Around the Bend

Chem 1, Day 8

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EVENING UPDATE: Life is beautiful and I have tastebuds. I got to work 4 hours today, whoo hooo!!!! Met with Oncologist who reviewed the side effects and came up with new treatment plan during the infustion on Oct 23. More drugs. Nurses were so apologetic that I have had a rough time. Very tired tonight after work, doctor visit and dinner. . . .but more energy than last weekend!!
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Oh, I think things have changed for the better! I actually tasted blueberry yogurt this morning. What a wonderful taste!

But, alas, let you think I am perfect . . . I didn't call the Oncologist or onc nurse yesterday since I didn't want to be a "bother". How female of me. About 7 pm, I couldn't take it any longer and called the Onc, who prescribed a form of marijuana. This isn't something that the local Bartell's carries so we came away with a transderm scop. Between increased dosage of Ativan and the transderm patch, I feel so much better this morning. Taking things slowly in movement, eating, and getting dressed, I am going to make it to work today. Oh joy!

I came across one pamphlet - out of about 30 they give you at your first diagnosis - that addresses CINV; Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Imagine, they have an acronym for it. I've had a few other acronyms but since mom may be reading this, I won't list them here.

It states:
You may be more likely to become nauseous from chemotherapy if you:

• Are younger (less than 50 years old). Well, does 53 at diagnosis count?
• Are female. Yep!
• Are prone to motion sickness or anxiety. Double yep!
• Became sick from earlier cancer treatments. Nope!
• Are a light drinker (people who drink more alcohol are less likely to become nauseous). Give me back my younger days where this would have been a "nope".
• Had morning sickness when you were pregnant. Had afternoon sickness, does that count?

Given this, I'm heading straight for the marijuana after the next infusion - real or medicinal kind, I don't really care. Now THAT is my younger days!

Peace be unto you and your household.

Joke for Today Courtesy of Sandy

'WHERE IS MY SUNDAY PAPER?' The irate customer calling the newspaper office loudly demanded, wanting to know where her Sunday edition was.

"Ma'am," said the newspaper employee, today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on Sunday.

There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.... As she was hanging up the phone she was heard to mutter, "Well sh**t ... so that's why no one was at church today."

Chemo 1, Day 1

Chemo was pretty darn easy. Easier than surgery!

I had my first infusion today, starting at 2 pm and finished at 5 pm. I had cytoxan and taxotere with absolutely no allergic reactions -- my biggest fear - or nausea. I received three different anti-nausea meds which always helps!

Just as we need to stay on top of pain meds after surgery, I will need to take the anti-nausea meds religiously. I am starting to feel a little icky now. Tomorrow I should feel okay but Day 3 is when the crash hits. Let's pray that it doesn't hit or that it is just a gentle shove.

I put the numbing creme on the port 2 hours ahead of time, tho I was suppose to do it @ 1. Literature that came with the creme said it could be put on @ 2 hours - figured more was better. The needle going into the skin didn't hurt and no pain. Until nurse got the needle in alllllll the way - about 1". Then that stung and was uncomfortable. Not the "get me a Percocet" pain, but a stinging. Next time, they suggested the 1 hour and they will use lidocaine also.

Whew! This is almost as good as breathing. We'll upload pics that Vic took during the infusion tomorrow.

I just want you all to know how important it is for us to know that people are sending good wishes and praying for us. It truly helps!!

As the primary caregiver, Vic needs your support as well. My goal in this journey is to have an attitude. No, not the attitude that drives Vic crazy, because the Lord knows I need him and YOU. An attitude of calmness, positive-ness, and finding something to laugh about each day.

You can help! Send me a joke. Tell me the name of the funniest book you ever read. Rent a funny movie and come over and watch it with me after a chemo session. You get the picture. I am counting on you to help me have an attitude. The last thing I want to do is spend the next 3-4 months wallowing in self-pity and as a recluse.

If you feel like stopping by the house and can spend only 10 minutes, those 10 minutes will be the best time we’ve had! If you feel like giving us a call, don't worry that you are intruding. We have an answering machine and if I’m not up to conversation, or can’t find the darn phone, I’ll retrieve your message. Some of you know that I’ve tried answering the phone when I was on pain meds after the surgery and I think we might have had some interesting conversations. Hopefully you didn’t record them!

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold a coin or two.

May the sun always shine on your window pane.

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.