Dad had his first round of chemo Thursday, and it went well. I had to drop him off early as his appointment was at 9:30, and I need to be at the office by 9 am at the latest. He needed to get some paper work done before, so all was not lost. The PICC line went in well, and at 2:30, he called me to pick him up. Tomorrow he goes for another 4 hour treatment. We are so glad, as he felt the cancer growing in his back where the two spots were noticed in January. Dad is sitting in his recliner in the living room with a cup of tea at his side and a book in his hands.

next day : Friday morning, Dad’s treatment began at 8:30 am. In anticipation of a short day, we arranged one of our friends to pick him up shortly after noon. Imagine my surprise when she called the office to let me know a voice message was left on her phone, not to come. Because this was Dad’s first time getting these drugs, they decided to inject them at a slower rate. He also had to stay in a bed, just in case he got a reaction and they could whisk him off; where, I do not know, but it does add confidence to what they are doing. Dad called around 2:00 pm to let me know that he should be finished at 3. Great timing, as that is when I would be finished at the office too.

They gave him a “happy” drug to top it off, so when we were home and relaxing with a cup of tea, getting updated on email, he decided that we should go out for supper. Wow, he must really be feeling good! We had to pick up a prescription, which we combined with grocery shopping and then went out for burgers (yum, one of my favourite foods), and then rented some videos. If you ever get a chance to see Temple Grandin, let us know your reactions. Dad & I both agreed it is one of the best films we have seen in a long time.

Dad was also informed that because the drugs break down the cells, he needs to be careful with spicy foods, hot drinks, brushing his teeth and shaving. He has decided not to shave when his face is sensitive and feeling raw. Also, it takes approximately 15 days for the cells to die, which is when he will be most susceptible to diseases. So, he can go to church on the 6^th, but not the 13^th. Then his body will begin to produce healthy cells, in time for his next treatment on the 25^th. Something to keep in mind if we want to visit you.