Treatment continues. In between not feeling well from treatment side effects, Jadan managed to figure out how much platinum he would get during his entire treatment. The cancer-killing drug is cisplatin, which damages the DNA of the cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. Jadan calculated that he would get 468 mg or 0.016 ounces overall. Another fun fact is that Jadan’s favorite molecular geometric shape is a square planar, precisely cisplatin’s shape. He appreciates its symmetry and kite-like design.
During chemo week, Jadan gets his treatment from 9 to 1 p.m. daily. During this time, I am able to study and work. We found this portable desk last week, which has made all the difference. I now have a pop-up office next to Jadan.
Jadan continues to suffer from the cancer medication side effects. He has become sensitive to light and has started wearing a mask as he rests. One of his go-to approaches to managing his nausea is music. Earbuds are a must.
Toward the end of the day, the chemo smell continued to cause nausea. With the nurse’s help, he considered removing the access tube and dressing his port. She thought it was a great idea. Having it removed would eliminate some of the smell and also free him up for a shower. She assured him that they can do this every day if needed. On our way out, we determined that Jadan was both strong and stinky, strong in the sense that he is making it through a difficult and challenging health crisis, and stinky because he smells like chemo treatment.
Day #3 Art inspired by the ocean.
O wayfarer in the path of God! Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of the things that lie hidden in its depths. Be thou of them that have partaken of its treasures. A dewdrop out of this ocean would, if shed upon all that are in the heavens and on the earth, suffice to enrich them with the bounty of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. With the hands of renunciation draw forth from its life-giving waters, and sprinkle therewith all created things, that they may be cleansed from all man-made limitations and may approach the mighty seat of God, this hallowed and resplendent Spot.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 279-280
Soul Gardening: Jadan's Cancer Journey 