This round of chemo was a truly a tough road for Ric.  Friday and Saturday were okay (some nausea and vomiting, and headaches...of course)  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and today were very hard.  Ric was unable to keep food down, liquids were encouraged.  He spent the majority of the days in bed.  He had headaches, body aches, vomiting, and nausea.  It was not good...today however, I think he was the worst of all the days...not drinking much, and not eating.  I was starting to get worried, so I got some anti-nausea meds for him...starting them, didn't think they were working.  Tonight...it appears they are starting to work.  He was able to keep some food down, and some liquid.  I am hoping that this will stay down.  It has now been a couple hours into some food in the tummy...and all is looking better.  Lets hope for a road to healing. 

We are planning our road trip to Regina...depending on how Ric is feeling.  We have delayed the trip by a day, we will see what tomorrow brings...as long as we are together, and all is well...really what are the holidays about...family.  Hope everyone enjoys there holiday with there loved ones.

Ric's Pic:  Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke

Ric started his 3rd week of chemo on Thursday.  He met with the chemo oncologist on Tuesday, the monthly meeting.  The doctor reassured Ric not to worry about the headaches he is getting so frequently these days.  They think if it were related to a tumour he would have more of a regular pattern with the headaches.  Ric does tell me these headaches are on a level on 1-3.  When we found out about the tumour in the summer they were about an 8-9, on a scale of 1-10. 

We are of course trying to get our Christmas list complete...as we still have a bit of work to do.  More so in the way of making things, that we like to give to our family and friends. 

This week Ric did not go into work...he did however go out for lunch with some buddies.  Which was nice for him. 

This round of chemo is taking a bit more out of Ric.  He seems to be more nauseated, much more tired, and he seems to have some body aches.  The weather has turned cold on us this week...so Ric has not gotten out for his regular walk, which I think may help him out with his energy levels.  We are still waiting for some relief with the "pressure " in the right ear.  The doctor said it could take up to 3 months for the meds to work.

Ric's Pic:  Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody

Ric had a good day at work yesterday.  Went in for the morning, came home with a slight headache...I must say I think it was from not EATING!!  He only ate breakfast before he left.  Today Ric woke with a headache, which kept him in bed a little longer than usual.  He took some Advil, and put a cold cloth on the forehead, and that seemed to work, after a while.  I did however notice that he slept on his right side last night, so we are wondering if that could have something to do with headaches.  Wish we knew! 

Tomorrow Ric will venture in to work again.  We shaved Ric's head down again...we are noticing some hair growth, more on the left side.  The right side(the side the tumour was on) is still pretty sparse.  We'll ask Santa for some hair for Ric this year.  I am sure he has some to spare...may be a little whiter than Ric's! 

Ric's Pic:  Heat Wave - The Groove Line

All has been kwiet at the krib Jeff...just keeping busy with our lil family life, and things get a little hectic from time to time.  Ric went to see a specialist about the "ear pressure", turns out he has fluid in the right ear.  The doctor has given Ric some nasal spray, which is a steroid.  This should help with the fluid, although it could take up to 3 months for this to work its way out.  Ric will see the ENT doctor again in 3 months time.  He does continue to get headaches from time to time...not everyday this week, thankfully!

Ric drove to the mall last week in the early morning.   He did some "mall walking" with the seniors...so he tells me!?!  I think he was just getting away from me...or perhaps buying some Christmas presents. 

Ric is going to start getting used to going back to work...he will attempt a couple days this week.  He will just go in the mornings, and see how this goes.  I am happy for Ric, as I know he is eager to get back to work. 

We are making our lists and checking them twice...all I want for Christmas is for health and happiness for one and all.  We all seem to get carried away with all the material things...although these may be nice, I must admit.

Ric's Pic:  New Edition - Mr Telephone Man

Well Ric has recovered...since the Riders lost the grey cup for the second year in a ROW!!  He is still feeling some ear pressure, and it is now affecting his hearing.  Ric saw the family doctor this past week, and she referred him to an ENT (ears, nose and throat) doctor.  He will see this doctor on Monday...typically there is a wait of 4 - 6 months to see this type of doctor...but she was able to pull some strings to get him in.  We do have one of the best doctors...I believe. 

Ric continues to get headaches from time to time, at least 1 -2 per day.  They are not that severe, but are still a bother.  This could be associated with the ear pressure...but we are not sure yet. 

The next MRI is scheduled for Jan 8th at 10:30 pm.  Looks like they will be done every three months.

Not sure if we mentioned in a previous blog...Ric is able to drive again, so he has enjoyed some freedom, getting out and about.  Not to mention not having to rely on me to drive him places...since I take so long to get from point A to point B.

Ric's Pic:  Stevie Wonder - I Wish