Going Going Gone?

The books tell you that between days 10 and 14 your hair will start to fall out.  Well, Day 10 came and of course I pulled wildly on my hair just to test it.  Still there!  Day 11, 12 - same thing.  Well, today was Day 13 and lo and behold I noticed that when I pulled on my hair in the morning, I'd lose a few strands. Nothing major.  Maybe it was my imagination.  Day wears on....more strands when I'd run my hands through my hair at work.  Must be my imagination.  Evening comes and time to wind down and get ready for bed. Tried another test pull just on my bangs for grins. After all, tomorrow is Day 14 - THE Day!!  Out of about 50 hairs pulled, at least 10 released in my grip! I am in the throes of hair loss.  It's official. The books don't lie as much as you want them to be untrue or for everybody but you.  I anticipate the hair on my pillowcase in the morning like a kid who loses a tooth and waits anxiously for the quarter from the Tooth Fairy. Strange, huh?  I guess it's my "right of passage."  Chemo is just doing what it does best.  Kicking cancer to the curb.  And in the process a bit of hair.  Nothing to worry about.  (smiles)

Study Finds Cheddar Biscuits Relieve Stress of Chemo

Well, I survived the night and came back for more.  Mostly just really really tired. I kept waiting for the nausea and vomiting to happen but thankfully there was NONE!!  At least for Day One.  I have read that some side effects take several days to appear, so keeping my fingers crossed!!  Day Two required two bags of drippings!! One:  Anti-nausea drugs; Two - Hydration.  And then one really big expensive shot to increase production of healthy blood cells.  I thought sure they would be able to put the in the iv, but Noooooo.  They put it in my arm.  Ouch!!!  Margie and Mom were my companions again on Day Two!  What wonderful gals!!  After the first hour, Margie walked to Red Lobster and got us some soft drinks and a bag of their most wonderful awesome cheddar biscuits.  Yum Yum!  The highlight of chemo!  The nurse said we weren't supposed to have food in the treatment room, but she liked us and let us eat to our hearts content!  Felt well enough to drive home again on day two! 

Thank you Lord for my wonderful family and friends!  I am truly truly blessed!

Fact or Crap?

I was actually a little bit excited about starting chemo.  After all - once it had begun I was that much closer to the end.  My mom and my friend Margie came with me.  We sat in matching recliners in one of the "big" rooms. The private rooms only had enough room for 2 people. The nurse was really skilled, compassionate, and nice. Got all my vitals taken and then the fun began.  They put this cold freeze on your skin where the needle goes into the port so it doesn't hurt.  It hurt a bit, but nothing major. First bag:  Antibiotics - took about 20 minutes. Next bag: Steroids - another 30 minutes.  We discussed whether I'd get muscular, hairy, or just angry because of the steroid treatment.  I said I'd prefer hairy since it'll be gone shortly anyway.  Third Bag: Cytoxin - about an hour.  Finally: Adryamycin - 30 minutes.  This one was bright red!  (Yep - you pee red when it gets through your system, too!  Kool-aid in the potty!!)  Overall, there wasn't anything to do but sit and wait and change bags and chat and sit and wait and change bags and chat.  Margie brought Fact or Crap to pass the time.  Interesting questions.  I think I'll make my own:

Fact or Crap:  Adryamycin makes your pee turn red?  Fact
Fact or Crap:  Your hair falls out as soon as you're done with chemo?  Crap
Fact or Crap:  It's important to have a good attitude when going through chemo?  Fact
Fact or Crap:  Chemotherapy drugs are poison for your system? Fact
Fact or Crap:  Taking naps is a good solution for chemo-induced fatigue? Crap
Fact or Crap:  Good friends make your chemotherapy sessions go by quicker?  Fact

I felt well enough to drive home on my own.  I didn't know that I'd keep the needle-thing in the port on my chest, but it'd be one less stick the next day when I come back for hydration!  One down three to go!