Day One - It's ON!!

Day one is over, and it was...busy. Patrick got back from making his deposit just before 11:30, and then the day really got started. The nurse came in almost immediately to give him his pre-chemo meds, give the family all the important details, and then it was time. At 2:20, they gave him his first bag of what they call "Red Devil." It's a strong chemo that he'll get for two more days, just 10 minutes a day, and also the one that turns his pee red. It's pretty strange looking! :) They hooked up the next two when the first bag was done, and that was that. Chemo was under way. His side effects have been virtually non-existent up to this point, and the nurses and doctors are hopeful that he'll continue to just feel tired, not sick, as the treatment progresses. He was up and moving most of the day, taking walks, and heading down to the cafeteria to order one of the biggest deli sandwiches known to man! He couldn't even bite all the way through it! It was heartening to see him in such great spirits while he was standing eye to eye with the biggest fight of his life.

Patrick had a lot of visitors during the day, and we just want to say thank you to each and every one of them. It's all of you that will keep him fighting day after day. He had family, high school friends, and several people from TS Tech stop in to visit. And wow, did "Polar Bear" have some news for him! TS Tech took up a collection to raise money to help Patrick with rent and bills while he's down and out. The amazing people he works with donated almost $1000, with more on the way!! It's so great knowing he has such caring people in his life, and a huge relief to know his bills will be taken care of while he's in treatment! Thanks to all of you!

Just one more note to any of you who are thinking of stopping by or sending something to Patrick. He's just been given a very specialized diet it's important he strictly follow to avoid bacterial infections while his immune system is low. He's not permitted to have any...wait for it...fresh fruits or vegetables! Yes, that's it! That's his big important diet! No fruits or vegetables. Cookies? Sure. Candy? Sure. Greasy burgers? Sure. Just no fresh fruits or vegetables! We all got a kick out of it, but they don't want him to have anything that can harbor bacteria down in the crevices of leaves or peels, so basically, he's on a processed food diet! Pretty tough to follow, huh?

Thanks again for all the prayers, thoughts, posts, cards, donations and visits! They are so appreciated, and are going to make a big difference over the next several weeks!