We're back home after a long day. Left the house at 8:15, now it's 3:15. We checked in, sat in the waiting room, got called back and weighed (130), took my blood pressure and temperature (all fine), then in the lab accessed the port, drew blood, put in saline. Then to a room to wait for Dr. Basche where we discussed what to expect and watch out for. Back out to the lobby and worked on their jigsaw puzzle, (I got 5 pieces in, Doug got 7.) And finally called into the infusion room. I was the first of the day and got to pick which lounge chair I wanted. I got comfortable, covered with my favorite blanket friends got me in the hospital (thanks Stu & Ola). Nurse Terry first put in anti-nausea, then a steriod to help open things up to be receptive (took about 20 minutes), then Oxaliplaten (the first chemo drug) ran for 2 hours while Doug and I checked emails and read. Finally, the 5FU (another cancer killing drug) is hooked up to me in a device that looks like a big fat remote control and placed in a fanny pack with a tube leading to the port in my chest. I wear that until Thursday at 11am, at which time I go back to have it removed. Then I'm unhooked until the next visit in 2 weeks. I'm feeling a little like the Bionic Women with all these "things" protruding from my body. But it's "only temporary", right!?
It's just been a couple hours, and I don't feel any side effects to make note of other than a very odd one that I called about and they'd never heard of anything like it, and told be to take a Benadryl. Twice since I've left there I've welled up in tears. The blood that ran to my eyes burned like I was about to burst blood vessels. I quickly dried my tears to stop the pain. We were buying something at a store and the lady evidently saw the tubes protruding from my chest into the pack, and as we left she said "Good health and wellness to you!" It surprised and overwhelmed me I guess. Secondly, I get home to check my emails, and find that my cousin Glenn in IL has lung cancer and has do radiation and chemo, then surgery. It's been emotional to find this out, I will be adding him and his family now to my prayers.
I've got to go now for my acupuncture appointment to help with stress and naseau. Thank you all for checking in and your wonderful emails and comments. I haven't gotten to them all, but will soon I'm sure. Until later.
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2 comments:
What a complex adventure you're in the midst of. I'm learning so much about this process I never knew. It's helpful to hear all these details–it gives me a window into what you're experiencing.
I've thought of acupuncture for Ross and his celiac disease–when you have a minute, will you share the name and number of your acupuncturist?
Thanks–thinking of you! Ann
Integrative Medical, Greg Shim, 303-814-9262.
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