys.
Doug
(retired farmer/biker/guitarist)
Hi, Dave.
I figured you'd have blog. :-) I'll check it often.
My stepson Mike Rabich is starting radiation at NKC hospital this week. If you run into a big guy getting radiation on his jaw, you can talk feeding tubes with him. All he wants is a steak. He's going to be fine once he's through this,I'm sure, and so will you.
I'm forever grateful you were my first manager and gave me enough time to learn my job. Talk about techologically challenged!
Remember Dr. Suess--oh the places you'll go!I know you're strong but remember to let others help you. It helps them.
Hubby John & I will be praying for you and our Mike.
Mary Weston
Dave,
Add my prayers to the multitudes already being offered up for you. Your strength and spirituality are shining stronger than ever. Thank you for this blog - so many, many people care.
Kathy Ehrlich
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