Random practical info about cancer and chemo in Stew's life that you might not know...and more.

Chemo:
-Hand sanitizer becomes your very needed best friend.
-Protective face masks smell.
-At different times face masks are part of your wardrobe.
-Hair doesn't only disappear from your head, but from your chest, back, legs, and even armpits.
-Chemo brain (fog) is real.
-A rubber bracelet identifying you as a chemo-with-port patient is worn at all times.
-Taste buds continually change. One day something tastes good, the next day it doesn't.
-Bathroom sinks become mini medicine cabinets.
-You are a human pin cushion. (This was the first one Stew thought of)
-Bathroom restrictions are in place for 48 hours after chemo:
   Toilet lid down before flushing.
   Family members don't use the same toilet.
   Clean after each use.
-Baskets of saltines are part of the hospital decor.
-Treatments are identified by letters:
  RCHOP
  CVAD
  etc.
-A good thermometer by the bedside is necessary.
-No manual razors, only electric. Why? When platelets are low you can't risk cutting yourself and  bleeding. It could be a guaranteed trip to the hospital.
-Water, water, water...at least 8 bottles a day.
-You can feel okay in the morning and be almost unable to function in the afternoon.
- Average number of trips to the the doctor/hospital/infusion center are 1-2 times a week.
-Neuropathy becomes a factor in your day. Especially in the way your legs work.


Cancer:
-You can look good on the outside and  still be dying on the inside.
-Bone biopsies hurt.
-It's not a respecter of race, culture, sex, or age. Just last week during our 15 minutes in the waiting  room we waited with a child, teenager, mom, dad, grandparent, male, female, African Americans,  Asians, Caucasians, etc.
-The word "Cancer" is not a one size fits all. There are over 100 major groups of cancer. And, each of  those can be broken down to different types within the group.
   Example:                      Blood Cancers
                                     Three main groups
                        Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma
                                   Types of Lymphoma
                    NHL (Non Hodgkins)        HL (Hodgkins)
                              61 types                         4 types
                      (mantle cell is NHL)
-What helps one type of cancer might not help another when taking chemo. Example: When some  heard Stew had cancer, caring recommendations were made that Stew drink green tea and use frankincense. I drink at least one cup of green tea a day because it  is good for you. Yet, for Stew it would have been potentially harmful. With one of the chemos he has taken, green tea has been proven to inhibit the effectiveness of the treatments. And, the same was true of frankincense.
-Some cancer symptoms are the same as chemo symptoms so you don't always know which one is    affecting you.
-Weight matters.
-Toast is the one staple that almost always tastes good.
-You pray to live, but prepare to die. Medical power of attorney, living will directive, update of wills, financial power of attorney, etc. are all necessary forms/paperwork to be completed.

Updates:
-As many know, two weeks ago Stew had a very difficult week as he had developed a viral infection.  Praise God, he is much better now. Things like that make us appreciate even more the good, good  days we have. Thank you to all who prayed, shared scriptures, songs, sweet gifts, and words of encouragement.
-Last week we spent the day at the hospital going through all the tests for re-staging. We were also  given a tentative plan for the days ahead, but we have many questions yet to be answered before  final decisions are made.

Thank you for your continued prayers.
Love,
Stew and Deb

A few pictures from the past couple of weeks.