Chemo (Melphalan) - Day 1

One down, one to go. Today Chris did an outstanding job of taking the high dose (200mg) of the chemo. We have been told that the two day dose is the equivalent of many months of normal chemo. She was a champ today. It is a very interesting process. As the dose is so strong/toxic, it can actually create lesions on blood capillaries. The most troublesome area is the mouth, so prior to receiving the chemo (through the catheter in her chest), she has to pack her mouth with crushed ice for 30 minutes. This constricts the blood vessles and reduces/prevents the lesions which might form. The actual chemo drip takes only about 20 minutes, very quick, with all the shaved ice she can stand during this period. It is amazing to think that this small amount of drug will effectively kill every cell in her blood system over a period of a few days, including the plasma cells that are creating the amyloid protein. It will also kill all of her immune system, which will be wiped out quickly. As such, she is required to wear a surgical mask over her nose and mouth at all times outside of the apartment or the clinic itself. She can't touch a door knob, an elevator button, or breath any open air. She also has a very restricted diet. No foods that are fresh (that might have exposure to an airborne disease). This means no fruits or vegetables, no restaraunt food, nothing but packaged meals.
They apparantly had a long debate about the dosage among the doctors and decided the best approach was the stronger amount. With the heart damage, it is critical that they stop any further amyloid deposits and they thought she was tough enough and young enough to tolerate the side effects which may be very severe. As Machiavelli said, the end justifies the means. If she can tolerate the side affects for a month in order to get a higher success rate, it is worth it.

Tonights dinner was a three cheese tortolini with an alfredo sauce and some slices of cheddar cheese. All prepackaged, and of course it was overcooked by the new chief chef. But, the direction from the doctors is to overcook everything, so that is a simple instruction someone who overcooks all the time! We are generally doing well in the new apartment. The views are spectacular (21st floor) and we are close to everything. The parking is underneath the building and a straigh shot down to the car from our floor. It couldn't be easier. The concierge service keeps reminding us that they can get us reservations or tickets upon request, but unfortunately we aren't going anyhere.

Chris' spirits have been very high today as we feel like we have made great progress with one of two chemo's done. Unfortunatly this is the easy part. We are told that next week she will hit bottom. Losing all her hair, vomiting, 22 hours of restless and groggy sleep per day, etc. The trick will be to avoid all infections and to immedualty address any hint of a fever or lesion.

All the kids have been calling to check up on the day. All three of them have been great, and Chris' sisters are both at the house keeping things under control there. As of Monday evening, things are going very well considering the seriousness of what we are facing. Everybody has been willing to help, everyone has been offering their prayers, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the combination of the best medical care and expertise in the world, the support of our family, friends and colleauges, and the financial capabilty to provide a very nice living environment as we fight this disease. Day two will be another step in counquring this!