2 down, 6 to go!

It's bad, so bad.  But, it could be so much worse!  I realize that.  The fatigue is overwhelming at times.  The muscle pain was worse this time around.  Nausea comes in waves (especially with smells, sounds and bumps to the bed) but, is manageable with the meds.  And...I lost my hair with this last round.


I didn't prepare myself for how painful losing my hair would be.  The first round made my hair follicles tingly, but this time each follicle was on fire!  It was a burning pain.  Sherwood shaved my head for me.  That took the pain down a couple notches which was very helpful!  It was quite a shock to see myself for the first time in the mirror.  I still can't really look at myself with patchy stubble all over my head!  Not the greatest look.


My next round is Dec. 27th.  Hopefully I will have a good couple of days to enjoy with my family before I start it all over again.


Thank you Dr. Lewis for highly recommending the port-a-cath!  It's made the awful a little more manageable.  Not having to get poked makes it better!


I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  May you hug your loved ones a little tighter, realize you are blessed a little more and have a larger measure of peace this time of year!!!


Hugs,
Becky

Chemo round #1

Well I made it through the first day of the first round of chemo.  It was not bad at all.  I think having the port-a-cath really helped with that.  I barely felt anything.

The nurse first gave me the anti-nausea medicine (quite a "cocktail") through the "iv" in the port.  Then she pumped in the first drug.  The second drug was "dripped" in so it took a little longer.  But, it all took only 2 1/2 hours.  So, not too bad.

I'm starting to get a little tired and "fuzzy".  Just waiting for the fatigue to set in and hoping to keep the nausea at bay!

One down, seven to go.

Hugs.  

PET scan and port-a-cath surgery

Well...it's been a busy week already!  Yesterday I had the PET scan (positron emission tomography).  It went really well.  They put in an iv and then had me drink 16 ounces of "lemonade", then they introduce the tracer in the iv.  I got to take a 45 minute nap (sorely needed) to help the tracer circulate throughout my body.  Then, I got to drink 16 more ounces of the lovely lemonade they provide.  Refreshing beverage!  No, it's really not that bad.
After a quick stop in the restroom I hopped onto the scanning bed (on my back this time!) and snuggled down into the headrest with a nice leg rest under my knees and warm blankets on top of me.  It was a 20 minute test.  The bed moves back and forth 3 times.  I imagined I was at Disneyland on an incredible new ride.  I was tempted to open my eyes but that would have ruined the illusion.  I didn't want to have had a little panic attack.  They certainly don't make those machines very large.  I guess I am a little claustrophobic!  The key for me is keeping my eyes closed and practicing my yoga breathing!!!  
The purpose of the PET scan was to rule out any other cancer in my body.  Really praying that is so!


I had my port-a-cath placed today.  It was an outpatient surgery and it went well.  It will be very helpful in receiving treatments.  The other option is to get an iv each time.  Since treatment will last 16 weeks I opted for the port.  It is placed under the skin near my collarbone.
When I saw my surgeon (who is awesome by-the-way!) before the surgery he said my PET scan was clear except for two lymph nodes that showed up.  I am quite relieved about that.  So, I am having a lymph node biopsy in two days and we'll see if I need my lymph nodes removed or not.

Oh, and I got my hair cut very short!  I think the kids need to see me in transition.  My two older kids said I looked like a teacher and like a different Mom!  My baby just smiled and laughed.  My kids are so funny and so honest.  I love them so much!!!


And, here's a tip...don't watch clips of Modern Family and Suburgatory when you're healing from any surgery.  Laughing hurts!!! :)


On to the next!