I had every intention of writing while getting the chemo since I sat there for six hours or so. However, I had a fancy little shot of Benedryl which rendered me brainless. For about the last four hours.
When I first arrived I was more excited to get this started than I was scared. First stop was the scale. Down two pounds woo hoo! I am liking the side effect of weight loss. Then I walked back into the chemo room, which is very nice. There are about ten comfy recliners with blankets on them and then poles next to each one to hold all the meds. That's when I started to sweat. All my nerves on edge.
Two patients were in there already getting set up. They were old pros. I sat down and the wonderful two nurses introduced themselves and handed me an ice pack for my port. That was crazy feeling. The ice numbed it, but it was also a little crazy because it made the port inside of me very cold as well. As I waited for my turn I became more and more nervous and more and more sweaty. Apparently nervous situations are my trigger for hot flashes.
They made it to me and all my nervousness about the port was unwarranted, it was a small little poke and then they drew my blood. (I always have to look away though.) Once they made sure all my blood levels were okay they started my pre-chemo meds: Anti-nausea, hydrating fluids, steroids and several others whose names escape me.
During this time I met another patient going through the exact same treatment as me. She and I had a wonderful talk. Her first words were, "It is really not that bad." She has not yet thrown up from anything. She did warn me that losing my hair may be harder than I think. I had a feeling it might be. I think I am okay with it, but once it really is gone, I may be in shock. She also warned me of the days that were really tough for her after chemo. This was nice so I can maybe plan life to slow down those days.
Before starting the Taxol they gave me Benedryl and Adavan (yay!) and let's just say I was out in a matter of about ten minutes. I texted John and well I have the text for you to see. Then I was talking to mom, mumbled something and was out. I woke up several hours later and the only thing I felt was a need to use the bathroom. They put about 7 pounds of fluid in me throughout the process.
Overall I felt pretty good! So good we went out to eat, but I ate something too rich and then did not feel so hot. So we went straight home instead of doing a little shopping. Once I was home I was a little nauseous, but took the anti-nausea meds and feel a ton better. We'll see how these next few weeks go with the anti-nausea meds and chemo which all cause constipation. I have meds to keep that in check as well, but Lord am I nervous.
I just hope all of this is killing whatever cancer is still in my body. My next round is a long one. Two days in a row, July 1&2. By that time I will not have any hair. So these next several weeks may be pretty emotional. Then July 6 I turn 40 and will be bald. That may be a little rough. I am sure tears will flow.