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

Out From the Cave

Today's Visit to Dr. Malviya's Office

John and I went back to Dr. Malviya's office today, not entirely sure what the day would hold. They re-checked my bladder function, and it appears to be progressing ok. I don't have to measure output, but remain conscious and intentional about it.

They also checked my blood, which looks fine.

So I will begin chemotherapy on Wednesday. 10:00 a.m. I will be given an "IV", through which the two different "chemo" drugs will be fed into my vein (first one, then the other), along with other helpful drugs, over several hours. A plan is unfolding. We saw the "chemo" room where we will be at Dr. Malviya's office (the building is near, but separate from Providence Hospital in Southfield). There are comfortable chairs for the patients and not-so-comfortable chairs for their guest. There is a TV for each patient, and I can bring food and things to do (magazines, etc.).

I will have medicine to help control nausea, beginning with five pills at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday night, and another five at 4:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Once again, I know I am in good hands.



Fireworks Hair

I like my hair. I have mostly kept a simple cut. Usually on the long side. When I was younger, I was sometimes referred to the "girl with the long blond hair and glasses". I seem to remember having a radical (for me) cut around my shoulders sometime in high school. Then, right before my wedding, I had it cut very short, maybe a little rebellion against the traditional long hair of brides, or maybe a little inspiration by Princess Diana. I am not sure. Anyway, I grew it out again. My default was always to let it grow. Sometime after Carrie was born, I got a short cut and curly perm. Wow, that was extreme for me. And fun. But since then, I have mainly had it cut between my chin and shoulders, maybe a little below. Simple to maintain. Easy to pull back for work. A good protection for my neck from sunburn. A nice cover to keep my head warm.

I also have never chosen the color. It has varied somewhat with sunlight and shadow. But it has settled into a warm honey, either dark blond or light brown. And more recently, I have been watching starbursts of silver. I was looking forward to all those colors combining. It seemed pretty exciting, and in my private effort at looking at aging with a positive attitude, I have thought of the change as "fireworks in my hair".

However, it seems I will be watching a different change. Dr. Malviya said the chemotherapy will probably cause the hair to fall out in about a month. I am not sure exactly what that means - at what rate, how much - more of what I do not know.

(I am prepared to receive no sympathy from male classmates/other friends or certain family members.)

I wondered what people do. It was sounding like everyone gets wigs. But today, the nurse told me not everyone does. They may chose hats or scarves or some type of covering. (The head gets cold.) I am glad she said that. There are options.