It's My Pancreas and I'll Cry if I Want To!

Apologies to Leslie Gore but I had to use that title.

Today was the end of Joe's first week of radiation treatment and he made it through it all with flying colors. His original treatment time of 1pm only happened once this week, Monday.  On that day, they changed the Tuesday time to 11am and the rest of the week to 8:15am.  Next week he gets 7:30am, lucky him!
He says the radiation treatment isn't bad at all, very quick, in & out.  He did experience some nausea and upset stomach on Wednesday, but then again, he didn't take his nausea meds like he was supposed to, so I guess now he knows.

Joe had a quick appointment yesterday morning with the oncologist's nurse practioner, Leigh Howard for some quick blood work.  The results of that showed that his bilirubin count was down to 4.8, or a decrease of 1/2 point since Monday.  It would have been very nice for it to have fallen more, but beggars can't be choosers as they say.  The bilirubin level needs to be under 2 for his chemo to begin.  He will have another blood test next Thursday, Dec. 16.

Yesterday evening, Joe's brother and sister-in-law, Bill & Sandy arrived for a week stay and we had a great evening last night catching up over dinner and then at home afterwards. This afternoon, the rest of Joe's family will be coming into town for an overnight visit as well.

Joe's energy level continues to be good and every day, his skin color is better.  Now if we can only get him to remember to take his meds when he eats.  I've put Bill & Sandy on patrol for when I'm not there to make sure he behaves himself and does what he is supposed to do.

Tomorrow evening, the TGMC will have their 2nd of 2 concerts for the Holiday Season. This time it will be at the Universal Unitarian Fellowship of Raleigh.  If anyone is interested and didn't get to see last weekend's concert in Durham, make plans to attend.  The men's voices blend particularly welll this season and as always, Joe's piano accompaniment is perfect!