Today was our first chemo day.
It was also the day after her surgery implanting the fantastic IV device.
She was incredibly sore and hurt to move her arms. So, I dived right in and started with my new role. I felt so much like Mr. Mom...
And while I'm thinking about it - how about a medal of some sort for Army wives? (Or spouses as I do know some husbands who are the non-Army type.) They've earned it. If you are a spouse (with or without children, not sure if it matters, but definitely with home-age children), and you do X amount of time while spouse is continuously away (school, deployment, whatever), you get recognition. Ceremony and all. Why not? The military is starting (finally) to recognize that the Family is just as integral to its planning as the Soldier. Let's get everyone in a nice ceremonial formation, call the spouses up and give them the recognition they deserve (hint: provide free childcare for the event).
Anyway, today was chemo day. She got a double dose to start off with. Pre-chemo drugs, post-chemo drugs, 6 IV bags, and hours of injections... She's a trooper. She has been sacked out the whole day, severe migraines, tummy aches starting... but, she's holding up ok.
Received more info from the doc. Her (breast) cancer is stage T3. According to the American Cancer Society website about stages of breast cancer, that means her tumor is large. And it is. It's a 10 cm tumor. For the metrically challenged, that's 3.93 inches at its largest dimension. The thing is a solid rock. Ladies (and men with ladies who'll let them - hahaha), check your breast. Soft, squishy... (for men without willing ladies, imagine a wrist support on a mousepad). Now, for comparison, her breast has the consistency of a concrete block. It is solid rock.
Ellicia has been approaching this with a wonderful good humor and a great attitude. We ARE going to beat this.
5 comments:
Yes you WILL beat this.
Ditto! I have every confidence y'all will manage this new battle. I have to warn you, Reid, that being "Mom" gets really, really tiring sometimes, but the rewards are wonderful. Good luck!
When Ellicia can stand it, please give her a big hug from AL. There's one for you, too. Keeping y'all close in thought. Take care, Katy
My friend just finished chemo and her breat tumor is gone. If she can do it so can your wife!
Drive on!
HH6
Praying for you both..and yes, they have the hardest job this side of the bullets flying, though flying vomit and doo doo is pretty bad :-).
SC Eagle - I just found your blog by way of Holly Aho. On the topic of medals for spouses ... I am in total agreement. Since the start of this war, I've met so many great service people, and in every single case there is a spouse at home holding down the fort. I can barely imagine the toughness and willpower needed to maintain one's sanity in such a tough situation.
My best wishes for you and your wife, especially in this struggle you face. I will add my warmest thoughts to your other visitors, but I know that your real strength in this battle is within the two of you already!
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