July 6, 2017
I had a really hard time going to sleep last night. I think it was all that ice cream that I overdosed on – since I have had almost no sugar in a long time, I think the sugar did a real number on me. I really don’t think it was nerves about the upcoming treatment, probably. I was also quite nauseated. I don’t even want any ice cream any more now!! I remember seeing the clock say 3:45 before I ever got to sleep but then I woke up before the alarm went off at 7:45 and that is certainly not my usual habit. Instead of the ice cream or the nerves, maybe it was the four steroids pills I took yesterday to get ready for the treatment. Who knows ! Doesn’t matter now I guess.
Sue got me there right on time and we got nice seats in the chemo room. I did have to get up and put the crooked blinds straight before I could look at them. I was able to adapt to them all being at different levels but that was difficult. I asked questions as she was inserting the needle into the port to withdraw blood and found out that the third day should be when I feel the worst from this treatment, so I guess Saturday or Sunday will be my most ‘fun’ day! It took her a while before she committed the needle into the port but I felt no pain at all and I was really happy about that.
After the blood was drawn and taken away, she put more steroids and nausea meds into me, then two types of chemo and that was it. I was there until almost 2:00 so that was only four hours. I think I probably slept for about half or more of that time. Just for the record I am still sleepy but I’m going to try to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime so I’ll sleep well tonight. Hopefully.
I spoke with the lady next to me who has come for treatments every Thursday for the last five years. She said it just keeps popping up in other places so I guess this is just part of her life now. I spoke to another lady who asked if my hair was just growing back in but I told her this was my first treatment. Today was her last treatment – treatments including a spinal injection of chemo and injection into most of her major organs but she feels confident that there is no more cancer. She looked worn out so I hope she has no more cancer anywhere.
Since I’ve been home, I’ve been sleepy but I think considering last night, that is a normal reaction. I’ve had a couple of times where my face would get suddenly hot for just a few minutes and I feel kind of “off” and those may be side effects. It’s not bad enough to be concerned about but it is different.
Tomorrow I have to go get a shot or infusion of Neulasta to help my white blood count. Looks like I’ll find a new part of the hospital I’ve never visited before so maybe that’ll be nice. The next two Thursdays I’ll go back to the oncologist for blood tests and then on the third Thursday, I’ll have another chemo treatment to begin the cycle again. I’m glad I don’t have to have but four treatments – it’s a very boring place to sit. I think sleeping through it was an accidental good idea.
I’ll let you know how I feel in the next few days. I expect I won’t have many side effects for this round of treatment, but each round will get worse. It’ll be worth it.
This morning I weighed 216 pounds so I’ve already gained some weight. I feel certain some of that is the ice cream!! Considering how much fluid went into my body today, I expect my weight will be even higher tomorrow morning.
Sue took some photos this morning that show a purple scarf I will probably wear if I don’t have hair by when it gets cold weather and my emoji blanket. Aren’t they cute?? I also posting a horrible photo of me while sleeping through the treatment – I may have to arrange that again for every treatment. I’ll need to get a net to put over my mouth so I don’t catch too many flies though.
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Melanie's Journey Through Cancer 