Round 2

We left extra early today (7:45am) due to the cold and snow overnight, and the heavy traffic heading north out of Castle Rock. Turned out Dr. Basche was late, so we had extra time to complete the almost finished jigsaw puzzle, and start a new one. Once in, they accessed my port, drew blood from it, reviewed my levels, all were good except my white blood cell count that fights infection was low, so I'll be getting a shot for it on Thursday when I come in to remove the pack attached to my port. She also wants me to up my B12 to 1000mcg with a supplement to increase my white blood cell count (I think I understood that correctly). The infusion of Oxaliplaten was slowed down this time, so I was in the chair 3 hours. I did some paperwork, read a while, then learned a new game (Bananagram) given to me by my friend Beth to help pass the time. Doug had arranged a meeting nearby so that helped him chew up some time. Then I got flushed with saline, then pushed with F5U, then hooked up with the pack once again – this time an over-the-shoulder purse-look, instead of the fannypack style I had last time. That was soooo '80s. Out of there by 2:30pm.

Back home, I attempted to return emails but my fingers were tingling and hurting so back, I kept them short. I have the sensitivity to cold again, and a little sharpness while swallowing. I had to drop a prescription off at Walgreens and then head to my 4 pm acupuncture appointment. The simple task of steering the wheel, going into gear and park, and unbuckling my seatbelt hurt in my fingers a lot, so I mentioned it to Greg (my acupuncturist). He nodded and said I know what I can do, and 20 needles and a half hour later the sensation was all but gone. Absolutely amazing. Back home again, emptying the dishwasher I felt it coming back, so now I'm typing in bed, hands slightly upward on the keyboard and I'm back to feeling fine again. I guess I just shouldn't be doing housework, huh? This evening and tomorrow I take nausea pills every 4 hours and an anti-anxiety one before bed.

Knowing I'll be going through this process for 4 months, my friend Sharon felt it sounded more manageable if I think of it in 8 sessions instead. Before my very first treatment, she thoughtfully presented me with a crate of 8 gifts, one to be opened each day I go in for chemo. Trying to think of some theme that had 8 things, she though of the 8 Greek Goddesses, so attached to each gift is a print out with an explanation about one of them. So far I got a pine candle and beautifully smelling dried lavendar, and great detail about these ladies I would've never known. It is certainly the bright point of my day getting to reach in for this week's goodie. How very thoughtful, Sharon, thanks, it makes me smile!!!