Friday, November 13, 2009

Post Chemo High

Round 1 Chemo – DONE!

This feels like a wonderful accomplishment, but in looking back, except for my little visit to the ER, it has really been bearable. Although I’m looking forward to a break for surgery, if that gives you any idea on just how fun this has been!

Thank god for Emends! These are 3 pills I get to take the 1st days of my chemo treatment. They are so good, I wish I could get them for a week. Evidently these 3 little darlings cost about $400, which might be why I don't get a better supply. Also, I think they are just for getting you over the hump of the initial dumping of the chemicals into your body. But boy do they work!

I felt great after my treatment Thursday and spent the rest of the day snoozing away and was out for good by 9:30. Very unusual for me, cause I hate going to bed early. I also got my new sleeping pill, but the verdict is still out on that one. Jim had to get up at 3:00 am to talk to someone first thing in the morning in England. So I woke up when his alarm went off and then again at 4:00 am. But I was able to go back to sleep which is an improvement.

Friday, I went to get my Nulasta shot. I'm sure I've slaughtered the spelling on this, but it is to boost my white blood cell count and thus minimize infections. This shot must really work because my WBC is always high - right where they want it. As far as the rest of my labs, my Red Blood Count is always low. This is normal and explains my total lack of energy even on days when I feel good. The rest of my “counts” are always in the normal range.

I talked to Carrie a little about what the next steps are. I can’t meet with Dr. Neubauer again until December 3. Part of the reason is Dr. Sklar my surgeon won’t do anything until I fully recover from this chemo treatment, plus they have to give this treatment time to work (which makes sense). Then we run into the Thanksgiving Holidays. Evidently even cancer treatment stops for Turkey Day! Hopefully, the tumor will now be small enough so I can have my mastectomy and I can still get this done before Christmas. Other than me being ready for surgery, the timing will also be dependent on Dr. Sklar’s schedule. He has been fantastic so far about scheduling, so I’m hoping this won’t be an issue.

And finally a hair update. I actually still have a little hair left on my head, though who knows if this last go round will finally get rid of it. Martha ( my favorite nurse) told me it will actually start to grow back while I’m on my chemo break. I think I’ll really look like a freak! Luckily I still have I brows and lashes, so lets hope those don’t suddenly fall out at the end. My next chemo round will be a different drug, but will also cause hair loss, so I’m not through with the wigs and hats yet!

I’m off to see if the squirrels are awake.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Monique

2 comments:

  1. It is a huge accomplishment to make it through the 4 rounds of chemo!!!

    I can imagine that the waiting for surgery is hard and that part of you just wants to get through all the steps as soon as possible. But, it is probably a good thing that your body has a little time to recoup before surgery.

    I hope your appetite is up for Thanksgiving. Gotta have some pumpkin pie!!!

    Nancy

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  2. Congrats on completing round 1! Way to kick chemo's butt! :)

    Enjoy Thanksgiving and be sure to get plenty of rest.

    Michelle

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