Chemo #1 - I Did Take Steroids

Today was my first chemotherapy day. My appointment was at 10:00 a.m, and I think we were done by 4:00 p.m. (including our questions), sooner than I expected really.

I walked out of the chemo ("infusion therapy") room at my doctor's office into the reception area, where a TV news show featured Roger Clemens declaring that he has never had steroids. I do not know about anyone else, but I will tell you they were part of my preparation for chemo, and along with everything else, have seemed to work very well so far. So far, no nausea. It could still appear, but I am glad that so far, so good. I think the steroids really picked up my appetite too. I came home So Hungry! I actually ate quite a bit of food for me these days. Of course I filled up quickly. And I had no naps today. So now my energy has worn off. (Next time I should be intentional about grabbing some z's at chemo. The pre-drugs made me a little sleepy.)

I did get some more dates for my upcoming schedule:

Feb. 14, Thursday
Back to Dr. Malviya's office for 24-hour-post-chemo injection to help protect bone marrow.

Feb. 27, Wed.
Go to the Lab for a "Blood Draw ".
In the next 7-14 days, my immune system may be lower, so they want to check what, if anything, I might need for that.

(John and I are also hoping to stop by a Secretary of State office while we are out to get my driver's license renewed - even though I can't drive for 6 weeks.)

March 10, Monday
Another Blood Draw to make sure that my counts are high enough for the next chemo.

March 12, Wednesday Noon.
Chemo Day #2.

March 14, Friday
Appointment to see Dr. Malviya

There is a plan, and it seems to be working well.

Oh, also John brought me an early "Valentine's present": a portable CD player, so if I want to listen to an audio book in the future, that is an option. (My library has resources!)

I mostly just read through today's paper and this week's Newsweek magazine today. Little articles seemed good for my attention span.

Some people told me they were specifically praying for me today.
Thank you so much.
It was a good day.
Love,
Laura

Thankful...

for
food brought over by "Touched by an Angel" volunteers and others,
flowers,
family,
friends,
neighbors,
offers of help still to be called on,
doctors,
nurses,
insurance,
car that works,
warm house,
"prayer shawls",
mending bladder,
healthy cells,
dragon-slaying medicine,
John
and other companion-travelers,
Loving God.