It's ON!

I am going to write throughout my first  treatment appointment today…not because I have anything particularly wonderful to write about, but because the One Tree Hill episode I was going to watch didn’t download in time. So I guess my loss is your gain!  

8:10AM - Waiting Room
I have always liked the saying, “the simpler the better.” Details are usually good and necessary, but sometimes they are not helpful. In many ways, that is the case for me today. If I start thinking about the details of what this treatment will (or will not) accomplish or what my side effects might (or might not) manifest I will go crazy. But I will handle the situation if I think of it this way: I have something wrong with me and will take medicine to make me feel better. The medicine may make me sick at first, but it will make me feel better in the long run.  

8:30AM - Treatment Room
I met with my Doctor and several nurses, who outlined: 1) what medications would be administered, 2) what potential side effects, and 3) what to do once I am released. Shortly after my briefing, I was escorted to the treatment room. Walking into the treatment room for the first time was a surreal. There were about a dozen recliners throughout the room. Most of them are occupied by patients who are sleeping or reading while getting their chemo drugs through an IV. It’s sad and comforting to think that all of these people are dealing with some kind of cancer as well. As much as I wanted to bring Eliana with me, it is good that she stayed home with auntie Esther. Too many germs in a hospital. 

9:00AM - Treatment Room
I am finally received my first drug: IL-2.  The nurses will dispense this drug via an injection followed by a bag of IV to hydrate me.  The room is full of women, all ranging in age and race. The two ladies to the right of me are in for breast cancer and the lady to the right of me in in for colon cancer. Ms. Colon cancer (that's what we will call her) brought a cooler full of food! Mental note for next time. Being me, i started a conversation with the ladies to the right of me. One was on her 4th Chemo treatment and the other on her 5th- Chemo professionals. I asked them about side effects, their families, etc. kept me occupied. :-)
 

9:20AM - Treatment Room
I just started my second drug: IFN-Alpha .Did not take much time at all. Still chatting it up with the girls and texting with my sister. Eliana ate her breakfast and is taking  a nap.

9:30AM - Treatment Room
My last drug- I cant remember what it was because I was a bit loopy at this point. it's on my chart. will edit when I figure out what it was.  I believe it was GM-CFS (edited)

10:45AM - The Car
We’re finally on our way home. My mother was more nervous than I was, but we made it through.  I’m feeling fine so far - just a little tired. The nurses said it would probably be 4 hours or so before I feel significant side effects.

Home
Though this has been a long and busy day thus far, it has been so encouraging and humbling to know that many people are praying for me. My family and true friends  have given me an overwhelming sense of peace and joy that can only come from having people that care for me. Even if I have not told you in person, I appreciate all the notes of encouragement, the kind words, the emails, calls, texts, prayers, etc that you have given me. I especially appreciate those friends and family that have been courageous enough to reach out to me and allowed me to vent and talk about my disease. 


Til the next post,