Chemo, Shemo.....

Well....Today is the day that we have been anticipating with much nausea...Dad's first Chemotherapy infusion.  He went in early this morning and we waited by our phones for any texts or calls that would keep us updated.  This pic was sent to us at about noon.  As you can see he is in a comfy pleather chair with some uplifting reading material and a cute, happy nurse named JaNae.  (Good sign, don't ya think?)  As you can see nurse JaNae is draped in a blue smock and purple gloves.  (They wear those whenever they handle the chemotherapy drugs, and chemotherapy patients dry heave whenever they see those cute nurses.)

Dad does not have a port, but receives his infusions of Gemzar from a vein in his arm.  They found a good strong vein in his lower arm which made us all happy.  He did have a little burning and stinging at the infusion site, so they turned the pump down to make him more comfortable.  Next time they will administer the Gemzar with saline, which will help.

MSTI also serves lunch to the patients getting their infusions over the lunch hour.  We laugh that the lunch is "complimentary."  Complimentary as in, after you have and pay for your infusion, there is no more money to pay for lunch!  :) Dad enjoyed an egg salad sandwich, Fritos and and iced diet Dr. Pepper.  One of his amazing patients, who is also a nurse there brought him a big strawberry frozen yogurt!  We are happy he is being pampered.

He was pleased and (anxious) to go home around one.  His arm and shoulder were aching from the infusion, but did great!  We love and are proud of him!  He is a fighter!