Even though Matt has been on chemotherapy for the past 8 months, our family has gotten quite good at ignoring that fact. Matthew has had NO symptoms to speak of. He still has all his hair, doesn't get terribly tired, and the nausea has been easily kept under control with the Anzemet he uses on days we give the chemo. On Wednesday he started this new chemotherapy (CCNU) and is on a very high dose. We were instructed to give him the anti-nausea meds for two days and then more if needed. He hasn't been too sick. Today, after a fun time at the Discovery Children's Museum in SLC, we decided to stop at Red Robin for dinner. Walking in Matt said, "I feel a little bit sick - I must just be hungry." As I go to sign us in for the wait, I am surprised when my cousin comes up behind me. I'm visiting with her and start looking around for Warren. My cousin tells me he's by the door. I look over and there's Warren frantically waving me over. I walk out the door and Warren informs me that Matthew has just thrown-up. THANKFULLY, Warren was right by Matthew when Matt said again, "I think I'm going to throw-up, but it's okay because I brought a bag." Warren quickly steers him outside and Matt proceeds to throw up in the bag (which I didn't even know he brought!) Unfortunately, the bag had a huge hole in it..... That would have been a classic moment in Red-Robin had Matt proceeded to throw up in that bag in the crowded foyer!
Warren and I loaded the boys back up into the car. We both felt like this was a little message from above saying, "You've been warned........" I know the symptoms that are supposed to hit Matthew eventually will - and I can't help but think that it will be on this aggressive chemotherapy. Now, we just need to make sure that we are prepared to handle those side-effects! Tonight I made Matt several little 'just in case I throw-up bundles' to carry around in his pocket at all times. I just rolled a gallon size Ziploc baggie up tightly and put a small clear rubber band around it. This creates an easily portable bundle with a non-holey bag that can be zipped up and easily tossed in the trash if Matt has to use it.
So, we've learned a lesson about being prepared today! Other parents with children on chemotherapy are probably laughing at us right now because of this Rookie mistake!
As I read back over this post, I can't believe I talked this long about throw-up!
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4 comments:
i liked how you said you'd gotten a message from above & been warned. i know the Lord will guide you and bless you with thoughts that will help matthew & all of your family through this hard time.
trials come, but the Lord is always with us and i know that he is with the mothers watching over his children. i feel he is especially with you at this time.
you are a wonderful mommy allison.
i love you, courtney :)
Alli,
I heard this quote (I will tell you the whole story later) when I was thinking about my nephew who I love more than anyone will ever know.....
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them"
Our family is so strong and together we will make it through. Don't hesitate to call me if you need help. You are the best sister in the world and I thank you so much for all you've taught me about being faithful and strong.
Love, Raynie
I like your ziplock idea! I could have used that when I was pregnant. Maybe an extra shirt tucked into Matt's backpack or the trunk of the car wouldn't be a bad idea.
I hope that his symptoms stay light, and that the chemo works quickly!
You live you learn, I suppose. Nice idea though, with the 'just in case' packages. We put together our own little 'just in case' car package a couple weeks ago. Apparently, Kadan gets car sick really easily. He's thrown up in the car at least 5 times in less than 2 years. Maybe that's not a lot... but it sure seems like it! Our package baby wipes, clorox wipes, frebreze for the car, hand sanitizer... We should probably put a bag with it, too, but I'm not sure Kadan would be quick enough to use it yet.
Good luck with everything. We love you.
P.S. My mom mentioned that you and Raynie might want to take the boys to Lava Hot Springs or go out to lunch or something. I think that would be so fun! Let's plan it!
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