First Chemo

This was a day I'd been both looking forward to and dreading at the same time. As of this evening, I can say that it wasn't too bad and I was even pleasantly surprised by several elements of my first chemo treatment.

I had to be weighed before starting the process today, and the tech who was doing this offered to take my purse, which was a "Life is Good" bookbag. Then I showed him that it contained all my bile bags and tubes, so it stayed with me while I was weighed. They put the IV into my arm, a few inches above my wrist. They had to do a lot of vein-tapping and even use a hot pad to find a vein. I guess my veins are not what they used to be.

The first surprise was the comfy recliner treatment chair. I haven't been comfortable (or pain-free) for very long in any chair or bed without lots of adjustments to make my back feel better. I even brought my pillow for my back, just in case, which I didn't need. The room where my treament was had about 15 chairs. When I walked in, there was one empty chair just waiting for me. There were lots of ladies in scarves, and I was seated by two ladies that informed me I wouldn't need my book because I was in the party section. They also suggested a patch that has helped their back pain, which I got samples of and I can't wait to try. I may have other ailments, but hopefully this will get rid of the back pain.

The next surprise of the day was the people. These ladies were right, I was in the party section. They loved to talk and I realized every person in that room has a story to share about their cancer and treatment. They were mostly older than me. The lady next to me held my hand and massaged my arm. When she left, she gave me her phone number. I hadn't thought about lunch, but these women were pulling out snacks left and right. One lady shared her red cherries with me which were so good, and another shared her granola bars. Another lady had a whole ice chest of food. David brought me lunch, but these ladies kept me snacking until I had lunch. I actually think I ate more being there than I do in a normal day. We passed the time by talking and snacking and by the time I left that room, I felt like I had a whole new set of friends.

I learned a few things while I was there from the nurse and patients. I got information about ordering wigs and scarves. The ladies said wigs are expensive and uncomfortable and that scarves are the way to go. Because of my low-dose chemo, it may take three weeks instead of two, but the nurse says I will lose all my hair. I'm hoping to keep my eyebrows and lashes, but there's no way to predict if that will work out for me, we'll just have to wait and see. The nurse also said that I will have flu-like symptoms tomorrow like aches, vomitting, and fever. I told her I have nauseau medication, but she said even with the meds, I will probably be sick tomorrow.

I am scheduled to do this again next Thursday, assuming my white and red blood counts are good. I was worried about having another treatment again in just one week when most of the other patients only come every two or three weeks. Joyce sitting next to me said, "An IV once a week is nothing, you can do that." I think she's right; I can do this.