Dad's Second Blog (first cycle in the bag)

First off, Patty and I want to thank everyone who has responded with kind words, and thoughts via facebook messages, comments on the blog and just checking out Friday’s blog to see how we are doing.  It truly makes things easier knowing so many people care, and are pulling for you.  Thanks.

Patty set up for the kids and grandkids to come over Sunday afternoon for a nice informal dinner. Thanks sweetie.  A nice way to kick this thing off.  Life is good.

Yesterday I started the first of three infusion cycles for the “Provenge” treatment.  We started out the day going to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.  I had to get the sutures removed that were put in a couple of weeks ago installing the venous catheter ports in my chest.  These ports are required for the every-other Friday blood separation procedures in Van Nuys.  They are no big deal.  But I will have to wait until the ports come out in April for my long awaited re-entry into the ocean.  Stand-up paddling/surfing, and the rest will have to wait because the ports represent a risky avenue for infection.  Bummer.  Oh well water is mighty cold this time of year.   

So when we arrived in Marina del Rey yesterday, the little cooler with my white blood cells was back from blood cell boot camp in New Jersey, waiting for us, and ready to take up the cause.  The infusion process took about 90 minutes.  And went without a hitch.

The last part of the procedure requires that we wait about an hour while they observe me. This is to make sure there are no allergic reactions.  This was no problem for me because the infusion process incorporates a very large dose of an anti-allergen - Benadryl, which in even small doses makes me sleep like a baby.  The rest of the day was pretty much a blur.  Which is why this blog did not go out last night.

So that should be it for now.  It will be a couple of weeks before the next treatment cycle.  As you can see Patty was unfortunately unable to participate in this blog and limit my rambling.  Maybe next time.  She is out picking up grandkids from school and doing some grand-babysitting today.  And I think I am feeling well enough to go and do a few errands of my own.  So I will get to it.  Again, thanks for your caring and checking on us.  We will keep you posted.

Steve