2ND CHEMO

MONDAY WAS MY 2ND CHEMO INFUSION down in Tampa.  Kenny had to be away for the night so Cayler my youngest son escorted his beloved mom for the day to her treatment.  Definitely not a fun day for either of us.  The place seemed unusually crowded and stuffy the minute we entered the waiting area, and seemed like we had to wait a long time just to get called back.  For the record, I'll be trying out Florida Cancer Specialists' other location near USF on my next visit which should be newer and roomier at least.  After going through the regimen of drawing blood, vitals, seeing the PA (this time) then heading back to the infusion area which again was packed, we finally found a recliner and Cayler ended up sitting half the four hours on the floor next to me, bless his heart.  He was very helpful and courteous to me and the other patients around us.  The nurses were great as usual and hustling to keep up with the constant beeping of the IV pumps needing attention.  My hemoglobin was down some indicating I might be becoming anemic if it goes down much more, in which case they would give me iron pills or an infusion I was told.  Haven't heard anymore so I'm hoping that meant it was in the safe.

BY MONDAY NIGHT I was starting to feel the crud coming on.  After getting sick to my stomach, I began my strict med regiment for the next few days.  Tuesday was rough, Wednesday was rougher, and I've felt really sore in my arm and underarm tightness for about a week now, not sure why...that area is a constant battle.  Nurse Kenny did a good job administering my Neulasta shot on Tuesday night when he returned home and it must have kicked in because it makes your bones ache by the next day.

GRATEFULLY today, Thursday, I felt pretty dang good for a chemo week; so much so that we drove to the American Cancer Society store in Leesburg where we had a private room to try on tons of wigs of which I could choose a few to take home free of charge.  The volunteer, Nancy, was kind and patient and left us alone to take our time.  I did find a few wigs I liked and some we just HAD A GOOFY TIME WITH FOR FUN!  Not sure how much I'll want to wear them.  I'm leaning toward being a scarf/bandana girl because it feels so much better.  Nancy also showed me bins of hats, scarves, and turbans for me to go through and fill a bag to take home.  This is a wonderful benefit offered to cancer patients and I'll be happy to donate back my hats, wigs and scarves when I'm finished to help other patients.  Kenny and I enjoyed lunch, rested some at home, then grocery shopped a little, and I was so glad to feel like participating in this day.  


PRAYING FOR continued good days.  Thanks to each one of you for taking the time to read the blog either weekly or even occasionally and for all the kind and encouraging comments you so often leave.  They make me smile!  By the way...this last wig was Kenny's idea!