chemo

Had my first treatment yesterday. Met with the doctor first, he told me he was disappointed that I never got on the B arm of the study however there are still good results with the Gemzar, and if the tumor didn't respond then we'd look at other options.  He did mention that it was the toughest of the drug combinations, I think he meant side effects.

Prior to starting the medication they gave me benadryl  and tagamet as the docetaxel can have a significant immediate allergic reaction, these were given to minimize any effects. So with only 2 hours sleep the night before I managed to snooze with a little help from the benadryl. 

 I must admit it was emotional starting the treatment, I guess reality set in, but on the other hand it is the beginning of fighting the disease. The first drug lasted just over 2 hours with no ill effects. The second drug Gemzar burned like hell, you could see the white streaks all the way up the vein, we had to wrap the arm with a hot pack and dilute it more. So that vein is now shot. Hopefully it won't be so bad next week.  Yesterday and today I felt fine, a little tired at times but otherwise ok. Had to have IV fluids this am and drinking plenty of water, this will be repeated after every treatment, just to flush out the kidneys. It seems most of the side effects, nausea, fatigue and joint pain will happen within next day or so, although it is very individual, so we'll see. I actually went into work and did chart Quality assurance for 4 hours. The more I can work when I feel well the better.

Thank you again for all the love, support and encouragement. It is awesome. Karen

New haircut

 

I've had such a busy weekend that it has been great with little time on my hands to rest and think. Got my hair chopped Friday, cut and colored, I figured I may as well do something fun as it will start falling out 14 to 21 days after the first treatment. As long as it doesn't fall out before my friend Adam and Rebecca's wedding I'll be fine! I will enclose a picture at some point when I am able so that you can all see me with short hair. 

Went to Rebecca's bridal shower Saturday and had lots of fun, as did Fiona. Her comments, "they are a fun group, Costa Rica is going to be interesting" Yes it is!! . Sunday I  spent cleaning all day, had shopping already done so that I was somewhat prepared, lots of light high protein things, I think we bought 16 yogurts, hopefully enough! I then had a night out with friends at an Italian restaurant which was great, I had originally planned on having a pre chemo party with friends so that I could get plastered before, but probably not a good idea to start chemo with a hangover. So here I am at 1.30 aftr going to bed at 11.30, maybe its the decadron I was to take before 5pm, took it 11pm. Oh well I will sleep plenty after 1st treatment.

I can't begin to say how I feel about all the support and good wishes I've had. Everyone has been wonderful, I never knew so many people cared, it's truly overwhelming. I love reading the comments everyone is posting and of course I end up crying when I read them. 

So its chemo in a few hours, and just the beginning of the fight.

Love you all. Karen