As Kevin dropped us off for Day 2 of Chemo Round #2, we heard, “Have fun stormin’ the castle“, before Subi drove away. If you didn’t recognize that line, it is from the classic movie, The Princess Bride. It seemed to work well since St. Joseph’s Square looks very castle-like.
Check-in for treatment went quickly, and Jadan began his day with flushing the port and a saline drip. One bit of good news we forgot to share was that his LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) blood work levels went down to 170. This level is now sitting in the middle of the normal range. Jadan’s first blood test showed his LDH was over 700. It is helpful to know the LDH level because it “is proportional to the mass of tumor cells” (Zaher, p.143). While important, it is not the only way to identify the tumor burden. Overall, it was exciting to see his LDH move to a more normal range.
Since school started, Jadan has spent time familiarizing himself with courses and studying. However, he was still feeling slightly nauseous. The nurse reminded him to take one of the meds that prevents nausea every six hours to stay ahead of it. Once he felt better, it was time to eat and have a foot massage.
At one point, I stepped outside to pick up food for Jadan. I remembered I had left a soulgardener in a tree at the front of the building during our first week of chemo, and I was pleased to see it was still there. I am eager to see if it has found a permanent home. On our last day of chemo during the first week, we handed out tokens of appreciation to our nurses, which included soulgardeners. We are so grateful for the care team staff, especially the nurses who are responsible for the well-being of their patients. They are beautiful and true examples of Soulgardeners – those who tend to the care and well-being of others.
We had the pleasure of spending time with Dave and Anya on Tuesday evening. After resting, Jadan was able to hang out and play Go with Anya. Both are highly skilled at that game, even though they haven’t played much. It’s been difficult to be away from family during chemo and recovery weeks. The dinner choice was sushi and miso soup from Shogun, another fantastic Albuquerque restaurant. This was also the place Anya picked to celebrate her birthday last December.
I remember it like yesterday. Laurie ordered the veggie tempura roll, which was new to me but has become one of my favorites, and Anya ordered her cucumber sushi roll and miso soup. Of course, she enjoyed opening her birthday gifts.
I am grateful for all the time we spent together. Too precious.
It is amazing how fast time passes, especially during treatment days. Day 3 started out very similarly to the previous days, except Jadan was still nauseous and tired this morning. Once at treatment, the med infusions go by quickly, especially when there is studying to do.
Chemo and Vanny’s classes started at 9 a.m. It worked well to drop Van off for school and then head to St. Joseph’s. And, of course, Subi was thrilled to ride in front with Jadan.
As Day 3 of chemo came to a close, and to avoid the unfavorable smell, Jadan sniffed his lavender oil. We were out a little early today, giving Jadan time to rest before heading to UNM. One of Jadan’s professors offered one-on-one time to review class lectures. He is committed to helping Jadan succeed in learning during his cancer journey. Jadan will meet with him weekly in a safe environment.
What an extraordinary educator!!!!
Next week I’ll bring homemade chocolate banana bread. For those of you who have had some, you know how yummy it is. I am grateful that Jadan has so many people who support and care for him. Thank you!!!
Days 2 & 3 Art inspired by Beauty of Nature
I had the gift of observing a new behavior in a local hummingbird. I believe this is a female Anna’s hummingbird. As she was feeding on the flowers, she started rubbing her head all over, inside and outside the flower. It was beautiful and fascinating!
Prayer for Aid and Assistance:
O Thou Whose face is the object of my adoration, Whose beauty is my sanctuary, Whose habitation is my goal, Whose praise is my hope, Whose providence is my companion, Whose love is the cause of my being, Whose mention is my solace, Whose nearness is my desire, Whose presence is my dearest wish and highest aspiration, I entreat Thee not to withhold from me the things Thou didst ordain for the chosen ones among Thy servants. Supply me, then, with the good of this world and of the next.
Thou, truly, art the King of all men. There is no God but Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.
Bahá’u’lláh
Soul Gardening: Jadan's Cancer Journey 