Chemotherapy - Session 2

Thursday's session of chemo went well...well, as good as can be expected. I woke up super early because I wanted to be the first at the lab and one of the first to get called for my go-go juice. I knew it was going to be a long day and wanted to get this ball rolling. I have heard that after the second session is when you start to notice a change in symptoms. Let's get going!

Leading up to chemo day:

I always try to do something for myself to boost my morale. I used to have beautiful skin and hair, but the last couple years, things have changed. The night before my next chemo round, my friend Amanda and I went to
see Dirty Dancing on Broadway in Downtown Detroit. To prepare, I went to the salon and got my hair colored and then went back to my house where Amanda and I watched the movie as we prettied ourselves up. We were laughing and dancing as we got ready. We were dressed to the 9's. I wore my silver shoes just in case I decided to dance in the aisles. (Wink, Wink) The show was awesome, as we knew it would be. I managed to sneak in a forbidden photo of the defining moment. We both enjoyed the show. There were some quirky parts that were added from the original movie version, but overall, the show was well put together and their use of graphics was very clever. After the show, we got in line and got a photo with Johnny and Baby,
which the proceeds went to charity. Amanda carried a watermelon! What a great night! I needed that! We then made the long journey home so I could hit the hay for the big day in the morning. Unfortunately, I couldn't sleep. The time ticked on as I kept looking at the clock. 12:50...1:27...2:45...3:10...4:05...I just couldn't sleep. 4:05 a.m. was the last time I remember looking at the clock before 5:30 rolled around and the alarm went off! OH HAIL NO! I couldn't wake myself to get up. I was so exhausted from not sleeping. I knew this was going to be a tough day.

Being scolded!

Chemo - Day 2:

After getting called back, first thing the nurse tells me as she is starting my "special bracelet" (IV)...Your hair color has changed. We generally tell

Juices are flowing

My Rock!

people not to color their hair while they are getting chemo." OOPS! I had no idea! I took the lashing in stride, but they didn't stop the procedure. I was ready to start the pre-meds. Yes, the loopy-maker! The benedryl typically makes me loopy, so they start with the hydrocortisone and something for my stomach. Once that is in me and I have done all the verifying, they give me the benedryl because once that kicks in, it's over...no getting straight answers out of me after that! My husband could not stay because he had meetings at work, so once I was started on my drip and he snapped a thousand pictures, he took off for work. I was going to be all alone for the day until he came back. My family has a busy life. Those who weren't busy found excuses not to be there. They must have a weak stomach! Luckily I was under the best care with the best nurses.

Stopping again:

The usual 2 hours into the process and when they are starting to speed up the amount of flow, I start having signs of struggle, so they stop the process. This is going to be my norm. Once I get more pre-meds in me, I tend to tolerate the process a bit better. My body just does not like chemicals in it. I never really have used many medications; not pain medications, and

My Go-GO Juice

certainly not even over-the-counter stuff for colds and fever. So all of a sudden, when I get this human/mouse gunk flowing in my veins, my body automatically wants to say "NO WAY!" Luckily, once they give me more of the precautionary pre-meds, I am on tolerating it better and back at it.

The day seemed to flow by fast because I slept most of the time, but for the usually every-15-minute vitals checks that nurse Mavis came around for. I tolerated the rest of the day and after a while, Mike was back to sit and watch me sleep until the process was done. This time, I was done in a record 10 hours versus the 12 I did last week. Unlike last time, I was not full of energy. I was weak and tired from not sleeping the night before. When I got home, I tried to stay awake, but just couldn't endure the fatigue. I went to bed about 9 O'Clock...just after Survivor got over. I slept hard.

Resting in Amanda's car

The next morning:

When I woke up, I was tired, but feeling pretty good. I had no hand pain, but did have the usual back pain and stiffness I have until I get up and moving. I had a busy day planned, as I was going to try to help a

My protector!

friend with some of her jobs. She allowed me to sleep in between jobs, which really helped me build some energy up for the next place we were going. Although throughout the day I was tired, the only effect I really had was the bubbly stomach, which never led to me getting sick, and the tingling in my fingers. I still have a bit of a penny taste in my mouth, but it is not a strong this time around. Just a little uneasy. I went home and rested the rest of the night. My kitty, of course, was right by my side the whole entire night. She seems to know when I am not feeling good.

The Mother Hen still by my side

This morning:

Woke up this morning feeling pretty good. Kitty was still by my side while my hubby slept. I took a bath and she "mother-henned" me until she knew I was OK. She stayed on the towel next to the tub until I got out and dried off. Then she whipped around the house like she just took some street drugs and I have not seen her since. She is crazy, but has added a lot of spunk to our household!  I feel pretty good this morning.