Chemo session #2, Round 1 aftermath

We could definitely tell that this second session took it out of him more than the first. Last time, he was taking the anti-nausea medicine as a precaution, and this time it was more that he actually needed it. He never got really bad but there were moments when he was feeling queasy. There were also some smells that were getting to him as his nose is super-sensitive--over the weekend, the smell of the fabric softener on his clothes was getting to him. I've been trying to not wear perfume, burn candles or use strong-smelling cleaners.

The nurse told us that Neil would have a certain amount of energy, and once it was gone, that was it and he'd need to rest. He helped Mike in the garage for an hour or so and he was pretty much spent for the rest of the day.

Sunday he was really tired as well. It was somewhat difficult to find something that sounded good to him, but I swear he has cravings like a pregnant woman! Things that sounded relatively easy for him to eat, like cereal, were not what he wanted. He wanted chicken wings and cheeseburgers! And then yesterday, Carol brought us dinner...her meatloaf and mashed potatoes. He loves it and ate the entire plate. Gretchen and Steve brought us another dinner and we'll eat that tonight (the best meal is one you don't have to cook!!!).

Neil has not lost his hair yet, though the nurse said it was likely sometime this week. I've noticed that it has changed in texture--it seems really dry and coarse.

I'm a little worried about all the excitement in the coming two weeks. We have a final walkthrough of our new house tomorrow morning, and then we close next Monday. We have a ton of help lined up, but I'm worried Neil will be anxious and want to help more than he can. It looks like we'll be moving the bed, kitchen stuff and our clothes on Monday when we get home from work, some more stuff during the week and then the rest on Saturday when everyone is coming to help us. Since he has chemo that Friday, I'm hoping we can get a lot done early and then let him rest as much as possible.