Chemo Session #5

It was a very close call that this cocktail hour(s) was to be cancelled for another time.  My counts were low, so Nurse Tracie wanted to wait until Doc came by to review the blood results and make a determination.  The most worrisome ~  the Hgb was 9.6 and the range is 11.7-14.7. (check on the link for more information)

I began to weigh the pros and cons about cancellation:

• Herceptin would still be given and it doesn't have intense side effects.  SO, that would mean that I wouldn't be feeling  bad on my birthday this coming Tuesday.  That is a plus!
• However, postponing treatment would push my dates further and, quite frankly, I want to GET THIS DONE!

Doc Esther arrived and asked about the neuropathy in my hands and feet.  Hands are not as bad as my feet.  She suggested wearing thicker socks and thicker soles in my shoes.

Then she gave the go ahead .... and included a blood transfusion.  Now, you already know how I feel about that!  But I didn't whine .... I said LET'S DO IT!

And, a whirlwind of activity began.  Nurse Tracie was another great nurse to care for me today.  She had a college student from Malone shadow her and learn about the process.  Which is cool because I get to hear more details of what is going on.  These people are smart.

I was in a smaller section this time, which made it hard for my guests today.  Teri, Jasmine and Adam rotated, as there was only one chair.  And, like I said, the whirlwind made it hard not to be in the way.

Jazz and our favorite hand sanitizer

First to stay and experience the thrill of the port was Jasmine.  She held up very well with the needles and such.  We had a great visit together and I'm so glad she was there with me.

Then, Adam came in after getting off his 3rd shift job.  He was with me when Doc assessed the situation and gave the go ahead.  He was also there when the pre-meds were dispersed, including the Benadryl.  Wow! that stuff hits fast and hard.  But, I managed to stay awake so we could catch up on news. 

Early Photo (forgot to take my camera out when he was there)

At 11:15, they were ready for the 2nd drip of Taxol (3 hour drip and the one that causes the most side effects).  We said our good-byes as I made yet another trip to the restroom.  Remember the ice?  Yeah, so I go before the 3-hour-ice-on-my-limbs is initiated!

By that time, the girls were hungry and I talked them into finding food at the main hospital.  It was a beautiful day and Jasmine agreed to take my camera to get some photos around the grounds.  She did a great job! 

Album - McDowell Center

Teri & Jazz

I fell asleep while they were gone.

They brought back a turkey wrap for me and they decided to picnic outside with their lunch.  Great plan .... I ate what I could and fell asleep again.

Then the Carbplatin .... homestretch!  By this time, Matt picked up Jasmine and Teri came back to keep me company.  We also had a good visit. 

It didn't take long for this last chemo drug and then, BLOOD TRANSFUSION.

Nurse Tracie encouraged me to drink 64 ounces of water every day to help with all the symptoms. I know this is what I have to do.  And this time, I am really going to do it.  No more "trying".  I found my 32 ounce jug from the hospital.  Just got to fill it up twice during the day.  I CAN DO THIS!

I don't want to feel bad.  I want to take any opportunity to help myself feel better.  I was never a water drinker.  I don't drink carbonated pop.  I do drink coffee all day long and ice tea at home.  Neither will do the job.  Wish me luck!  Send me "reminders"!

Tonight

Teri left for home.  She gave me a wonderful birthday card.  Hard to believe I'm going to be the Big 5-0. 

I'm all snuggled in the "Ladies Lounge" with my new body pillow, sheets, comfy pjs and pets.

Will go to work tomorrow until 3:00, Matt is driving just in case.

Then, to the clinic for my shot.

Staying focused.

Staying on top of the pain.

Resting.

Laughter.

Daily devotionals.

And writing to you.


Stay tuned

Next blog .... how my sister spoils me rotten.

Chemo Session #4

Four down - two to go!

Matt is on spring break this week and was able to take me to my chemo session.

I was happy to be able to get the corner suite again! Nice and roomy.

Once we got settled in, I realized that I forgot the numbing cream! I will never do that again! My nurse, Chris, handled it like a pro and helped me through the initial injection. *shew* Nurse Chris is compassionate as well and I am a lucky girl :) Oh! guess what! Nurse Dawn is my sister's neighbor and our kids went to school together....small world ~

I completed my evaluation sheet (gauging pain levels, nausea, fatigue, etc). I felt like a wimp giving most of them a 9.  Matt reminded me of all the times I was crying during the past two weeks .... and not just because of Rickie.  So, 9 it stays.  Nicole (pharmacist) discusses the evaluation sheet and reviews the medications with us.  Since I will have my shot tomorrow, I need to start the claritin again.  Need to work on cleaning my bowels through fluid, fiber and prescription meds.  Not only does it help the digestive system, it helps clear out the chemo drugs.  Ok, I'll do better in that area. Also, since I can't take my pain meds during work, I can take extra strength Tylenol.  It gets difficult with the different meds I am on, especially Coumadin.

I showed my big toe off to everyone ... side effect or something else?  Doc determined that it was something else.  It had "trauma" and I just don't remember how.  Instructions ... keep it clean and wait for it to heal.  It may or may not fall off.  We shall see.

My numbers came back low, but good enough to proceed with the treatment.  Since the neuropathy and pain is hitting me hard, she is "taking 25% off the Taxotere".  Great! I do hope it helps. This one is a 3 hour drip with the ice on my hands and feet.

Doc had a high school student shadow her for the day.  That is very impressive to have one so young interested in doing this. 

As they prepared for my cocktails, the fabulous benedryl was injected and out I went.  I can never keep my eyes open! I only brought one thing to do (read) and never got to it.

By noonish, Christie arrived and the changing of the guards occurred.  She brought me some lunch and I am very thankful for the "extra" duty in getting it (silly girl).  I stayed awake the best I could so we could chat about all the things going on in life. 

Life does go on.
And the world keeps turning.

Then, one more announcement ... I was going to get my first blood transfusion after the cocktails were done.  This should help my energy level and feel like a new woman. (Adam is electing Wonder Woman complete with tights and a lasso) *geeze* ;-) 

My own blood was tested and determined to be A positive.  The unit I received was O positive.  I thank the person who gave their life source to me.

The clear tubes running from the bag into my arm looked like liquorice. Seriously.  The color was very rich and that's what it reminded me of.

I was the last patient to leave.  Everyone was very kind and thorough.  The last thing I want is to be a big wimp about this.  Indicating a 9 made me second guess myself.  But, I felt true to that number.

There is a basket of donated hats and I picked this one.  People are so nice :)

Ended the evening with nephew, Shane, visiting.  Wonderful!

Well, I better get some shut eye for work tomorrow.  May you have a safe St Patty's day out there.  Take care ~