Round 1

Daryl had his first Chemo treatment on Monday. The Dr., nurses and myself determined it was best to keep him in the hospital for this treatment. His first “chemo cocktails” started around 5:00pm and ended around 11:00pm. They gave Daryl several medications prior to the chemo to help with his nausea, potential reaction and to stabilize his electrolytes.

Tuesday, Daryl was feeling better and his swelling had begun to decrease around his face. He had a visit from our friend Dan who is a transplanted Minnesotan, who went back for the Super Bowl. Daryl was one of the prized few to receive the official Super Bowl hat!  Dan is also a Chemo pharmacist and he confirmed the “cocktail’ was a good but strong one! It was very helpful for Dan’s expertise!

As the week progressed Daryl began to feel the effects of the chemo. His bloodwork continues to have challenges especially with his calcium and magnesium.  Chemo is a good bad drug. Good it goes after the cancer and kills it, Bad  it also goes after the good cells too.

Daryl energy is low, and understandable from the body attack of the chemo. He also had a fever so they have him on a couple of antibiotics.  We are also working to get his pain under control.  The good news is he is tolerating his tube feedings so he is getting nutrition and has a occasional popsicle or Italian ice! His suction tubing is red, which at first startles the doctor and nurses, till we explain that he has red popsicle!  Just a little hospital humor!

We are very blessed to have some of the best nurses caring for Daryl! Chemo is a new territory for us and their knowledge and guidance has been amazing!  We especially thank Alex, Lauren and Heidi who were a wonderful during his first chemo round. They embody the nursing profession by making the patient first! They have also allowed me to take breaks and know Daryl is very well cared for!

The plan is to keep Daryl in the hospital for a few more days. Barb, the Discharge Planner, has already been working with our insurance to obtain all the supplies needed for when he comes home. She has been great, with supplies already arrived at Casa de Lu!

Daryl needs some extra boost this week to get his energy up! My goals are to have him sit in the chair twice a day and go for a short walk! He needs his energy up to be able to come home and tackle the steps of Casa de Lu!

Thank you again for all your support and prayers! Especially all of you who are asking how I am doing!  I greatly appreciate the sincerity. I am not shy and will be asking for support when needed! It means the world to us! I have read Daryl the cards, response, texts  that  have sent and we have cards all around. We are the One Day at a time Lu’s, following the path God has for us.

With Love- Daryl and Charlotte

In the picture above, it is hard to tell but Daryl was representing the Cowboys.