Many thanks for all the visits to Donnie in the hospital, and all the words of encouragement on the blog!!!! Donnie reads it in the early morning hours when he has some quiet time, and it makes him smile 🙂
We were educated by an oncology nurse from Dr. Z’s office for about an hour and a half today. Jim Giordano was with us while we were being educated. It’s a good thing, as Donnie couldn’t keep his eyes open. We were given many books, pamphlets and important papers that discuss Donnie’s disease, chemotherapy regimen (or “cocktail” as I call it), possible side effects of each medication, how to manage those side effects, nutrition, and support. It was very enlightening. She was very thorough and kind.
At 5pm, Donnie was given his “pre-meds”, which promptly put him to sleep. I must say it is good to see him resting so hard. This is typical. He started his first chemo medication, which took 2 hours to infuse. He will receive a total of four chemo medications. All four of the meds will be given in succession, and it will take 48 hours for all of them to infuse. After that, if his symptoms are under control, he will be able to go home. We are hoping that will be by Tuesday.
“They say” that he will feel pretty good for 4 days after his treatments, then will start to feel bad for the next 10 days. Also, he is very, very susceptible to infections around 7 days after his treatments, so no sick people or children should visit him at home at that time. Just FYI 🙂
If the chemotherapy is doing its job, and the cancer is shrinking, Donnie should have less pain in his abdomen, and may even be able to wean some of his pain medications. Lets all pray for that!!!!!
Much love, Tina
27 replies on “Chemo education and first treatment begun”
Thinking about you and praying for you everyday. We all miss you so much. Stay strong and remember with God all things are possible.
Love
Kelloggs
Hey Donnie, You haven’t said, “Hey Baby!” to any of the lovely ladies of the management team, have you? Just saying…..I might be jealous! (wink)
We pray for you, and for Tina, you too, a great night’s sleep!
Donnie and Tina, I have been thinking about you and praying for you daily. Donnie, I pray the Chemo does a great job of shrinking the cancer and hoping you get to feeling better. Hope you have a great Christmas. I do believe in miracles. Love you
Love your sweet cousin
Patty
Hey Donnie,
So thankful you started your chemo today. Will pray that the chemo will shrink the cancer!! Nothing is impossible with our God!
So thankful for your great doctors, your good spirits, and our Savior who we can place our trust!
Sending much love!
Sharon
Thinking of you everyday Donnie and Tina. We love you!
Thanks for getting this blog under way Tina and thank you to those who keep it up for her, I know she is very busy and has a hundred (at least) other things on her mind.
Donnie, I’m glad to hear that treatment has begun. Now we must all pray that it does what it is meant to do. Keep smiling! I am loving the pics and the photo gallery.
Know that we love you and are continuing to pray for your and the family.
Celeste
So pleased to see you feeling a notch better today…
But very disappointed we didn’t get to see you in a flash-the-butt hospital gown though! =)
Thought you might like this ‘youtube’ link to the Jewish traditional prayer for healing – the words are about 1500 years old- the literal translation from the Hebrew asks G-d for ‘shalom-ness’ of body and spirit – difficult to translate but kind of like peace/wholeness/balance of body and spirit. Shabbat Shalom – and Refuah Sh’layma!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSlnF-uxtLY&list=PL2a89NGcTeepa9W8SAUaUTpB3hPtfcQqw
PS: if you would like, I will add your name to my synagogue ‘Mi Shebeirach’ list. The names of the people who are needing healing (usually maybe a dozen or so people) are read aloud before this prayer is sung for those people by the entire congregation at every Shabbat service. Let me know if you would like in addition to your Church family prayers.
You guys have probably watched “SCRUBS” (the TV show). This song was in one of their episodes for about 10 seconds, but as soon as I heard it I had to have it 🙂 It’s just so peppy! I have my music going as I’m working today, and when this song started playing I thought you might enjoy it too 🙂
http://waterstonefellowship.org/website/resources/Misc/A_Little_Respect_by_Erasure.mp3
Hey Donnie. Love the Corvette shirt. But you knew that I would! I’m praying for your comfort and healing… and pooping (that just sounds so weird). Love you.
OK, Donnie. So the next technology challenge is how to live-stream Praise Team practice so you can lead us remotely. I mean, you don’t think you can just shirk your duties, do you? 😉
To keep your ear sharp, you can always review past performances:
http://waterstonefellowship.org/website/category/audio/music/
Love ya, bro!
lol Scott! I love that idea! We miss your gorgeous voice Donnie! 🙂
Praying for healing! Praising God with you that your chemo is getting started.
what’s with all these girls around here buddy. I know that staff. when you want to Cuban sandwiches just me know.. God miracles are comong! He can use chemo. God bless you both lots of love and hugs. Linda
I’m also still praying for a miraculous healing. Just because other treatments are happening, it doesn’t mean God can’t or won’t do a miracle!!
It’s great to read the up dates here. We are so far away and it helps to know daily what you are going through. We love you and praying. Hope to see you soon!(hug hug hug)
We continue to lift you up in prayer! We love you guys!
Just so you know…you have moved into 1st place! You are my #1 brother…Ha! Was there ever a doubt?! 🙂
I love the blog idea. When I miss you I can sign in and see your handsome face and it makes me smile. Love all the pictures. You are showered with love!!
I love you brother! …..Hang in there!
See you real soon.
Sis
To our amazing friend Donnie: we are devastated by the news of your diagnosis, but we know that if there is anyone who will fight with everything he has to beat this, it is you. Know that we and many others are praying for you daily. May God Bless You and your family always. Peace.
Jesus’s mailbox is being filled with prayers! We love you!
Hi Donnie and Tina,
This blog is a great idea! So very glad to hear the treatment plan has been put into action. It sounds like you are in good hands. Please know that we are thinking about you and praying for you constantly. Hang tough Brother, we’ll come see you soon.
We love you guys,
Bubba & Tracey
Looking good in all these pictures! Keep your spirits up, and let that chemo do it’s job. Give Tina a hug for me. 🙂
Stay strong , Donnie !!! The Filipino Mafia are all praying for you. (I just can’t come yet coz I can’t seem to shake off this stupid cough!) God speed!!!
Donnie, we are thrilled that Tina is telling us all about your poops. I mean, you KNOW that is one of Robin’s favorite topics…potty humor. (Is that a guy thing? I really think it is!) xoxoxoxox W and sir Robin of Loxley
Hi Donnie – I’m prayin – come on Chemo do your job. Went to St Joseph tonight to see their light display on the bluff over looking Lake Michigan. Really beautiful. Will see if my pic’s turned out. Will send some if any good.
Love ya. Ron
Thank you so much for this blog! We are all reading it everyday. ❤️ Hang in there Donnie!! We love you!! Xoxo!!
So glad to hear you have started your chemo. We love you big guy! Hang in there.
Atta boy, Dad. I love you!