First Treatment

Wally had the radiation simulation, and his first radiation treatment, this morning. They plan to do at least four more treatments, doubling them up over the course of the next several days (for a total of 10). They will do 2 more tomorrow, but they have not yet decided whether or not to do the next set on Saturday, or wait until Monday.

He did very well: having adequate rest and pain management, as well as forgoing the 25 minute car ride, seems to have helped significantly. He was back in his room just after lunchtime. He even felt well enough to walk to the bathroom (with a little assistance).

However, later in the afternoon, it became apparent that this was too much exertion for him, as he became increasingly tired and restless. He was unable to walk to the bathroom for a second trip, but was able to use a portable bedside commode, instead. Another hour or so after that, he had some additional pain break through in his left shoulder, so we had to ask for more medication. The doctor increased his regimen to every 2 hours (instead of every 4 hours).

But I am a little concerned about the pain medication they are giving him. On Tuesday, when he was on the self-administered morphine, he claimed to have seen a cat in the room. Obviously, they don't allow cats in the hospital, so there wasn't a cat in the room. So they took away the PCA machine: no more morphine, no more cat.

Unfortunately, the cat is back today. Even though Wally did need the additional medication for the break-through pain, it appears it brought back the cat. It's a completely different medicine, and is administered by a nurse, so it's not exactly the same situation. But he claims he sees a kitten on the counter -- I wonder if it's the same cat as on Tuesday?

He had a bit of dinner: he ordered a hamburger and french fries. He ate quite a few french fries, but he did not touch the hamburger. He also sipped some whole milk and nibbled a bit of chocolate pudding.

I am concerned about his lack of appetite. He has lost so much weight, he's a wisp of his former self (which wasn't that much to start with). Both the doctors and the nurses have assured me that this is not unusual with cancer patients: apparently, the cancer releases a protein that suppresses appetite (!?). They are not worried about it yet, but are monitoring the situation, just in case. He is on IV fluids, so he is staying well hydrated.