Well, I am back feeling mostly normal.
Thursday I was scared all morning about the upcoming Chemo session. It actually wasn't all that bad. My nurse Mary was very willing to answer my questions and take me slowly through the 1st treatment. I was the youngest person there, which surprised me. Dan was able to sit with me and be my anchor.
I had a strawberry limeade slushy from Sonic to drink while they put the Adriamycin in..... it keeps your mouth cold and is supposed to help prevent mouth and throat sores. My cousins, Erica and Crystal have been through the same treatment and have given me several tips. One was to have the nurse give the Cytosine slower through the IV pump to prevent headaches. I did start to get a headache and the nurse immediately slowed everything down, and that helped! (good job Erica and Crystal!!)
We went out for Vietnamese food for dinner after leaving the doctor's office. I was optimistic and hungry. About two hours later I started to get nausea and it just kept getting worse. I was pretty miserable all night and was even weeping for no exact reason. The bad nausea and funky feelings lasted through Friday morning (my mom and dad came by to hang with me while Dan went to work). We picked up an additional drug (my 3rd for naseau) at the pharmacy and after about 3 hours it finally seemed to kick in and help. I was able to rest Friday afternoon.
Friday at noon Dan and I went for my Nuelasta shot (this it to help my white blood counts). Nuelasta comes with warnings of bone aches, fever, and flue like side effects :( I am happy to say that other than being a bit groggy and sleepy none of the Nuelasta side effects have seemed to show up. I was also given my fourth Rx for nausea (this is what might be making me drowsy).
This morning we went on a few errands since it is such a nice day. It was nice to get OUT without being headed towards the doctor! We had In and Out for lunch and a walk around the block when we got home (I am embarrassed to say that our block seemed longer to me than I ever remembered). Our neighbor across the street left today for the Boston Marathon - what a contrast.
I am so grateful for all of the cards, visits, calls, card games, flower, collages, etc. I can't keep up with it all, but am so encouraged. If I could only convey how much I am touched by your care and the love that flows through. THANK YOU.
I am going to sit down now with a book and probably fall asleep. I am so hoping that the rest of the treatments go this quickly and that I am able to work and function and live the days almost like normal.
As always, God is my strength.
Blessings, Carmina Bella
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Good for you! I have no doubt you will get through this with the grace,strength and optimism you bring to everything you do!
ReplyDeleteVietnamese food??? Some unwitting person probably planted that thought in your head recently...sorry about the unintended consequences :)
ReplyDeleteNow that Sophia just had her 8 month birthday and is scooting all over the place, she is really glad to hear you have been up and around...so that you can assist her mom and dad with keeping her under control. She wanted me to you she has a big-cheeky smile waiting for you :)
Love to you and Big D from the "Utopia North-siders"