Chemo Old-Timers

My parents are "lao yo tiaos" (loosely translated, old-timers) when it comes to going in for chemo treatments at SCCA. They know the drill, they know which floor to go to next, they know which appointments they can show up a little late to, and they even know the best chairs to sit in on each floor!

We're at SCCA now - my dad is getting his chemo infusions (takes a few hours) while looking at stuff on his ipad (a wonderful bday present from my cousins - he's the hippest guy around!), and my mom is squeezing in a quick nap (she never gets to nap at home).

It's a beautiful day in Seattle, and SCCA has some really nice views from all the waiting rooms.
In the waiting room, reading some funny things people sent in for us to laugh (on the nice, leather, reclining chairs).
My dad is all hooked up and ready to go (the tubes go into his port, in the upper right hand part of his chest).
And we saw Ariam, my dad's nurse from almost 4 years ago!

My dad is on the "EOX regimen", which is a combination of drugs commonly used for stomach cancer patients. this time's drugs have some different side effects.

Oxaliplatin: makes you feel very sensitive to anything cold (opening the refrigerator, breathing in cool air, touching anything cooler than room temperature), and causes people to think they can't breathe. This effect may be felt immediately, and is worst the first 4 days.

Epirubicin: may have impact on the heart and other internal organs (will closely monitor this one, as you don't want to cause any permanent damage to these organs). Also causes sores in the mouth.

Xeloda: hand/foot syndrome (my dad had this really bad last time - peeling of the skin, lost all his fingernails and toenails, numbing in the digits)

All of them will potentially cause fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and or vomitting.

His doctor said he will probably feel the worst/most tired 10 days after the infusion. Please pray that the side effects will be minimal for him, and that he will feel minimal discomfort. Also keep my mom in prayers, that she may have strength, and also know when to take a needed break.