First chemo cycle down!

I've been busy since I last wrote. Sorry for the abrupt ending. Georgia got off to school just fine. Woke up again yesterday at 5:45 a.m. because she was so excited about her special birthday snack at school (high heel chocolate chip cookie shoes and lemonade). Got a call from the school nurse shortly before noon saying she had a fever and stomach ache. Georgia took some Tylenol and lasted through the day for snack, but I kept her home from her soccer game. Finally she went to bed early and woke up about midnight burning up with fever. Will keep her home from today's soccer game, too. Poor girl.

As I was saying before about chemo, I have a 72-hour infusion that was taken out yesterday (day 4 of my 21 day treatment cycles). Then more 5-FU and a few other medications are given to me through IV. On day 1 of chemo, I begin with an exam, bloodwork, then infusions of 5-FU and Cytoxin as well as some anti-nausea medications. This lasts about 2.5 hours. The 2 weeks between the cycles, I go back for bloodwork to check my counts, then repeat chemo on week 3.

I have to say the worst part of the chemo this first time was when the sweet nurses accessed my port in my inside upper arm. It hadn't healed enough and is in a tender spot anyway. I cried and clawed P.J.'s hand while two nurses struggled with me. After a while it settled down (with the help of some Ativan). I felt like a child getting vaccinations! Later in the week, I could actually feel the Adriamycin flowing into my chest wall - a very strange sensation.

For the 4 days, I carried my pump in a shoulder bag. Yesterday, my nurse Cathy brought in one of her own fanny packs for me to use next time. Very sweet of her since she knew that my shoulder bag was getting in the way while at home doing housework. Wouldn't wear a fanny pack in public but if you stop by to see me while I'm on the pump at home, you can count on seeing me wearing a black Eddie Bauer fanny pack!

I've decided it's time to cut my hair. It should begin falling out in a week or two so I thought I would try a cute short cut this week and donate my hair to Locks of Love. Georgia is going with me and will get a summer bob that will be easier for her to maintain with constant swimming. We're going to the salon on Thursay and will get our nails done and go out for sushi or a treat. As you know, this haircut will be quite a change for me - as will be bald. Haven't had a short cut since my bad one in the 7th grade styled like Princess Diana!

I just learned that a 39-year-old woman I met this spring decided she should get a mammogram herself for peace of mind. Unfortunately, she discovered she had breast cancer; but fortunately it was early and she has begun her treatments. She just saw me and thought if this could happen to someone like me, it could happen to any of us. I am grateful to all those who are getting this checked out - for your sake and your families.

A friend just emailed me to say that she went in for a mammogram and because she wasn't 40 yet, insurance wouldn't cover it. How ridiculous! Since we have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, we have been so fortunate to have everything covered - for years. How could an insurance company deny someone a diagnostic test that could possibly save them money down the road? I know that they are in the business of making money - but for the sake of their clients' health. It has to cost less to diagnosis a desease and treat it early than when it has progressed? Makes me so angry.

Well - to end on a lighter note - I'm trying to use up all my 'Blonde Glam' shampoo this week. I switched from 'Color Extend' shortly after my diagnosis. Thought I should live every day as 'Blonde Glam' instead!

Have a happy weekend! I will!

xxoo
Jana