Milo and I (Meg) drove down to Newton for a quick trip to see Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa was in fine form :) He explained to me about his trips to the "electric shop," where he receives his radiation treatments. He told me about how he's clausterphobic, something I never knew about him, and that strapping him to a table is about the worst thing they could do to him. So he talked to his doctor about when he's had other procedures done, and they give him some sort of sedative. So he does his "yoga," takes his relaxation drugs, and they hook him up. He says that it's all still very real to him, he's fully awake and aware of what's going on, but he just doesn't care. Kinda nice, probably means he gets a little time not to worry too.
They've made friends with everyone at the clinic. I think this social desire is genetic because my mom has it too. They talk to and encourage the patients going thru the same thing, they befriend the nurses and the techs. Grandpa talked about how sullen and sad a place this can be, such scary things, cancer and its treatment. But with some smiles and a laugh or two, it's not so bad. He has told his fellow crusaders of his new title, his calling as cancer assassin. They love this, and like a general leading an army, Grandpa rallies the troops, and together they declare war on this illness.
He explained the actual radiation treatments, how they put this helmet-type thing on, and then the "ice-blue" light comes on. How he has to close his eyes because it's far too intense and bright to look at. And then they get to go.
Sounds like there are just a few more radiation treatments, they're done on Wednesday, Grandpa gets the weekend off, and then they'll start chemotherapy the following week. And it sounds like they'll do one chemo treatment every two or three weeks. That the side effects will be tough the closer to the treatment, but Grandma Sue hopes for a good couple of weeks of feeling better inbetween. We'll keep you up on all the comings and goings of our own cancer assassin.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It was wonderful having Tom, Kris, Heather, Meg, Milo, Leah and Dusty all here for visits last weekend. I don't know what we would do without all of our family support. We see Barb and Marv almost every day and they never fail to see our needs and take care of them. We are blessed !!! Grandma Sue
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting up this blog, Meg. It sure is good to know we can all contribute to Gary's healing in our own ways.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're a fighter, Uncle Gary, and I couldn't be more proud to be your niece!
Good Luck today, I here that today is your first round of chemo. We are right behind you in this battle!
ReplyDelete