Shands Thursday, Oct 15,Chemo starts today
They take alot of blood tests, monitoring absolutly everything. The are making sure to be proactive if there is anything extra I need given either IV or by mouth. I am seen daily by a Doctor, Physicians assistant (PA), a fellow or intern (almost a doctor), and then the night nurse, not to mention all the techs, etc. Everyone seems to need to listen and poke. This is different than back home. The Doctors here are very involved in the clinical aspects.
At around 330 pm they brought in the first 2 bags of chemo. one was red and goes in for only 30 minutes. The other is slightly yellow and runs contiuously for 7 days. I felt like it went straight to the cancer spots. I got very warm in the places that I had been hurting earlier; my hips, belly, back, and top of my knees at my femur. now I just feel like I’m weighted and heavy with a mild headache like I have the flu. my tummy gets pretty crampy, but so far no vomiting. I have been prayen hard on that one. I hate to through up. They are giving me some antinausea coctail that includes zofran and decadron. this seems to really help. I am needing ativan at times for breakthrough nausea and restless feelings and I can also have phenergan if needed. so far so good.
Auntie M: Karen,I have heard in the past that visualization helps a lot in many cases. Visualize the Chemo as your soldiers going out to do battle on the cancer cells to seek and distroy. Just like a video game.Like Pac man.You could even draw what you think the cells look like and your soldiers. I am enjoying the Blog,makes me feel like I am there. I want to come and see you,but I know that we have to limit the germs (You have enough to fight right now).I love you.Jesus Christ bless and keep you in His arms.
Hi Precious Girl,
Heather fixed me up so that I can access your blog. Wow! You describe it all so vividly. Can tell you are a nurse with all the medical terminology. I’m impressed.
I will be praying with you that you will escape the nausea. Am very happy that they are giving you the attention you deserve.
Will be checking on you through your blog. The blog is a great idea for those of us who love you but cannot be there.
God bless you, Karen, and keep that pretty chin up!
Love you Lots,
gale
Hi Karen,
I heard about your blog on Ginny’s facebook. This is a wonderful way for you to express your thoughts and feelings. I am praying for you and your family daily and know that God is in your corner with Awesome things in store for you. Hold strong to your faith. Love ya, Vicki Barwick