Well, I did it! On Friday afternoon my husband drove me a half and hour from our home and I had my first treatment of chemo. For the first four treatments (every two weeks – including the one I just had) consists of Adriamycin & Cytoxan, two chemo drugs together. The last four treatments (also every two weeks) will be the drug Taxol. Each drug has it’s own side effects. I will be finished by the end of March.
I felt fine Friday night and even ate a full dinner. By Saturday though I was feeling kinda yucky. My oncologist gave me a full range of anti-nausea medication, and for the most part I don’t ever feel like I’m going to throw up, but do feel like my stomach is a bit upset. Not an over-all terrible feeling, but not a great one either. I also have dry mouth and have been brushing my teeth after everything I eat (although I haven’t been eating all that much – mostly toast and soup).
I don’t think hair loss starts until approximately 10 to 14 days after starting treatment, so I still have a full head of hair as of today. I knitted a few hats for myself and purchased two headscarves to wear. Unfortunately, one of the headscarves which is blue makes me look like Mother Theresa! I think I’ll have to ty-die that one! Luckily my husband (who can do just about anything) knows how to use a sewing machine and will be making me some headscarves from some fabric I picked up recently. I am so lucky to have such a multi-talented hubby.
Thinking of you… glad to hear you is such good spirits and feeling the love.
xx, K.
Stephanie,
I am cheering you on….go Steph! I hope you have the minimal side effects possible PLUS the maximum positive results!
Hopefully you can rest and relax in between treatments.
JoAnn
Thinking of you as well. I hope the treatments are a resounding success with minimal side effects.
Oh, you sound so good!! Thanks for the update. I’ve been thinking about you and hoping all went well. I don’t think my brother’s chemo treatment was like yours (he had a portacath with chemo administered 24/7), but if you ever have any questions, let me know and i can get you in contact with him. Lots of stuff about the “chemo brain” (forgetfulness or just lack of concentration), neuropathy (sp?), mouth sensitivity, etc.
Take good care, Steph.
What a sweetheart your hubby is! Sounds like he is taking good care of you. Hope you can get some rest, and that you start feeling better soon. Sending good wishes your way. XO
WHat a great partner you have! I hope you don’t get too ill from the chemo. Take it slow and give your body the time to work with this…
Thinking of you everyday!
Make sure you drink that water!!! One treatment down. I have been thinking of you. My hair fell out on day 17 – the nurses had it pegged exactly.
Maybe you should get a hat like Brandon, who isn’t getting chemo, but looks like he is. You know a too big for you baseball hat. Apparently this is the style. My friend wore these scarfs which she tied at the back and left the ends hanging down her back like a long tail. I always thought this looked so cool. You might as well look cool.
Thinking of you lots. Sounds like you’re off to a good start, with a wonderful and talented husband to boot!
A good resource. Thanks