Day One of Interleukin-2

 At 7 am we checked in at Providence Portland hospital, got our room, and meet with the team: Two doctors, two nurse practitioners who work directly with the Interleukin protocol, and the two nurses on duty. They again reviewed the agenda and what to expect. We were feeling great! It's so strange to go to the hospital feeling well, knowing that what's coming isn't going to feel good! That's just backward.

Mark got a CT scan, so there is a baseline to compare the tumor's size before and after a round of treatments. The PET scan was a month ago, and we know the tumor has grown because he can feel it now. From there, he was taken to have the intravenous catheter placed in his neck. An 8-inch tube was inserted into his chest, with three lines on the outside for fluids, Interleukin, other medications, blood transfusions, if needed, etc. 

When he returned to the room, we opened a box that had been prepared by our children and grandchildren. A collection of notes, pictures, drawings, etc., were sorted behind tabs to have some for each day we are here. A banner was made for us to drape on our wall. Each day we can add the items for that day. SO FUN! In one envelope, there were 29 hearts -- one for each of our children, their spouses, and our 18 grandchildren, plus the one on the way with a note that said, "Our hearts are with you!" A set of colorful ducks spelled out "We Love You." There were cards included to write notes to the doctors and nurses, a Daily Joy quote book, and many creative fun things to enjoy! It made us laugh and cry - so tender and sweet! What a wonderful family we have!!! 

At 3:00 pm, the first infusion was given. Around 4:30, chills started, followed by back pain, and finally nausea. The nurses piled on warm blankets and gave him Demerol for the pain and meds for nausea. It all helped, although he still hasn't been able to eat anything. Dr. Taylor stopped by and said that those were all normal, and he expects his heart rate to increase and his blood pressure to drop tonight. So far, it is manageable, and they do everything they can to keep him feeling as good as possible. Side effects will ramp up as doses increase, so we may be in for a crazy ride! 

The next dose is scheduled for 11 pm and another at 7 am unless he needs to take a break because of side-effects. That will be the schedule through Friday. We won't post every day but will try to post updates, especially if there are significant changes. 

We love all the love and support.  Today we thought of what a friend, Terry Clark, said after a heart attack. It was something like, "If I'd know all the love and support I'd get, I would have done this a long time ago!"  Not sure we want to go through all this, but it certainly is sweet to feel the love and support of so many!!! Thank-you!