And we're off!!

Chemo has begun! Thank Whomever. While it's weird that Joe is being intravenously administered PLATINUM, it's nice to think about that evil cancer being thwarted instead of fed. I was able to be at the hospital for a good part of today, but tonight I'm at home with Miles, so couldn't be there when they hooked up the remedy/poison to his catheter. We were on the phone, though, and he's holding up great. Whatever side effects he has will show in a few days. If it weren't so personal, it would be much more interesting to learn that chemo stops rapid cell division (Cancer's so efficient!), and the side effects are all related to the cells in our bodies that rapidly divide. Such as the lining of our mouths, hair follicles, skin on our hands and feet, and digestive tract. It makes sense. I love it when things make sense. Those are the places where we interact with the items of our human experience, and I love that they renew themselves often. Sounds sort of cleansing, in a way.

For the wonks out there: They gave him a steroid (I think), and an anti-nausea drug before they started the chemo. Currently, Joe's got two IVs going- the Oxaliplatin ("Platinum" link above), and the "Rescue Drug" which will hopefully protect some of those rapidly dividing cells he needs. One in the neck, one in the arm. After a few hours of the Oxaliplatin drip, he'll start a series of other medications, which, combined with Oxaliplatin, makes FOLFOX, the chemo cocktail we already researched. He'll be confined to his hospital floor until discharge, so no more walks to the cafeteria for mediocre pizza. ;)

The hospital, Memorial Regional Medical Center, part of the Bon Secours network, has been outstanding. Attentive, cheerful, and empathetic.

They've agreed to give him an Ambien tonight, so he might be conked. But in general,

Joe's mostly bored, so if you want to call him, DO! His cell works, and he's addicted to Facebook, so chat's a possibility. If you need his contact info (or want to talk to me for any reason), you can email me at erinbishop@gmail.com or call me at 804.305.0255.

All in all, I think we're pretty good- glad remedy is underway, taking everything (the move, the diagnosis, the life changes) in stride. As always, much love and appreciation for your support and good wishes!