Chemo is Awful

This morning we find ourselves at the ER. Last week Richards electrolytes were low and his creatinine was vey high. This means he must drink a lot. His kidneys are at risk when these numbers show up in the blood work. This morning I went to my substitute job and before I had been at work 2 hours when he called. "Come home." He said. So that's what I did. Symptoms of dehydration are a dry mouth, head ache, and weakness. It becomes serious if you start running a temperature, can't urinate or have diarrhea. He had diarrhea but didn't have a temp and was still urinating but the doctor thought with his bloodwork from last week we better come to the ER

Chemo is awful. Richard is getting 2 different drugs over a 3 day period every 3 weeks. He will do this for 6 rounds. We just finished round #2. Both times he has felt like a truck ran over him. Last time he was able to eat and drink lots of water. This time either has been difficult which is why he is now dehydrated. We are told this happens during chemo. I'm beginning to hate all "C" words. Cancer and chemo are at the top of my list. #cancersux #chemosux 

His childhood friend, Vince is in town. He stayed at the house all day yesterday. The two of them told Joey all the stories of their shenanigans while growing up on Long Island. They laughed a lot. It was great to see that becUse he hasn't laughed in a while. Vince came to the hospital when I called. He sits in the waiting room waiting to hear if his friend is ok. I'm so glad he's here. 

Things could be so much worse. My heart is hurting for Andrew Cashner and his family. We met the Cashners when Joey played ball at Angelina Community College. Andrew was and still is an amazing pitcher. He was a sophomore. Joey and the other freshman catcher, Bryan Mallet, got broken into college catching by Andrew He took them under his wing and was a great role model. Andrews family took Joey to his first rodeo that wasn't held at NRG in Houston. Mrs C (Jane) has beaten breast cancer. The past 6 months she has been fighting against leukemia. This past weekend she has had to face many complications from a fall where she twisted her ankle.  Their family is on my heart and I pray for Jane daily

So many people have to fight this disease and with all the medical advances today they are still using drugs that cause so many problems. It is so hard to watch loved ones going through this. I know I want Richard to fight but it's so hard to watch. It makes me question if he should go on. And then I question myself because I know it is the only thing that will allow his body to heal so we can be together longer. Is this the life we were intended?  Jenna says "that's life" whenever something doesn't go her way. It was something her teacher taught her when she would get upset. I have to remind myself (I cant recall where I heard this) that God did not promise us a great life he promised us  eternity because Jesus died on the cross. How awesome is that to look forward to? An eternity where we won't have to have cancer or chemo.

Well, the large bag of saline and electrolytes is almost empty and he is already feeling better. Asking if he can have ice pops so I guess I will be stopping at the store. Doc just came in and is sending him home with a new med for nausea and orders to drink.

Who will fight this fight for you, and beside you when you are in the midst of all the side effects? Our Lord God is the only one we can trust to take this fight for us when we are tired, sick, dehydrated and having complications. Exodus 14: “14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Dear Lord thank you for taking this fight and facing the cancer and chemo for Richard and Jane and all the others who are doing the same. Help us to remember we each face an eternity without disease because you gave us your wonderful Son. InYour love, Amen