Week three

Monday 9:30 arrived at infusion center for third chemo treatment.  Things got off to a slow start because I had to have blood drawn before treatment.  I sat around in the not so comfy recliner for two hours before treatment actually started.  Once the first bag was hung on the IV pole it took 30 minutes to run.  There's a little down time in-between each bag.  Last bag also took 30 minutes to run.  Then it takes a few minutes to disconnect from the IV.  I was free to go home. 

My Son Don picked me up and we were home by 1:30.  Somewhere around 3:00 I was hit with excruciating stomach pain.  I won't go into detail but let's just say once a trip to the rest room was over, I felt better.  I tried to drink lots of water and I had a little bit of soup at dinner.  I was feeling pretty good except for being tired.  I went to bed around 10:00.  I woke up off and on thru the night feeling mildly nauseous.  By 4:00 am I was throwing up.  My mistake was not taking the anti-nausea pill.  My excuse was, I was too sick to walk to the kitchen to get it.  I know, dumb reason.  Going forward each week I now know to not wait but take the medicine before it's an issue.  

Tuesday, the day after chemo.  I was so wiped out all day, all I wanted to do was sleep.  I was sick again in the afternoon after eating some leftover soup.  Finally, after the last bout I started to feel better.  I kept thinking to myself, I have to eat something, but what?  I asked google what foods settle an upset stomach.  I made some white rice that I boiled in chicken broth and ate that.  Then I ate a cup of applesauce and a few ginger snaps.  I also drank a cup of mint tea.  All things google recommended.  Good old google to the rescue!   

So, some lessons learned; take the anti-nausea pill before you feel bad.  Could I have eliminated the stomach upset?  I guess I'll know next week. Drink as much water as you can, it helps to flush out the chemo drugs.  I still have all my hair, I'm not sure when that will start falling out.  I have to tell you also, the nurses that work in the infusion center are angels sent from above.  They work so hard and have many patients to care for.  They are constantly moving and doing something for each patient.  They are always asking if you need anything, a warm blanket (there's a blanket warmer in the center) something to drink or a snack.  I only wish they had bottled water but all they offer is juice or ginger ale.  Did I tell you they offer sandwiches too?  Each day at 11:00 am they come around with sandwiches and drinks.  The sandwiches are always fresh and really good.

To sum up my third treatment, it could have gone better.  Most of the reason for that was because of me and my choices.  Now I know better.  As I take this journey I'll be learning things as I go and hopefully I'm also helping others who may be taking the journey along with me.  It's hard to open yourself up for all the world to see but if it helps someone else it's worth the embarrassment.  Till next week 💘