Chemo #1

We knew our morning would be long at the cancer treatment center, so we needed things to occupy our time and minds. We packed our bag with activities for both of us. Magazines and a note book for Jason, and the Twilight book for me.

I also made sure there was a bag in the car for Jason...just in case he needed it on the way home.

After kissing our daughter Julia goodbye, we headed off for the unknown.

When we arrived at the center, Jason checked in and was quickly called back for his blood test. I followed him around as we started to learn this new routine together. The visit with the doctor followed the blood test. We were able to ask any last minute questions while he confirmed our plan of treatment and showed us to our chemo room.

Ironically, a photog from KWWL was there at the center in the room next door shooting a health plus story for Tara Thomas. The rolling cameras, were at least an occasional distraction through the beginning of his treatment.

An oncologist nurse named Brenda, knocked on our door and showed Jason all his medicines he'd be getting that day. It looked like quite the cocktail of syringes and saline bags. She moved his shirt to access his port for the chemo and got him all hooked up. The first injection would be a test to make sure he didn't have an allergic reaction to the "B" of ABVD. The test went well, and we moved onto the other drugs.

After two and a half hours of Jason sitting in his chemo chair, we were free to leave. Jason was still feeling pretty good. He handed me the keys as we left the treatment center.

As we drove home, I felt as though I had a newborn in the car. I drove a little slower, and was easier on the brake. I tried to keep the ride as smooth as possible so Jason wouldn't get nauseous from my driving. After a long 5 minutes...we were home.

1 chemo down, 7 to go.