and the beat goes on..

Feeling good right now. The Thursday Velcade push is a piece of cake compared to that marathon on Monday. I was asleep when they administered the Velcade on Monday so didn't see that all it involved was an "IV push" (nurse jargon). Since one is already ported and the external tube is fitted each appearance, one is hooked up to the tubes that allow the RNs to drip or push into you what they need to. I found out this morning that the Velcade is in powder form until they dissolve it in saline just prior to the push. So, this morning after cleaning the port with the usual flush, I got a small bag of anti-emetic and steroids and then the Velcade. Actual elapsed time from arrival with vitals check, port connection and flush, sitting around, and infusion about 90 minutes. Mitzi, the RN, who I find recalls me from the Reserve Desk at Merrill-Cazier Library, where she used to work, says I am likely to be awake tonight, so to have something to do. As is it SP&T night I have. Problem: after playing I am usually more wired than before. Probably not good on top of the steroids, but not a problem  on Tuesday night when I made the Kicks rehearsal. The Horace Silver charts this time don't look difficult but there are places where they are very tricky. Some home shedding will be required so I have made some copies of things I need to do so that I don't have the music folder at home if I cannot make the rehearsal. 

Also, not kidding myself that right now--fairly wired--I am riding the steroid juicing and the anti-emetics. Who knows about tonight. But I am optimistic.   

AbJ called last evening. I was surprised and pleased that he followed up my first infusion. His primary concern: vomiting, I suspect because of dehydration. He suggested that by this weekend I would be feeling good again and that that state would increase across the next two weeks. Further, I could expect the same course each infusion cycle. I asked what about across cycles. Answer: Increased tiredness. Expected that but didn't want to particularly hear it. I am already napping about an hour most late afternoons and still sleeping about 7-8 hours. Yet at this point I don't feel any more fatigue than I have for perhaps a year. 


A note about taste aversion: 'tis real. In Carl Cheney's words, I am a walking case study. Jan is laboring mightily with broths and all kinds of organic foods. The first day the broth smelled and tasted good. Now I cannot stand the smell of it and can barely drink enough of it to satisfy her. Ditto that first day's tea. I will be nourished!! Peanut butter and brown bread seems to have survived a couple days. And there was a roast organic chicken last eve that right now sounds good for left overs. But mostly, I am full after one slice of bread and a bit of herb tea. The weight taking next Monday should be interesting. 

So, on balance, still kicking, and if this is the worst I feel for the next little while I will survive the tx. Probably back at this stand on Monday next to report on--hopefully--feeling a whole lot better. Sure appreciate all the phone calls, emails, and offers of support.