Thursday, December 13, 2012

Dunphy begins chemo therapy Friday


Former BJ reporter John Dunphy, an Orange County (California) Register retiree, will begin chemo therapy Friday for his Stage 3 esophageal cancer. 

John’s latest Facebook posting:

John Dunphy
Things are getting real here folks. I start chemo on Friday. Dr. Mario Curti is our guy. The surgeon said he is one of three in the area he would use if it were him or his family. So I figure he is good for me.

Chemo is weekly: one day a week for four weeks, then off for 2 weeks (recovery) and then four more weeks on, etc. The list of things I need from the pharmacy are intimate, but might be instructive if you, like we, haven't been through this before. Non-alcohol mouthwash (white sores might mean a fungus is setting in), wet wipes (for your poor bum), soft toothbrush, thermometer (if you have a fever of 100.5 or higher, call immediately 24-hours a day!!!).

Wash your hands every time you come home, if you touch a pet or a child or, well, anything.

Monica and Ronnie are the nurses who will be taking care of me. The infusions of chemo take 4-5 hours each Friday.
Any suggestions for novels to read? Knitting projects you need done?

For previous reports on John’s medical situation, click on http://bjretirees.blogspot.com/search?q=john+dunphy+medical

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