Round 2 Down- 4 to Go

Yesterday, the day after Christmas- I had round 2 of 6 of my chemo treatments. I was so thankful to also have my best friend (we met the first week of high school- so over 22 years and going) drive me and stay with me- it was a special day.

In fact- Somer brought me decorations made by herself, her daughter, and her niece and nephews:

I’m a pretty lucky girl.

Overall it went GREAT! It took much less time since it was my 2nd round.

During the first round- I had to have two loaded doses of the H & P in my TCHP. The H was 90 minutes and the P was 60 minutes. THEN they had to wait an hour before they could administer the T- and the T was a slower dose to watch for reactions- it was 90 minutes rather than 60. then I got my C for 30 and then they had to watch me for 30 minutes. Overall round 1 was 8.25 hours and we closed the place down.

Round two was 5.5! Would have been 15 minutes shorter but I asked them to do the T slightly slower again at first (it’s the only one that makes me nervous)- but it went great so next time I’ll have them just do the hour regular speed dose. Before the TCHP- I had my regular premeds of Zofran (anti nausea) and steroids followed by another anti-nausea that lasts 3 days.

Here I am getting my port accessed. I couldn’t look at that giant TACK they shove in, but it went in MUCH easier this time. I used WAY more numbing cream which helped.

I made sure to REALLY down my liquids also yesterday and the 3 days prior. I drank (4) 34 oz bottles of Smart Water as well as 3 gatorades yesterday- the days prior I drank 3-4 smart waters a day also. In fact- when I saw my oncologist on Christmas Eve he noted that I am WELL hyrstaed as my BUN level was actually a point below the cut off. In this case- that is a really good thing. Staying hydrated helps reduce side effects a LOT. You flush out the extra meds quicker.

I see my oncologist day or two before each round to check all my blood work (I do the draw the day prior)- especially to check my kidney and liver numbers- but also things like my hemoglobin and potassium. My potassium was a little low so he told me to eat a couple bananas a day to get it up. My hemoglobin was also quite low- but that was due to me having a heavy mensural cycle a few days prior. He said the chemo should actually stop my periods which will be good because as he said- I need that hemoglobin! (And hey, I’ll take the perk of no periods for a few months!).

Since I was well hydrated and my liver and kidneys were in excellent condition- I treated myself to two small glasses of wine that night. CHEERS.

ANYWAY- back to round two…like I said it went really well and I had no side effects during. I think it also helped a ton to have a friend to catch up with- so I wasn’t concentrating at all on my body really much during the chemo. In fact- the first 3 hours FLEW by and all of a sudden Somer was like- I should go get us lunch! I also only needed one Ativan rather than 2 which I think helped me today.

Today- I feel pretty darn good. Last time I felt good but had lots of brain fog- today I have zero. I think the fact I got less meds yesterday- including ativan- really helps. Also I got 11 hours of sleep last night. I feel the fun side effect of diarrhea brewing for later. But so far so good. You’re welcome for that TMI.

AND I can have my coffee today. It’s the little things to help feel normal. I am taking it easy even thought I don’t want to, lol.

Next time, I’d like to share with you all- all the love we’ve gotten. We are all absolutely overwhelmed with the graciousness of our friends and family from all over the globe. You are all amazing.

I’m off to eat lunch and head to get my post-chemo shot that helps keep my white blood cell counts up. I’m thrilled that I feel well enough today to drive myself!

Here are a few more pics either Somer or I took yesterday.

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Until next time…