Choosing subjects

Today I have been debating about whether to write about sucky side effects of pain meds, or how every new cancer patient should be given an iPad!

For the pain meds, narcotics (percoset) may work well for the pain, but they also halt any progress through the GI track, which in turn enhances the pain. Poor Kel has been on this stuff for at least a week now, and is more in pain from the 'gumming' of the works (Kel, don't kill me for writing this. Just remember, at least for now I can outrun you!) than from the surgical pain. Substituting one pain for another and not getting relief from the former due to the latter? That sux.

On the other hand, how much of a great PR campaign would it be for Apple to give a new iPad to all cancer patients? The amount of time he is spending hanging around now, plus all of the chemo infusion time? It would be an awesome distraction for them - movies, music, games ... the works! Thankfully we already have one, so we just need to load up on cool new apps before he begins chemo next Monday, but still, I think I will write to Apple and pitch this idea ...

For the update on Kel part, other than above, he took a shower today! First one in 5 or 6 days, and he said it felt great, except for the walking upstairs to get in the shower part. He shaved too. Crashed for a better part of the morning after that while I went into work. This afternoon we had to take him for bloodwork to check on his anti-clotting meds to help with the thrombosis in his inferior vena cava ... meaning blot clot in the part of his circulatory system that returns blood to his heard. That was a tough one for Kel - car rides are painful, walking hurts, all around not fun. But he is resting again now.

Got some appointments set up today ... well, really just one but it is the important one. He will meet with his new oncologist, Dr. Ahmann (whom I have not yet met) on Friday and begin chemo next Monday. Let's go chemo! Kill the cancer cells. Gooooo chemo!

I never was a cheerleader in high school, but maybe now is a good time to start? May have to save the skimpy outfits until a) I lose more weight with nutrisystem ;) and b) Kel is cured of his testicular cancer. TMI?

As always, cancer sux, but I am taken aback by the outpouring of love from family, friends, Kel's brothers in blue, and the world. When it really matters, people are there for you, and the support is really amazing. Thank you all for the entire Brooks family. We love you.