Yesterday, after leaving the hospital, Mom asked me to text several people about getting out. And I felt blessed that so many people care, but I knew I had a lot of others to update as well. Which is when I decided to try to do this blog. It will be updated regularly with how I am doing, how treatments go, and all that good health info. This way, I don't forget anyone, and so I can relax after treatments knowing everyone will be informed.
Yesterday I was horribly nervous, as some of you know i've been through this type of chemo before. The type of Chemo is Cytoxan, also known as Cyclophosphamide, and Neosar. To read more about the drug please click here. My experience with it in the past was much different then how it went this time. Previously I was hooked up to an IV, and a small injection was given to me, I had to wait for an hour, and was sent home. This time, they hooked me up to an IV. Took three tries, but they got it. Then i was started on fluids, while we waited for my counts to come back. Once my counts came back, they started me on two different stomach meds, to help with the nausea. Then the actual drug was diluted in a small bag of fluids and given to me over an hour. That started around 1pm, we got out about 2pm, but had been there since 9am.
It all went fine. I actually slept while the chemo was being given. My nurse was amazing. There is a lot to be said about the nurses at UPMC. They are all very kind and ready to help you in anyway possible. My Doctor stopped by to see me before anything was started, just to go over everything again, and check in on me. And his nurse, Julie, stopped over. She has been a huge help the last several months. Checking in on my labs, how i'm doing, and getting me blood when I need it. And more than that, she has made me feel like a person, instead of just a patent, I really hope she stays with my Doctor for a while, I don't know what i'll do when they change nurses.
After we got done, we went and picked up Bella (Mom's dog) at Aunt Sandy's, and started our 2 hour trip home. Once home I was ok. Still nervous. But the evening went well. Mom took care of the stomach med script, and I took it before I laid down to sleep.
At about 5am I woke my mom up asking for a bucket. The nausea hit me hard, but if you know me, you know i'm a pro at not throwing up. And thank goodness for that. I was up and down several times, but I so far, as of 8am, the following day, still haven't thrown up. Knock on wood!
I will keep you all updated on my counts, how I feel, and the next round of chemo, which will happen in three weeks.
I'm not doing this blog so I don't have to talk to you, but so everyone can be updated, and I can focus on relaxing and staying calm. I love you all, and thank you for understanding.
