May 20: Today is my first chemo treatment and I am feeling calm. I started my day with yogurt and berries and the TV to keep my mind occupied. Before we left, I ate chicken salad with veggies and fruit. Chased it all down with lots of water to pump up my veins.
By the time we reached the Infusion Office, I started feeling uneasy. Oddly enough, my blood pressure was very low. I had my family support - Pat, Michelle, and Patrick. Pat was the only one allowed back at first until the nurse finished with my prep. At this moment, it all became real and I could no longer fight my tears. The "patient" chair was mine, the "drug bin" of meds were mine, my picture I'd with bar code was mine and there would be no turning back. After a few moments, I pulled myself together so I could get this behind me. Pat was ready to bring the kids back. Fortunately, it was a quiet afternoon in the Infusion area so they could all be with me. Otherwise, they would be taking turns from the waiting room.
I was first given 3 pills of Dexamethasone. Then, the saline drip was started. I was then given medicine through the IV to prevent nausea (3 day long lasting), followed by Adriamycin, ending with Cytoxen. Start to finish was about 3 hours and 15 minutes. 1 down 5 to go!
May 22; In the last 48 hours, I've experienced side effects. Painful headaches, nausea, and heart racing - all normal. I do not have an appetite, but and managing to push the 64 ounces of water necessary to get all the chemo drugs out of my system. I was scheduled to have my Neulasta shot yesterday, but it had not been 24 hours since my first treatment ended, so I had this today. This shot is given to boost my white blood counts. The side effect from this is pain in the bones. If this happens, I can only take 200mg of Ibuprophen - once a day.
Upcoming: More physical therapy appointments and my follow-up with Dr. Garg on May 25.
Many, many thanks for all the prayers, texts, emails, and cards. This lifts my spririts more than you know!
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