Day 4

Chemo comes in cycles. Wayne's cycles last 3 weeks.

The first 4 days are chemo. I am not going to even talk about the side effects that he is enduring - what I will tell you is that HE IS ENDURING THEM. His spirit is high, his attitude wonderful. He jokes with the (cute) nurses, and listens very carefully to the Docs.

The rest of this week will be spent at home. Soaking in the tub, taking long showers, letting us love on him, and relaxing.

Next week his blood count will be at its lowest - he will be tired for sure.

Week 3 is the final week of cycle 1. He will start feeling really good...and then it will be time for surgery.

Dr. Parker is Wayne's cardio-thoracic surgeon. He is confident that he can take out the tumor that is snaking its way into Wayne's aorta. It's open heart surgery - with about 5 days of recovery time, but the risk sounds minimal. How amazing that we're already looking past it and onto the next step. Funny how we are able to roll with all the major news - open heart surgery? Bring it on.

After Wayne recovers from surgery, it will be time for cycles 2 and 3 of chemo. When that is all done, Wayne will be scanned again; his Doctors are looking for recession of the tumors. We won't know if they have responded to the chemo until then. The waiting is hellacious.

So, tomorrow.

I get to bring him home. The anticipation and joy I feel so acutely will keep me up all night, I am sure. I think Claire would like the company. :)

Soooo looking forward to the sun coming up...