Ryan had his first chemotherapy treatment on Wednesday. It was a LONG day. We left for the Cancer Center a little before 8:00 am and returned about 7:00 pm. The whole experience is rather surreal. Sitting in a large room with other cancer patients as the nurses joke around and nonchalantly talk about the poison flowing through IV's. It's strange. At one point, I left to get Ryan some food. When I returned, he didn't look very good . . . but what is the "normal" way to look when having your innards killed by rabbit antigens (seriously -no wonder human bodies hate Rituxan)? After I handed him some food, he turned toward me and said he felt itchy. I noticed his whole head was swollen with a bright red rash. One peek down his shirt proved that he was covered in hives. The nurse walked over to check on him, and immediately said, "we're shutting you down." The chemo drugs were turned off while several nurses came over to administer medications that alleviate allergic reactions. In the meantime, Ryan's breathing became strained and his tongue swelled. After about an hour-and-a-half, the redness was gone and the chemo drugs were started again.
Even Superman gets exhausted while fighting cancer.
Ryan got very cold during the treatments, so the blanket given to him by the California Springers came in handy!
We have a SUPER support team! The Porters started the campaign to wear Superman shirts in support of Ryan, the ultimate Superman. Pretty soon, we started getting emails from other family members and friends who wanted to show their support! So far, we have people in Washington, Idaho, Utah, California and Missouri rooting for Ryan's cancer killing skills!
Scott, Ann and their girls
Kara, Dave (who was working) and their brood.
Mi Madre y Padre even joined the cancer fight!
Christine bought shirts for her whole family to wear on chemo days! Pictured are Chloe, Christine, Madelyn and Parker. She also put shirts on Lindsey and Logan the morning of Ryan's cancer treatment, before she took all the kids to school. I ordered shirts for our whole family, but they hadn't arrived yet.
It's hilarious to see how annoyed Parker looks, while Logan is bursting with joy at hanging out with his best buddy (who is 5 years older)!
Ryan Robinson posted this picture on Facebook yesterday, with the words: "All my love and prayers to my friend, Ryan Ellefsen, and his family!"
On Wednesday night, Ryan didn't sleep at all. We had accidentally had him take a Prednisone (one of the many drugs he is taking) right before bed. Since it's a steroid, he was wide awake! He has quite the concoction of drugs right now, most of which are helping to control the extreme nausea. The first 48 hours after chemo weren't too bad, because so many medications are administered through his IV while still in the clinic. Starting yesterday, the nausea became more severe. He is also experiencing more fatigue, so he takes short naps every few hours. I think this is the wake-up call he needed to slow down, because Mr. Workaholic figured he could sail right through this chemo stuff. His work is ordering a new computer for him, so he can begin working at home more often.
Thank heaven for good medications to help with the nausea! My heart hurts for all those people who experienced chemo before the days of Zofran, Lorazepam and Compazine. If you ever want to feel grateful for your trials, watch patients in a Cancer Center for a few hours. Those pale, hairless saints are remarkable, especially because so many of them are able to keep a positive outlook and lift the spirits of those around them.
We have been spoiled by our friends/ward members/neighbors. We had 4 meals brought to us this week. One of the meals was from a dear friend in my ward, but the other 3 were from friends we rarely see who felt inclined to help. One neighbor promised to bring dinner every Thursday for the next few weeks, because she knows I attend college classes that evening. We have so many kind, selfless, giving people willing to help, including those who have been driving my kids to activities and taking care of them while we are at the hospital. It's amazing to see the love that so many people have for Ryan. I can't possibly explain the gratitude we feel. I've often heard people speak of the peace they feel in a trial due to the prayers and faith of others. We have definitely experienced that peace lately, and know the source. It is difficult for me to accept so much service from others, but I am being humbled.
Kicking Cancer's Butt One Day at a Time.
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