Well I did it!  My first chemo treatment is over.  It went pretty well.  I put the numbing cream over my port this morning and headed off.  By the time I got my vitals checked and to my private room (a benefit of first time chemo) the nurse, Deb, came in about 9:10 to access the port.  My blood pressure and heart rate was up a little (imagine that) but I’m sure they came down quickly because Deb accessed the port quickly causing me No discomfort.  I told her she needed to do it that way for 17 more times.  She said she would try.  I was given a cocktail through my port of anti-nausea medicine and a steroid.  Once that was done, I was given the drug, Adriamycin, referred to the “Red Devil” drug, because it is red and the one that causes my hair to fall out.  Deb has to sit by me with a syringe and “push” the drug into the IV.  While she is administering the drug, I have to eat something cold to help me not develop mouth sores.  I chose Fudgesiciles (2) which I ate too fast so I had to have ice chips.  Once she was done with that then I get the drug Cytoxan back through the IV and it takes an hour.  Then I am flushed with more fluids and finally done.  The whole process took about 3 hours.

As you can see my son, Jeremy, came to visit and took a picture.  Jeff was there plus I had 3 visitors.  Sue from Carle, Kate the social worker and Fern stopped by.  Nice to see them.  Did make the time go faster.  I was sent home with 3 different medications, 2 of which I have to take the next 3 days (a steriod and an anti-nausea).  I remember when Mom took a steriod, we lovingly referred to her as Chatty Cathy, so I warned my family that I would probably be Chatty Cathy 2.  I also got an additional anti-nausea medicine to take if needed.

I’m a little drained feeling, not necessarily tired but not to perky.  It is about 4:00 and I do have a headache.  I think it was probably from the anxiety of the port access.  I have been good and have already drank 4 glasses of water.  For the next 72 hours, I need to push fluids (8 – 10 glasses) so I’ll have more with supper.

Tomorrow I have to go back and get my Neulasta shot.  No more volleyball games until next Monday so we have a little break.  I’ll write more in a few days and let you know how things are going.

Again, thanks for your words of encouragement, support and prayers.

Love, Lori