Dad's Blog #4

Well, two Provenge cycles down, only one to go.  I had the second of three infusions yesterday afternoon, Monday (3/21), up in Marina Del Rey.  Things went well.  In fact, the issues we had with the chest catheters not working Friday resolved themselves and now both are working fine.  If they will stay clear for a couple of weeks, we will be in good shape going into cycle #3. 

When we got to the office the treated white cells had not arrived yet from New Jersey.  But the folks on the oncology team were their usual proficient selves and got Patty and I settled in, blood samples taken, and dosed me up with benedryl shortly after we arrived.  As usual, I blurred-out after the Benedryl and don't remember much. 

I sort of remember Dr. Lam, one of my oncologists, coming by.  Great guy.  We exchanged pleasantries, he asked some questions of us and then asked if we had any questions for him.  I seem to remember most of my responses were followed by Patty laughing, apologizing to Dr. Lam, and saying "it must be the Benedryl".  A clue I guess, to the intelligence of my responses.  The rest of the infusion was a blur but I gather it went fine. 

Things began to clear on the way home.  Patty got us back to Orange County safely.  We realized we had both kind of skipped lunch and were pretty darn hungry.  We stopped at Cafe Rio in El Toro.  I had a salmon taco, which tasted particularly good.  Always a good sign after a cancer treatment.

I went to bed early and woke up this morning feeling a little achy.  I was told to expect this after the second treatment.  No bigge, I felt well enough to get out the door for my regular Tuesday breakfast with my fellow retired buddies Artie & Jim.  So not too bad.  I think I will take it easy today.  Maybe tinker a little on the truck while Patty is over at Adam's watching the babies.

So I guess that's it for now.  Thank you for being there for us.  We will keep you posted. 

Steve