Chemo day 1

Tuesday Aug. 23

To say I was anxious is an understatement.  I was going to the infusion center to have poison pumped into my body. 

My port was inserted only a week before and was still bruised making the process a bit painful.  Once the nurse hooked me up, I settled into my recliner for the 7 hour wait.

My husband was out of town, so my Mom got to stay with me.  Not knowing how my body would react to the treatment the nurses and my Mom kept a close eye on me.  We began very slowly with Tylenol and Benedryl (I could have done this at home).  Next was the newest drug they have in the process, Rituxin.  It supposedly seeks out the cancer cells and guides the medication to them.  Whatever.   This I believe was a 2 or 3 hour infusion.  During this time, as the nurse upped my dosages my shoulder began to itch terribly.  I took a look...

It was so odd, the tumor which was raised and solid red, began to separate and form a circle on my shoulder.  My body was going into battle and I would come out Victorious!  

The rest of the drugs were added and I felt just fine.  No sickness.  I left at 3:30 in the afternoon.

For the next 5 days I was on a strong steroid keeping me feeling energized.  I walked 2 miles the day after the treatment.  I went to a High School Football game.  I went to my daughters Cross Country meet, my husband kept me nourished with lots of ice cream and mac and cheese pizza. These were the only things that sounded good to eat.  My mouth was like cotton, dry. I could only taste sweet and salt.  Cold is best!  Then Sunday.  Tired.  No more steroids.  Monday.  Can't get off the couch.  Slept all day.  

I'm learning to listen to my body.  When I am tired, I sleep.  When I am hungry, I eat.  No Guilt, just get healthy again.