I’m writing this at Nick’s bedside in the hospital while the chemotherapy drugs are flowing through the IV into his bloodstream. It’s a very mixed feeling to have these toxic chemicals going into him while at the same time knowing that this is what will make him better.
Yesterday he had a PICC line put in that will provide intravenous access for the next six months. It’s a small flexible 40 cm plastic tube that’s inserted into his vein and goes up his arm and across to his heart (they gave him a sample of it, shown below). It’s divided in half on the inside so that two separate IV lines can be going at the same time.
He’ll get the dressing changed every Thursday, have chemo treatments every other Friday and blood work every other Wednesday. They also gave him a pile of drugs to counteract the side effects of chemo and a calendar so he knows when to take what.
The list of side effects and what constitutes a ‘medical emergency’ is a bit overwhelming, so we have to remind ourselves that these are ALL the potential side effects. Some people experience very few of them and very few people experience all of them. The most common one appears to be fatigue and the biggest thing to watch for is a fever because his immune system will be compromised and unable to fight off infections, so we have to be cautious and make sure we’re not exposing ourselves to anyone who’s ill.
One of the potential side effects of the treatment is hair loss. To prepare for that possibility, Nick decided to get a ‘transitional’ cut, with the assistance of his friend Myles. It shouldn’t surprise me that Nick has such great friends since he’s a pretty great guy himself, but it’s still comforting to see that they’re there for him.
This is such good information….thanks for this. We should ALL be aware of what those afflicted with this ‘bugger’ of a disease goes through to fight it (;
Nick…I’m sure you know you are ‘fit’ to look at (having lived in England, you know that means ‘doggone good-lookin’ ;), whatever your hairstyle! (Not just saying that ’cause I’m your aunt 😉
Lovin’ hugs to you all! Xo
Thanks Auntie Rose. Glad you like the cut! I really appreciate all the support xo
Aunt Rosie isn’t the only one whose biased Nick. Love you lots xxxx
Feeling for you all, I know you will find the strength to get through this but it’s tough. Lots of love xxx
Oops
Previous message was from me too!
Yes, I figured that’s what the oops referred to. 🙂
💕
Looking good buddy–you rock the bald look (not everyone can do that)!
Love Mike and Michelle
Looking good, Nicholas!
I hope you all have the best possible Christmas.
You can do this!!!! ❤️
Thanks Lynn. We met the new couple that bought your house,they came for a glass of wine. Early 50 s……..two in university…………..the youngest 18 is first year engineering at Queens. His name is Fraser Stitt , not sure if Nick knows him but we did talk about the famous jacket story. Thinking of you all Weldricks
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Nick says the name doesn’t sound familiar, but there’s 800 of them in first year. An interesting coincidence though. Merry Christmas to you and the family. Will certainly be strange to not be waking up on Flamingo Court on Christmas morning. xo
What a good friend Myles is to completely share the hair cut experience.
Thinking of you all…all the time! Hoping you had just what you needed over Christmas- that Hygge experience. Certainly the weather cooperated. Am hoping to see your mom, Ray, over the next couple of days. Please know we are here for you no matter the distance. Love you all. Xoxo