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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Chemo Treatment #2 is OVER!

I'm so glad this day is over. At least I went!!!! And I'm glad I did. Didn't gain or lose any weight. Thought for sure I would have gained as I ate a lot and drank a gallon of water before I left. Blood pressure was pretty good, too.

Saw the Doctor and he said there is just nothing they can do about the tumor site with the big hole. Just have to deal with it, keep it clean and bandaged until it's time to take it off. I understood his reasonings, but it is just such a hassle and it hurts most of the time. Not extreme pain -- but enough that I know it's there. He did write a prescription for the saline solution so I don't have to buy those little squirt cans that cost a fortune and only last 4 days.

Sis came with me again, bringing her knitting and sewing, but wasn't into it. So we just talked. I drank 3 bottles of water during the process. The needle punch into the port didn't hurt at all and I took it like a trooper!!!! It took over 3 hours to pump it all into me.

I felt so sorry for the little lady next to me. She seemed so young. I struck up a conversation and found out that she had pneumonia, and from that discovered she had lung cancer, stage 4, that had already spread to her brain. She said it is terminal, just doing the chemo to buy some time with maybe a remission or something. What do you say to that???? There is such an unwritten law in that room of recliners full of patients. Seems that very few want to talk about themselves and their problems, and they definitely close up before you can offer comfort, advice, a prayer, etc. They all seem to want to be alone in their world of cancer treatments.

I feel ok so far today. Tomorrow I get that shot of Neulasta to help the blood count stay where it should be. I expect by Friday night or Saturday that it will be downhill. I asked the Dr. if it will be worse, better, same or what. As usual, he did a big shrug of the shoulders and said, "Could be any of those or totally different symptoms. Everyone is different." So another vague answer. Guess I'll find out on my own, won't I?

I have to say, the group of nurses that they have here and all the staff are more than nice, attentive, alert, and caring. It all went smoothly and I felt "safe."

Next time, I'm bringing my lunch. I was starving. So many of the others had brought little coolers with fruit, sandwiches, brownies, and whatever else. Never thought of that! So afterwards, we went out for lunch, as I knew it would be at least 10 days before I felt like going out again to do anything! It was really nice!

AND. . . . they gave me two wigs to wear. They have a box there where people have donated wigs after they are done. Two fit me to a tee and I love them. So that will be fun to play with! Now that my head is completely bald (I shaved the straggles off) I need something!!!!!!

Thanks again for all your prayers today! I just knew my "network" was there for me all day long! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you!!!!

24 comments:

Nicole said...

Glad to know how you are doing! Was thinking and praying for you today.


Love,
Nicole

Gone said...

We've been praying for you...thanks for the update.

~Blessings,
Jan

Sherri said...

I came from a friends blog to find you another friend! You have my prayers!

StitchinByTheLake said...

One more done Cora, which means one less to do in the future. That's wonderful about the wigs - the place where my husband went had a monthly "beauty" class for women with beauticians coming in to do makeup and manicures. Sort a fun night out for those who felt up to it. I understand about some people not wanting to talk about it - sometimes talking brings on more emotion than you can bear. blessings, marlene

Ann said...

Thank you for sharing these painful details. Those of us who have never been threw it wonder what it must be like. I pray that I was good and understanding to my friend when she was in your place. Sending all the best wishes to you my dear.

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

Cora you are so strong!! And the way you describe everything really makes us feel your feelings. you are doing great and its one less you need to do! Thank God for that! I'm so glad you have your sister to be there for you! Take care of yourself. Thinking and praying for you my friend!~Wendy

jan said...

I will be praying for you. It sounds like you have a very good attitude. That is the key component to beating it.

Anonymous said...

so glad you posted, Cora...I've been
thinking and praying for you all day...hope this time will be easier...God bless

Leaon Mary said...

Thank YOU JESUS!!! ~ OH CORA that was my prayer focus today that whoever gave you your iv in your port handled it as a pro and that it barley hurt! Hallelujah!
I'm thrilled you got to get two new wigs too! Bet that was quite a feeling to just go ahead and cut off the last straggler hairs.
crumbcake,
Lea

papel1 said...

I like the others was thinking of you. Thanks for the updates. Hopefully you won't feel too bad in a few days.
Judy

Wanita said...

Thanks for the update Cora. I've been praying for you and will continue to pray.

Julie said...

Glad #2 is over---sounds like you were a trooper. Sending prayer and hugs your way. Julie

HOPE said...

Thank you for stopping by to visit my blog Cora. I hope that if you continue to visit you will find a refreshing of God's perfect work.

I'm so sorry to know that you are going through cancer. I have a friend that is going through treatments for Colon Cancer. She lives far away from me, but my heart is close and my prayers. I will certainly remember you as well.

God makes no mistakes and his perfect will is performed in those who yeild their lives to HIS will. He knows all about it. He knows your every need. I pray that you will be a help to others in your path.

God bless you with strength, courage and better days.
HOPE

Lori said...

hang tough sweetie! You can do this! I'll keep praying.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Cora..
I'm glad to hear everything went well, and I'll be praying for the side effects to be less to none. Get some rest and remember the water.

Hugz Lorie

2 Much Farm Primitives said...

Cora, what strength you have!! Still praying for you.

Love you girl,
Vic

Raquel said...

Good to know you have a positive attitude. Your courage brings me to tears! Praying for you - much love, Raquel XO

cinnamongirl93 said...

Hi Cora,
I am praying in Jesus name that you will not have side affects. I also am praying for total restoration. I also pray for the peace of God which surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. God Bless You!

Farmhouse Blessings said...

One more step to wellness is behind you, Cora! As I read your comments, I am in awe of your strength. As I go through my week of small challenges, know that your journey is changing my life & attitude for the better. I'm so glad that you find the courage to share with us.

Always praying,
Lea

Cozy Home Cottage said...

Our prayers are with you, Cora. You have such a wonderful attitude and strong faith about you. The curly wig would be my choice for you as it is closest to your beautiful,natural hair. I am glad that you have a wonderful sister to talk to about things. I am sure that she is glad to be there for you.
Hugs from WV,
Charlotte

Aliene said...

Cora, Just stopping by to say hello and let you know I am still praying for you. Look on my blog. I have something there for you.

Aliene said...

Cora, Just stopping by to say hello and let you know I am still praying for you. Look on my blog. I have something there for you.

Leaon Mary said...

Hi Cora,
Just thinking of you this morning.
Wanted you to know... and I'm prayin.
Love Lea

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Cora..
(((Hugz))) I like 2 and 3.
2 because it brightens up your face and I like 3 because you can go natural or wear a pretty hair scarf. or a comfortable hat. either way you choose you are beautiful my sistah!! I just came back from camp and I put your name in the 24 hr prayer tent over the weekend, I'll have pictures up sometime this week, I'll let you know.

Luv ya Lorie