The Barnett's Battle : 1 down, 11 to go!

This week started off pretty busy. Monday was Layne's learning day at the cancer clinic. But Blake also had his preschool orientation, I had an appointment for my pregnancy and we had a BBQ dinner/corn bust for our church. Layne was pretty anxious that day. I think that was part of the problem with passing out the day before. By the end of the 2 hour learning session, Layne was wanting to postpone his treatment. He didn't feel he was healthy enough to start the treatment. The nurses told him that if he wanted to postpone it he could but after addressing all his concerns we decided it was in his best interest to start this week. He was able to get a pretty decent sleep the night before he started chemo but was really anxious until after they started his IV with the medicine and realized nothing was happening :) After that he did much better. We were there for 3.5 hours. They gave him 3 different IV medications while we were there. They even served him lunch! He really enjoyed the sandwich. Right before we left they attached a canister of more chemo medication that he wore around his waist. This then was slowly administered to him over the next 48 hours, at home. My mom was able to come down this week to help with the boys. It was really nice because we didn't know what to expect. We really do have the best family!

Walking into the centre

Waiting to get started

Getting the IV started in his port

First round of meds

For some reason while we were there all the fluids made him have to go pee about 10 times. So he got to go on lots of walks to the bathroom

Talking to his fellow chemo neighbours and watching TV.

On our way home!

I guess you always expect the worst because they always tell you the worst. But so far Layne has done great with this first treatment. He does get tingly hands and feet some times when touching something cold and food will "zing" him when he eats something cold. He also just told me he is getting a few sores on his tongue. Positives are he had an awesome appetite this week. The steroids he takes to prevent nausea did increase his appetite. He was able to put on weight. He is up to 115 pounds from 110. I would actually call him a pig! He has also had really good energy. Hopefully he just keeps on flying through each treatment. We know it probably won't happen but it's nice that he has had another week to recover from the surgery not feeling crappy. He honestly is doing better on chemo then he was before. We will start round 2 on the 23rd. He has an appointment to meet with the oncologist on the 22nd to go over his blood work.