#24 Two down Five to go...round one

I’ve decided to try and update the blog every two weeks.  Makes it easier than trying to handle all the messages asking how things are going, which we do appreciate very much.

LJ started his treatments.  It’s going to be rougher than we thought.  To start with, because of the kidney issue the chemo doc decided to change the type of chemo.  The original chemo is very hard on the kidneys.  It requires flushing the kidneys, administering the chemo, then flushing the kidneys again.  That’s a five hour appointment on chemo days.  With his right kidney non functioning, the doctor didn’t want to chance ruining the left one.  So the insurance approved the higher cost chemo that doesn’t hurt the kidney.  His chemo appointments now are about an hour and a half, one day a week.  I see why the insurance doesn’t approve it right away.  The original chemo co-pay was $130.  For the new stuff the copay is $750. 😳 That’s every time he goes in for chemo.  That’s over and above his radiation costs and other assorted costs.  Thank goodness he has a good insurance plan.  We stop paying out of pocket at $6700.  This RV lifestyle fortunately has us in a good financial position so we can afford it.  I can only imagine what it does to someone with little or no insurance or struggling financially!

He is feeling the effects of the radiation and the chemo.  The chemo commonly causes a rash, which he quickly developed, so more medication for that.  The radiation (5 days a week) has his throat so sore he can’t swallow very well.  I am working on thinning the smoothies I make him while maintaining the calories.  It’s definitely a struggle for him.  He is trying to avoid a feeding tube but I don’t know if he can.  We’ll see how next week goes.  My heart just breaks seeing him in such pain.  He is managing to keep the external throat area from getting too dry...so far, anyway.  I have him put Eucerine cream on the area several times a day trying to get ahead of the inevitable radiation burns.

To do the radiation, they make him a form-fitted mask out of plastic.  Every visit, he lays on a table and they screw the mask down so he can’t move.  He’s not a big fan, but at least those treatments are only 10-15 minutes.

After next week, we are halfway through part one of the cancer trilogy.  I just hope he can maintain his health so he remains on schedule for part two: kidney surgery in May.


On a lighter note, David, the great guy who sold us the model home, let’s me bring Scooter over to play ball in the backyard of “our soon to be” home. I swear the dog smiles when he’s there. The backyard is peaceful. I enjoy spending time there. It allows me to relax and regroup. Can’t wait to move in. Please keep LJ in your prayers, and as always, please, at his request, keep it off FB. You are all appreciated ❤️