Chemo #3--25% complete

We're officially through 1/4 of Tom's chemo of the initial plan! He's supposed to have a total of 12 rounds and he finished up #3 over the weekend.  Let's start with the positives

1. His bloodwork continues to look good--no concerns at this point.

2. Some of you have heard, but we did confirm with the oncologist (here at least) that Tom has actually been staged at a 2B (which is like half a step better than a stage 3)  Mayo may have updates once they do their scans--but good news for now!

3. We have an appointment this Friday to get the process started for genetic testing for Tom.

4. We saw the dietician and the nurse navigator both briefly during chemo.  The dietician recommended some new medication in hopes of helping with digestion and addressing the GI issues/weight loss.    

Onto the less good news---this round of chemo was a bit harder for him 😞  The cold sensitivity is increasing, his fingertips primarily, so he's wearing knit/stretchy gloves during chemo treatments--both on site at Stoddard and while at home over the weekend.  Some of you have also heard, but I purchased him a battery powered heated pillow essentially that he can take to chemo and use at home.  Both seem to help, but aren't ideal for using your hands for much.    

He's also continued to have GI symptoms and was down 1.5lbs again from the previous appointment 2 weeks ago.  20lbs doesn't seem like a ton, but it's much more apparent when you are skinny.       

                    May 10th 2025, 179lbs                                         June 19, 2025 160.4lbs

                                        

As noted previously, we have medication to try to increase his appetite and a new one to help with digestion hopefully.  However both are a bit of trial and error to see how his body responds.  Eating is still his biggest struggle and his least favorite activity despite my insistence that he puts calories in his mouth every 3-4 hours.  He gets sick of me handing him food/drinks, but is a rockstar most days about just doing it despite not wanting to 😂

He's continuing to be pretty fatigued and drained as well, typically taking a daily nap, but it's variable depending on the day.  He's enjoying the extra time home with the kids and working on a few projects at home when able (backing up pictures on hard drives, calling a concrete repair company, etc)  We're trying to figure out a potential return to work plan, but there's so many ups/downs and variables still.    

We have connected with a couple others who have survived or are going through pancreatic cancer treatment as well though friends/co-workers/acquaintances. Tom and I both have a contact or 2 to talk to about their experiences and such.  One is local, while the other is across the pond, which has been helpful I think.     

The rest of us are just doing the normal things--the kids continue to enjoy their summer freedom with friends, swimming, shopping, staying up late, etc.  Vivian is working a few hours this week nannying and I'm continuing to work my mostly normal schedule.  I adjust a few days for appointments, chemo, and obviously if something comes up with Tom, but am trying to keep things as "normal" as possible for as long as I can.  My work team is also amazing to make sure I'm taking time off and getting the support I need when I am out.  Tom and I know this will be a marathon event for us between chemo and future surgery.    

We are beyond grateful for all the e-mails, texts, calls, and overall support from everyone--family, friends, co-workers, and all our loved ones.  We've had meals and snacks provided, gift cards given, and lots of good vibes and prayers.  We appreciate you so much and are lucky to have such a great group 💖