One down, three to go!

The first chemo treatment wasn’t exactly what I expected…  We arrived at the Kellogg Cancer Center on Wednesday morning for my 9:30 a.m. appointment, first meeting with the oncologist and then heading to the main therapy room where there were about 5 other patients receiving chemo.  There the nurse began by opening my vein with saline and then started the IV steroid that helps prevent fluid retention and supposedly helps reduce the chance of an allergic reaction from the chemo.  Before starting the first chemo medication they had us move to an available private room.  The nurse who was setting up the chemo medicine said she would stay in the room for the first 15 minutes since some people have reactions to the chemo and that I should keep her informed on how I was feeling.  Not too long after the chemo started I began getting a heart burn feeling deep in my stomach that then became a pressure that gradually rose up to my sternum and then into my lungs, cutting my lung capacity in half.  I turned to the nurse and told her I was having a reaction and she quickly notified the pharmacists to come with their bag of meds in hand.  After receiving Benadryl and some other medication I was fine and the reaction was over quickly.  Due to the reaction we had to wait awhile before starting the chemo drip again but thankfully there were no additional problems.  The Benadryl really knocked me out so I slept until they started the second chemo med.  Initially we should have been there until around 12:30 p.m. but when it was all said and done we left around 2:15 p.m.  Just a little excitement for my first session!  Supposedly this won’t happen again…

Overall it hasn’t been a terrible experience.  Thankfully I haven’t been nauseous, just a “pit” in my stomach from probably a number of things; chemo, medications, food, etc.  The Neulasta shot I received on Thursday that boosts my white blood cell count has caused the expected bone pain so my body aches but it isn’t unbearable.  Throughout today I haven’t felt 100% but I am feeling a lot better this evening; just wiped out more than anything.  To sum up the whole chemo experience so far I would have to say it is like having the flu but without the major stomach issues.  

A week ago I finally went and got my hair cut to chin length and picked out a wig; both new experiences for all of us.  When I arrived home from Chemo on Wednesday the kids were curious to see what I looked like.  They thought that my hair would fall out right away so they both wondered if I was wearing my real hair or a wig.  They are both trying to get their minds around this whole cancer diagnosis and treatment with their limited knowledge but they are doing well. 

Last year at this time when I had my hip replacement surgery both kids were wondering if they would have to get a new hip some day, this time around Elizabeth has been asking if she will lose her hair when she gets big.  Both kids also want to know what day/date my hair will fall out; if I only knew :o).  Elizabeth has told me a few times that she is excited that my hair is going to fall out and that it will be fun.  I guess we will have to figure out a way to make the process fun for at least her :o).  With the grace and strength of our Lord we will face these new challenges with lots of laughter! 

Thank you for your prayers!  God is good and continues to provide strength and peace as we trust Him for each day! 

Love,

Kelly