The Treatments

I had planned to write about each treatment separately but I got busy with homework and living life I ran out of time. So, here is another synopsis.

Treatment #1

My first chemotherapy treatment was August 28th. To tell you that I was nervous was an understatement. I was provided with a book on information about chemotherapy treatments including potential side effects. Of course I read the book, not cover to cover but enough to make me nervous. The nurses on the chemo unit are quite wonderful and pretty much suggested I not read "the book" anymore!!!

I have a total of 8 treatments scheduled over the next 16 weeks. The first four are 2 hour treatments. During the treatments, there are two different chemotherapy drugs that are administered. Prior to the first drug, I am given Dex (for short). This is an anti-nausea drug. I take 5 of them at this time and then continue taking, tapering the amount over the next 4 days after treatment. The chemotherapy drugs are given through IV in addition to ativan (given for nausea as well). When that part of the treatment is done it is on to the next through same IV. I am given 3-4 popsicles to suck on. This prevents mouth sores. The second chemo drug looks like cherry kool-aid. I have visions of these drugs attacking LB when I watch the liquid go into my vein. It is especially easy to visualize the red drug attacking LB.

The Chemo unit has several rooms in it. There are two large rooms with 8 chairs. The chairs are electric recliners. There are also mini-TV's and the auxiliary volunteers come around with snacks and drinks. On the other side of the unit are small hospital rooms with beds. Those rooms are for people who are there for several hours and are more comfortable.

Getting back to treatment #1. I brought my book thinking that it would be a nice time to relax and read. But actually, the atmoshere is quite relaxing. It is almost like going to the beauty shop. People are chatting with the nurses and it is easy to get caught up in the conversation. People in this world are quite amazing. I feel so humbled to be in the same category of cancer patients with some of these people. One man travels from Michigan every week to get his treatment!!!!

Following that first treatment Kathryn and I went to pick out my new hair. That will be a story for another day. We then went to Victorias for lunch. Aside from the whole having cancer thing and getting chemotherapy, it was actually a fun day.

Treatment #2

My second treatment was scheduled for Friday September 11th. Following initial treatment, blood work to check hemoglobin and white blood cells is done prior to all other treatments. I also met with my oncology nurse practioner, Dee. I will be with her for the next 10 years. We talk about the side effects and effectiveness of the medications. She is concerned not only for the cancer and treatment but also concerned about me as a person. My ability to stay as stress free as posible effects the success of the treatment. The last part of my visit with her is to examine LB. Very good news today. After only one treatment, LB is smaller!!! So, between the treatment, prayers, my positive thinking and my husband doting on me, it is all working!

Again, I bring my book but again I got caught up in the conversations going on. I am awestruck by some of the people sitting in the chairs. Just like every cancer is different, each plan of attack is different. I didn't know this before I started, but there are different types of chemo drugs catered to each kind of cancer. It's amazing how quickly the 2 hours go in that atmosphere. Unfortunately, the room is usually filled with 8 people.

Treatment #3

I had my third treatment on September 25th. I had my blood drawn as usual. Dee was away for this treatment so I saw a fellow and an oncologist instead. Let me just say, I miss Dee!! That's all I will say about that!! Because the fellow and physician don't know me they were not able to determine if LB was smaller or not. I left feeling a little bummed. But, I was meeting a good friend for lunch so I soon got over it.

Again the chairs were full. Again I brought my book. Again, didn't get much read.

Treatment #4

Today is October 9th and I am heading to the Mayo Clinic in a little bit for my 4th treatment. This will be the halfway mark. The time has actually gone by pretty fast. I don't know who I will meet today. I am looking forward to seeing Dee and finding out if we are still making progress. Again, I have my book in my purse ready to go!!!