Well as I said to Nicki while driving to the hospital to get the new chemo I have a feeling that this was going to be an easy day. Boy was I wrong!
The night before I had to take 10 Steroid pills. So far so good. At the hospital they gave me 4 different bags of IV to get me ready for the Chemo. I should have realized when the nurse stated she would stay with me for a while, that I might have been in for quite a ride.
After about 45 minutes of getting me ready she started the new chemo - it lasts about 45 seconds and my stomach started to burn. The nurse hit the stop button and before I knew it I had 4 doctors and 3 nurses surrounding me. This took less than 1 minute, I could not breathe and my head was about to explode. To cut to the chase I had a very bad allergic reaction to the chemo. All I could see was bright lights but the team was right there and brought me back. What ever they were pumping into me did the job. THEY CLEANED MY SYSTEM OUT AND ASKED IF i WANTED TO TRY AGAIN. WHAT DO YOU THINK? GIVE ME 10 MORE MINUTES AND LETS ROCK AND ROLL. In that short time I was able to build up some antibodies and my system took the chemo.
What was to be about 2 hours in the hospital turned out to be 6 hours. The staff was just the best caring group of professionals. One of my doctors I think broke the heel on her shoes running up a flight of stairs to get to me, but they were all there along side (of course with my Nicki holding my hand). Driving home I told Nicki it looked like it was going to be an easy day.
Boy did I blow that.
Looking forward till tomorrow
Love
Mark
9 comments:
Hi Mark
When this is all over, you'll write a bestseller about this experience. Just the fact that you went back for more shows what's inside you. You've got what it takes to win this battle, no doubt about it.
Over the past few weeks we've spent time with so many family members, between the weddding and Visiting Day at Camp. Everyone sends their love, best wishes, and only wish there was more they (we) can do for you. Hang in there and keep us updated.
Warren and family
You think you had a bad day?
I broke a nail.
Mark,
You just keep in the fight and you will beat it. Keep buying time and if I can help, please let me know.
We love you.
Mark
I have to say it has certainly been an up and down hill battle. But like you always taught me, if life was so easy, the payoff wouldn't be as rewarding. Your persistence, and tenacity to fight this battle, just exemplifies what it really means to be alive. It is not easy, but it is all worth it in the end.
These past few weeks I think have been extra hard on all of us, but sticking together and fighting together will get us through this. Just like the bracelets say, "Fight-Believe-Survive." I think they mean a lot more than we ever thought they would.
As usual, thank you to everyone far and near for your support and love. Your letters, prayers, and caring have been invaluable.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
-Winston Churchill
Mark,
It's a gloomy day outside, but
the fact that you came back after
that tough first encounter with the chemo shows that you still have the fighting spirit needed
to win this battle.
So keep fighting. Remember the words of Theodor Herzl, who, back in 1897 said "im tirtzu, ein zo
aggadah" (If you really want it, it need not remain a dream).
He was talking about the creation of the first Jewish nation in
1900 years and his dream came to fruition; so can yours.
Our love, prayers and thoughts remain with you, Nicki and the
whole family.
Shalom,
Rabbi Dan
Mark: Now I can understand why you never lost in tennis or paddle ----You never gave up! I'm sure you will win this battle too! Keep up the good fight. Thanks for the update. Our love and prayers are with you and your wonderful family.
George
What a big baby. I played tennis Wednesday and got hit in the right leg with a volley. Now it's a little black and blue. Hang in there, my friend.
Mark F.
Auburn, AL
Hey Nicki and Mark,
I'm an avid fan of yours Mark. Both of you are fantastic and Nicki--I love you my fellow Seblon. What a complainer you are Mr. Levine--truly amazing! Your spirit is something to inspire and I'm so happy you have one another. We got yelled at at your wedding for laughing during the ceremony.
Ah-----Memories!
Kisses--Lisa
Dear Mark,
Remember the Sylvester Stallone movies, where Rocky Balboa triumps, against all the odds? He just wouldn't give up because he had an indomitable spirit.
That's you, my dear friend. That's
you. You are inspirational.
Warmest regards to you and Nicki.
Barry and I think of you every day, and send-
Hugs and kisses,
Cheryl
Post a Comment