Chemotherapy and You

So, Thursday was my first Chemo treatment.

I arrived at 11:00. Had some blood taken. Met with Dr. Edmiston.

I decided that I did want to do the clinical trial. I understand how important clinical trials are to cancer research and I'm willing to do what I can to help. So I signed the papers.

She sent me and my mom to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. We were to report back at 1:00 for chemo.

We ended up waiting hours to get the randomized chemo regemin. - but it was worth the wait. 4 cycles of AC. yeah baby! I was secretly dreading getting stuck with 6 cycles.

So, Sharon, my wonderful nurse, hooked up my IV. It's funny, I'm starting to get used to needles. I don't think I even flinched.

First, they just run saline through - to make sure everything is a-okay.

Then they hooked up a bag of Decadron ( a steroid used for anti nausea and vomiting)

Then the red devil (see photo above). Adriamycin is 'pushed' - why? I don't know. That took about 5 minutes.

Then she hooked up the Cytoxan which drips through the IV - about an hour.

I get my own little room, with a comfy recliner and a tv. Going to the bathroom is interesting because I have to unplug and drag all that crap with me.

Overall, it was a relatively pleasant experience.

I have a bunch of pills I need to take for the nausea, sleeping pills when needed, stool softner - yeah, fun stuff. etc. etc.

On Friday (the day after every chemo treatment) I got my Neulasta shot which boosts my white blood cells. Side effect - mild to moderate bone pain. - Nothing a little Tylenol can't fix.

So, it's been 5 days - and no severe side effects. I feel good. A little tired. But I think I can do this!!

Leia was my hero, bringing me lotion on Thursday. My hands felt like they were going to split in two. And Mom, thank you for coming to all my appointments with me. You're the best.