I Heart Chemo

Let me preface this post by saying that I’m typing it with one hand behind my back, fingers crossed. Yes, it makes it slow-going, but fuck it. I’m not taking any chances.

I wanted to post before and after pictures of Hubs from his first chemo cycle, but he put the kibosh on that. So, I give you my own rendition of what he looked like in the days leading up to the first day of chemo:

I may be exaggerating slightly. His hair was a little shorter, and his teeth aren’t spaced that far apart. His complexion is also less olive-based.

After a round of chemo and the wonder-drug Rituxan, the news the his bone marrow is negative for cancer cells, and the drop of about 15 lbs. in fluid in the past week, he now looks more like this:

 

Although, I’m having a hell of a time getting him to wear the bandana. Still waiting for his hair to fall out. Maybe then he’ll see the light. I’m pretty sure we have an undershirt in the rag bin that’s looking about like that, and I can just save some of Hubs’ lost hairs to reattach to his face for the mustache, right? Otherwise, it’s spot on.

Next cycle is April 24th. Until then, we watch his counts, which continue to drop for the next few days. His lowest point should be Monday. He’ll have blood work to keep a watch on that, get Neupogen injections as needed, and stay as germ-free as possible.

The doctor has reminded us that it’s early in the game. We have a long road ahead of us, but when you go from looking and feeling like Chet to Johnny Depp, it’s a good fucking week. We’ll take it.

Comments

[Fear and Parenting in Las Vega]

Well, you'd better delouse the Easter Bunny! I hope everything goes well and the side effects are minimal.

[GeekMommy]

"the news that his bone marrow is negative for cancer cells"

Best. Words. I've. Read. ALL. Day.

(((hug)))

Seriously loving this post for so many, many reasons... even the small one that you linked a picture of Chet. Dude, I loved that movie.

Yeah, I know, you thought I was going to say Johnnie Depp. Okay, I lust after him with a white-hot lust too.

But no cancer in the bone marrow? Best. Part!

((hug))

[emmajames]

Congrats! One day at a time is the best any of us can ask for. Your attitude is inspiring. Continuing to send good juju...

[Vixen]

Wonderful news. And even without the bandanna, sounds like quite an improvement.

[T@SendChocolate]

Make no bones about it (erg. sorry for the pun) Johnny Depp is hot. If NoN is lookin' like him...well, geez, why are you wasting time blogging? Jump his bones...suck the marrow outta life.

(ok, clearly, I need to go to bed now, or take medication for the incurable paranomasia I seem to have..)

T.

[Amanda Shankle-Knowlton]

That is fantastic news! I think of you guys often and hope that things continue to go well.

[Cheryl]

I don't know what else to say except, "That's HOT!" on so many levels. ;-)