The Beginning

He had his portacath inserted yesterday. In case you are not familiar with it, it is a device that is positioned completely under the skin on his upper chest and inserted in the subclavian vein (his neck). This way they can administer the chemotherapy through the device and will not have to get an IV every time. A lot better since Travis hates needles. He is sore at the incision area and his neck, but he should feel better in a few days. Trav has already received two chemo treatments. He is doing OK. The main side effect he has encountered is fatigue. He has been in bed by 7p.m. every night. His oncologist was encouraged by the way Travis' body reacted to his first treatment. His chemo regimen, which starts Wednesday, will involve the same type of chemo but more intense. His cancer regimen is called FOLFOX, it will go like this:

Day 1


Folinic acid (vitamin) and oxaliplatin (type of chemo) through a drip over two hours


Injection of 5FU (type of chemo)5FU though a pump, over 22 hours (he will come home with a fanny pack)


Day 2


Folinic acid (vitamin) and oxaliplatin (type of chemo) through a drip over two hours


Injection of 5FU (type of chemo)5FU though a pump, over 22 hours (he will come home with a fanny pack)

Day 3 - 14 No treatment on these days. The cycle then starts again.


How many cycles? We just don't know yet. It all depends on how his body reacts to the chemo.


Pray, or if you don't pray, send all your positive thoughts that his body will respond and start shrinking his tumor.


How are we doing? Well, this is brand new to us. Less than a month ago, we were living a pretty ordinary life. Nagging the kids to pick up their rooms and asking them to get their homework done. We continue to try to keep things the same as before, but it's not that easy. I think we all are dealing with this in our own way. I think both Trav and I are on the same page right now, as far as asking, "Why us?" I can see that Trav is already mentally preparing for the road ahead. You know, he's a planner, he's got his schedule all printed out and ready to go. We both know it's going to be tough, but he can do it. If you work on-base or at IRS, you will be able to donate leave to Travis. He is so uncomfortable with this. He has worked on-base for close to 2 years and has a healthy leave balance. However, we just don't know if he will be able to go to work during his treatments. Travis is extremely dedicated to his work, if he can work, he will. But if that is not possible, I do not want him to be stressed about whether he will have enough leave and/or a full paycheck coming in. Travis will be required to use his leave first. If Travis does not use the leave donated, it will be returned back to you. Thanks to those who have called, sent plants, etc., We really appreciate it. I never would have thought this could happen to us, not now. But like I have said before there is a lesson in this; we have learned so many already, the importance of our family, the kindness of others and how sickness can humble you like no other. I love Travis with all my heart and soul. He is more than my husband; he is my very best friend. And I know that he is going to send this into remission.