FEBRUARY 21 FIRST CHEMO TREATMENT

Scary.  That about sums things up.  I can't begin to describe the emotions of this day.  To feel absolutely healthy and strong and to walk into this room to have toxins put into every cell of my body seems so wrong in so many ways.  It is all so unbelieveable. . . .

We have made the decision to go with Dr. Kevin Fox at the University of Pennsylvania.  I will need 16 weeks of chemo and 4-6 weeks of radiation treatments after that.  I receive my treatments every other week--for a total of 8 treatments.  For all of you medical buffs--I am receiving Adriamycin and Cytoxan for the first 4 treatments and Taxal and Herceptin for the last 4 treatments.  If you notice in the picture the medication is put through my body with a port (up towards my shoulder) instead of through an IV in my arm.  The port is under my skin and had to be surgically placed.  I was really resisting the port initially, but after doing much research, decided that this might be the better way to go.  I was very nervous about using it for the first time, but all went well.

When I go down for my treatments, I meet with my doctor and nurse practitioner who are in charge of my treatment.  We discuss side effects, questions, etc.  After that, they test my blood to be sure platelets and white/red cell counts are strong enough.  I was very apprehensive about the unknowns of the treatment, but was pleasantly surprised when I found out that when I receive my treatments I am in a large, private room with a huge window looking outside.  There is a recliner and plenty of room for visitors.  The nurses are wonderful and do everything in their power to make it a comfortable experience.  There is a kitchen with snacks and drinks down the hall and the nurses quickly brought me blankets and pillows and drinks to make it through.  There were very many tears this day and every nurse understood.  I was so tired once I was settled in because I only slept a couple hours the night before.  Joel and my sister, Karyn and I had lunch while my treatments were given.  The infusions took about 1 1/2 hours.  First, I was given a naseous reducing medication and then the two chemo drugs.  The one chemo medication is in a large syringe and bright red in color.  I watched it work its way through the tubing and enter my chest for the first time.  Talk about an unforgettable moment!  Deep sigh. . . .

The doctor said I would probably feel the worst a day or two after the treatment.  He also said that the chemo is "cumulative"--meaning it will get worse before it gets better.  As my body receives more chemo the side effects become more pronounced as the weeks go on.  This week I did great.  Felt good every day and did not suffer from nauseousness at all.  I was more tired than usual, but able to be up and around like normal.  Each morning I would wake and cautiously swing my feet over the side of the bed.  Then slowly stand.  And after telling myself all was well--would start getting the kids ready for school.  Every day comes with an unknown--not sure what each hour will bring.  But thanking God for feeling good for these first two weeks.  One treatment down--7 more to go.  Already dreading March 6.