Learning About Chemo and A Tentative Schedule

DeBary, FL.

66 deg. overcast, NW wind @ 8 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy in the morning, then clear. High of 68F. Breezy. Winds from the WNW at 15 to 20 mph. Low temperature tonight, 38 deg.

Yesterday was "Learn about Chemo Day", so about 9:15 Laura came by and picked up Jim and Linda and they all headed over to the chemo therapist, which isn't in the hospital, but in another medical building in Orange City. It's actually closer than the hospital and probably easier to get to.

After filling out yet another bunch of forms, Linda was finally called in to have a blood test and to meet the doctor who will be overseeing all the treatments. (Jim and Laura were also there when Linda met Dr. Saferali. )  She went through all of the steps of the chemo treatments and talked about treatment procedures and possible side effects. The meeting lasted over an hour and the doctor answered all the questions and concerns that Linda, Jim and Laura had, the best she could.

One of the things about chemo is that each person is different and the treatments effect everyone differently, so there's no "set answers" that will pertain to everyone.

Linda, Jim and Laura all thought that Dr. Saferali was very knowledgeable and were pleased with how she answered all Linda's questions and concerns. They also appreciated that she took as much time with them as needed and she never made them feel like she was rushing through the meeting.

OK, so what's next?? Well, here's what I know so far. On the 6th of December, Linda and Jim, (and possibly Laura if she can make it), will go back to the Chemo office for a "Chemo Patient Education" meeting. She will meet with the nurses that administer the treatment and see the facilities. The nurses will also explain all the procedures and try to explain what will happen while Linda is there.

Then, on the 12th of December, Linda will have her first chemo treatment. She needs to be there at 9:00 AM and the treatment will probably last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. (probably close to 6 hours because this will be the first treatment). The second treatment will be 21 day later on the 2nd of January, and a third treatment will be 21 days after that.

After the third treatment, there will be about a 2 week waiting period and then Linda will start 8 weeks of Radiation treatment, (5 treatments a week on Monday through Friday for 8 weeks). Then after about another 2 weeks, Linda will again get 3 more Chemo treatments, (again spaced at 21 day intervals).

I haven't figured it out exactly, because the 2 week waiting periods may change between the 2 different types of treatments, but rough figuring brings it to sometime in September before all the treatments will be completed.

After the meeting, Linda, Laura and Jim met Lindsey over at the 4 B's Restaurant and had lunch/breakfast. Then Laura brought Linda and Jim back here to the house, where they relaxed and talked about the upcoming treatments and procedures.

Jim and Linda have had some serious discussions about all of this and how it may/will affect our future. There have not been any decisions made, but major changes may be necessary. Only time will tell though.

 A Point to Ponder : Everyone experiences fear! It's what you do despite that fear that defines you!

Woof!!!