Thursday started out with nausea. Even when not feeling well, Jadan ate breakfast before heading to treatment. Vanny and Subi said farewell as Kevin dropped us off at St. Joseph’s Square.
It was lovely to get a new message from Amanda, the clinic’s receptionist. It was poignant and very timely.
This week has been very challenging. It was the first time Jadan’s favorite chair wasn’t available in the clinic. Jadan chose a new chair next to the nurses’ station. Throughout the day, the nurses paid him extra attention and took fantastic care of him. However, his hand shaking increased off and on during the day. Vitals were monitored, which all showed normal. The shakiness was similar to the first few days during the first round of treatment, when the steroid was at 12 mg. Since then, it has been lowered to 4 mg, which he receives every day during treatment.
One of the challenges for a person going through chemo is trying to figure out what causes the effects that show up. Even though Jadan’s treatment is known to cure his cancer type, each person reacts uniquely. Jadan decided to try some food from the cafeteria to help with the nausea. Happily, they had a perfect cup of grapes, cheese, and crackers. They also had a chicken salad that hit the spot. After lunch, his shakiness lessened.
It is shocking to see so many empty IV bags during each day of treatment. The cancer-killing drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, are being given back and take about an hour each.
Once the last medication had finished, the nurse disconnected the tube and flushed his port. He was finished for the day.
After spending some well-deserved time at home resting and taking his anti-nausea medication, Jadan started to feel better. We ended the evening by the pool.
LAST DAY of ROUND #2: Friday, August 22
It was another morning of feeling nauseated. Subi was extra cute as she snuggled with Jadan’s bear. Jadan woke up early and had some breakfast, trying to fight off not feeling well. He was determined to work through the chemo’s side effects, which continued throughout the day.
Before treatment starts, Jadan’s nurses always take his vitals. Today, his temperature was elevated to 99.7. Chemotherapy reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. If Jadan has a fever of 100.04, we will go to the ER as a precaution to fight a possible infection. Hearing his temperature had increased was a concern. Fortunately, our nurse opted to take a second temp with an oral thermometer, which showed a more accurate reading of 98.7. It was a relief that he was okay and good to continue his treatment. It was also a lesson learned to keep a closer eye on him from now on.
I am impressed and in awe of Jadan’s strength. He spent most of the day feeling sick, working on his differential equations homework, eating, and resting. Once the last medication was finished, it was time for the robot shot to be applied to his tummy. This medication will be administered 27 hours after treatment is finished, which should be a little after 3 pm tomorrow. After two minutes, the device beeped and deployed the needle into Jadan’s tummy. Then his nurse gave the okay to head home.
After a rest at home and some more food, Jadan felt well enough to head to UNM to meet his math instructor. Similar to Jadan’s Physics professor, his differential equations instructor has offered to meet with him one-on-one for personal class lectures weekly.
I sincerely appreciate the dedication of his instructors in helping Jadan succeed in his courses. Their commitment to teaching is an inspiration.
The University of New Mexico has several libraries. As we walked to his math instructor’s office, we passed the Centennial Science & Engineering Library, Jadan’s favorite spot to study. I am confident that he will continue to be inspired by his instructors as he navigates the difficulties experienced on his cancer journey.
Days 4 & 5 ART
Witnessing beauty during times of difficulty can bring hope and peace. I noticed a new rose blossoming in the morning light. A quote from ‘‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to mind, “Sterile soil will produce nothing, even if the cloud of mercy pours rain upon it a thousand years. We must make the soil of our hearts receptive and fertile by tilling in order that the rain of divine mercy may refresh them and bring forth roses and hyacinths of heavenly planting. We must have perceiving eyes in order to see the light of the sun. We must cleanse the nostril in order to scent the fragrances of the divine rose garden. We must render the ears attentive in order to hear the summons of the supreme Kingdom. No matter how beautiful the melody, the ear that is deaf cannot hear it, cannot receive the call of the Supreme Concourse. The nostril that is clogged with dust cannot inhale the fragrant odors of the blossoms. Therefore, we must ever strive for capacity and seek readiness. As long as we lack susceptibility, the beauties and bounties of God cannot penetrate.”
Soul Gardening: Jadan's Cancer Journey 