Jeff is Vidazzled!

November 8, 2010 - Jeff's first treatment at the Cancer Center at Aria Hospital, Torresdale. 
Jeff's drug is brand-named Vidaza and would be administered through injections; 3 injections given all at once, every day for seven weekdays in a row, a cycle which would repeat every month for six months.  Jeff decided that if it was something he was going have to do that frequently, it ought to have a fun name.  He calls it "Vidazzle."  Jeff's prayer has changed from "Thank you, Lord, for poison ivy" to "Vidazzle me, Lord."

I accompanied Jeff on this first visit and we were very nervous newbies.  The nurses were competent and explained that I would never be able to administer this drug at home as Dr. Kennedy thought might be possible.  The drug is too toxic and must be mixed under an exhaust hood.  It is very expensive so this mixing doesn't happen until Jeff arrives.  Jeff was given Zofran, an anti-nausea medicine.  Hereafter, he would take it at home on the mornings of his treatments.  A prescription for another anti-nausea medicine was given so that he can take that in between doses of the Zofran.  After the Vidaza rested a bit, Jeff received his first three injections in his belly and we were free to leave.  Jeff drove home (the nurse said he could) but he had a terrible headache on the way home.  He spent most of the day resting and sleeping.  He was a little nauseous but did not take any more of the anti-nausea medicine.  Giblet enjoyed having Jeff lay around with her.  

I thought about making a paper chain - like we did for the kids to count down to Christmas - to mark the treatment days remaining.  Instead I made a grid of six rows of seven columns to X off each treatment day.  I headed it "Vidazzle me, Lord!"  Jeff marks an X after each treatment.

November 9-16, 2010  Nancy, Judy and I took Jeff to some of his treatments this first cycle.  I felt better knowing Jeff had company for the 30-minute drive and it gave Judy and Nancy a way to help Jeff and a chance to see the Cancer Center.  I was comforted by the competence and compassion of the nurses there
 and the way the 20 chairs in the treatment room were arranged for efficiency.  I hoped Judy and Nancy would feel the same way.

Jeff worked short bits of time on some days and slept a lot.

Jeff's blood is checked every four days during treatment and every week during the first month.   His white blood count was adequate for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.  Goody!  If his counts are too low, he will receive a blood transfusion.  This would take an extra couple of hours at the hospital next to the Cancer Center.