2 Down, 4 to Go

Chemo #2 was today and went just fine. Since my infusions are three weeks apart and my doctor was on vacation for the last two weeks when I went in and saw other people, I had lots of questions for her about various things and it was nice to have answers. So many questions pop up in three weeks. One was about some side effects I had the first time and, though I suspected I was not eating and drinking enough during the 2-3 days I was at my worst, she confirmed that certain effects were from dehydration. So, I'll be doing a better job of that this time and told Daniel to bring me water even when I don't ask for it. I'll need the reminder. 

Of course, the dosages of 2 drugs were much lower this time so I'm hoping to feel a little better and not be down for the count for too long. It was still a really long day, though I got done about an hour or so earlier than last time. It took a little longer to get in, in the morning, so that started us off a little late.

"Us" this time was me and Tara, one of my best friends from college. Despite the circumstances, it was so great to spend the day with her. Fortunately, the chemo room was a bit rowdier of a bunch this week, so we didn't stick out too much with all of our chatting and laughing. The Benadryl got me again -- I think Tara was entertained (and patient). We made a chemo friend who should end up there each time I'm there, so that was nice. Her name is Debbie, she's I'm guessing in her 50s or so and she has liver and pancreatic cancer. She and her husband were a hoot. (Yep, I just said 'a hoot.' It's been long day. Leave me alone). After overhearing some of our tales from college, Debbie asked Tara if we went to Michigan State. However could she have known???   :)

Now to brace for the the wave to hit in the next couple of days. I'm glad I'm a little more prepared, will be able to stay on top of things a little better this time and also know when to expect it to pass. Of course it also stinks to know what's coming too in some ways. But again, I'm hopeful it won't be so bad this time. Fingers crossed. 

While I was getting my infusion, my primary care doctor called and said, while the rapid test showed negative for strep on my throat culture, the lab had called and the 48-hour test came back as positive. I'm so glad I followed my gut, went into my doctors and that they decided on antibiotics. As of right now I finally have no sore throat and my chemo (mild) sore throat shouldn't hit until Monday so I should have a few days off. Everyone will be on high alert at my house for the next few days to make sure no symptoms show up on them and we're prepped and ready to honor the doctor's request to call her at the first sign of anything in Daniel or James. I really kept my distance from both of them and basically locked myself in my room alone so they should be good. 

I missed one appointment this week because I lost my calendar -- and yes I know it's 2016 and I've been putting everything in my phone too, but apparently missed this one. I found it tonight and feel like I can exhale now. 

Talk to you when I get to the other side!* 

* I just realized it's 12:01 and won't get e-mailed out until Saturday morning to those of you who subscribe. SO, this was written Thursday night, FYI.