Ugh

Johnny made it through another round of chemo this week but once again nausea was the enemy.  And please don't suggest saltines…that will not work.  We need drugs that target the neurotransmitters in his brain to beat back the queasiness.

Just as every cancer is different, so is every patient’s nausea.  If you look at any of the major cancer sites, you’ll see that there are about a million things that can cause nausea and vomiting.  We’re pretty sure it’s coming from one of two chemotherapy drugs Leucovorin or Irinotecan.  But Johnny also has several triggers: the alcohol wipes and general medicinal smells of the Zangmeister Center, the anticipation of the chemo infusion, the chemo drugs as I mentioned, or possibly even the cancer itself.

This has been frustrating and we’re not going to ignore it.  It’s a serious symptom that can affect his treatment and it leaves him vulnerable to dehydration.  Not to mention it’s hard to keep your spirits up when you feel like you want to puke!  We’ll be talking with the medical team to find a better nausea medication.  We’re not giving up until we find something that works for Johnny.

But on a good note – Johnny’s CEA number has dropped again.  It is now at 3.2 with 3.0 or lower being in the normal range. (remember just because the number is dropping doesn't mean the cancer is gone)  So thank you one and all for the prayers.  And have a great weekend.

Johnny will be grillin' and smokin' this weekend