First day of Chemo

Today was to be my first day of Chemo. I was awakened this morning by intense pain. I got up and took the Dilaudid. This did nothing to lessen the pain, so I took an Oxycodone. I was able to fall back asleep for about an hour, but was once again wakened by intense pain. Next, I too a nepragan because I had a bit of nausea along with the pain. Again, no lessening of the pain. I took another Oxycodone and called my wife and she came back home from work and called the Oncologist. They said to bring me right in and they would get me all fixed up. As er left I took another Dilaudid.


The folks at South Carolina Oncologists Associate in Columbia, SC are truly that best. I was at once sent to the infussion section and an I.V. of saline was started. Next, an injection of 4mg of Dilaudid was administered. That settled all but the most intensive spasm pain. At this time Cindy, my wife, remembered that the last dose of Sandostatin was self adminstered at 11:00pm and the time now was noon; a gap of over four hours beyond that time I should have had another dose. Cindy went to the pharmacy at SCOA and brought me a dose which I gave myself at 1:15pm. I didn't have another spasm the rest of the day.

The Gemzar was given to me around 1:30pm and I had no immediate adverse reactions, and of 9:15pm all remains well.

How pancreatic cancer has impacted my life
Before being diagnosed, I led a very active life raising two sets of kids and being very active at Hope Lutheran Church in Irmo, SC. Lydia, our four year old is a bouncing bundle of raw energy who enjoyed being chased around our backyard by her Dad, and Austin our 9 month old is likewise energetic and loved being held aloft in simulated flight. All of these are now on hold for an unknown length of time. I am confident that I will regain strength that will allow me to once again participate in these and other fatherly persuits, but for now I am just a spectator. This does make me feel detached and helpless. My son and I are part owners in a software company called Ionosoft. Together with Dr. Rodney Harrison we have created a one of a kind medical medical reporting software. We are negotiating with major worldwide vendors of medical hard and software and look forward to bringing in a few hundred thousand dollars in our first year of business. Due to my recent illness I have had to back away from direct involement in the company and get updates from my son and from Dr. Harrison. I look forward to being able to return to a more deeply involved status. I am the Imaging Manager of the Cardiac Cath Lab, EKG and EEG departments of the Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center in Columba, SC. I have been on extened medical leave and FMLA with Soft Term Diability since November 7th. I look forward to returning to my work and those who love me at Palmetto Health Baptist.

The relationship with my wife has also been affected. We share the same bed, but only for sleep as my health is not returned for anything else. Cindy's life of working outside the home and caring for her family was already strained and now is pushed to the point of fracture. I pray for her to have continued strength and keep her sense of humor. Cindy is a fantastic wife, and I love her more than words can say.

Well, that's some of my observations as I battle pancreatic cancer. I hope that those others out there who are locked in this or a simular battle will leave me their posts as your observations will undoubtedly be a freat value to me and others. If you are part of my support / prayer group I also welcome your words of encouragement and reminders of our LORD'S gospel grace and peace. These will also be helpful to my battle partners out there. With God's help we can make it through these tough times.

TTFN
Mack