chemo update 2

The third week of my first treatment went well. My mom came out for her spring break to visit. We were busy with doctor appointments, but got in a few walks, birding at the baylands and some family history before my second dose.

My second dose of chemo also went well. The 'expert' nurse (who is the department head) got the IV in on the first try. I did everything I could to prepare. I hydrated and soaked my hand in hot water among other things. The IV didn't hurt like last time either. It still took about 4 hours. I made it into the group of 10-20% of patients who have a second reaction to the drug. It was much more mild than last time. They slowed the IV down, then eased it up and all was well. The next few days I felt some fatigue. The bulk of the symptoms hit on Sunday again. I felt pretty rotten all week.

It was a hard week. Besides feeling so sick, there was a lot of stress. Mojo, the cat, was on the brink of death for a few days. After a few vet visits, an IV, x-rays, blood work, oxygen and a big bill (but not as big as it could have been, we opted out of the overnight hospital and a few other tests), turns out he has a blood parasite from fleas. They attack the red blood cells and he was severely anemic. He is recovering slowly on a few medications. Mike and I are learning how to 'pill' him. Guess we are slow learners because it is torture for all of us.

I had my first appointment with my Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ray (get it?, that really is his name). We learned all about radiation. Radiation causes some fatigue and 'sunburn' to the skin, but doesn't make you sick like chemo. You go every weekday for about 6 weeks for treatment. Remember how every time I go to the doctor things get harder? Well, I think radiation will go ok. But Dr. Ray said that it is too risky to wait and start radiation after the family session at the Ranch. (See older posts from each year in July if you need to be filled in on the ranch.) There isn't time after chemo to fit radiation in before it starts. So, we need to rethink our plans. Something will work out. I will probably fly back and forth to fit in treatment during the week. But we will probably have to cancel our plans to stay the following week with friends. The plans are in flux.

Saturday I was finally feeling better, rid of the sick chemo feelings. I went to an exercise class for cancer patients, worked in the yard and around the house a bit. On Sunday morning I was able to go to church. It was so nice to be back after a month away. Sunday afternoon, I started feeling achy and thought I did to much the day before, but then took my temperature. Fever. Again. Just as I was so excited to be able to do things again. Now it looks like I will be down for a few more days. So frustrating.