My first round of 'double chemo' started yesterday. I'm calling it double chemo because I am taking the pills I took before and also each round starts with an IV drip of another kind of chemo. I only have to go to the hospital once, on the first day, of each round.
My oncologist told me that it would take about 2-3 hours. He was way off. We were there 4+ hours. They give me fluids, super strong anti nausea drugs, a steroid medicine - all before they start the 2 hour long chemo drip. We will come more prepared next time, haha! It was fine except for the patient next to me. He must have been sick - he sounded like he was hocking up a lougee (how on earth do you spell that?!?!) for the ENTIRE time he was there. It was unbelievably disgusting, haha!! I kept thinking "thank goodness I'm not nauseous yet!! That would put me over the edge!!"
I started feeling pretty yuck- just tired and out of it- pretty soon after we left the hospital. The weirdest side effect is neuropathy - it's a tingling, uncomfortable feeling in my hands whenever they are exposed to anything cold. Like water, air conditioning, opening the fridge or freezer, etc. My hands will tingle then cramp up for a few minutes. I also feel it in my throat when I try to drink. I feel like I'm choking for a second, followed by a sharp, razor blades tingling feeling. Even room temperature water is too cold so I've been warming up anything I drink. Also, my jaw hurts pretty good every time I try to chew.
Team Ashley + IV
Wearing the necklace my sweet friend Kami gave to me! I'm going to wear it for every round :)
I have had acupuncture a few times during this process but this is the first time I have been able to take a picture of it! I also had needles in my feet and legs. Matt's favorite is my unicorn needle!
I'm feeling pretty nauseous today. It comes in waves. Nothing unmanageable, and actually I'm blogging from Wing Orthodontics in their awesome theater room! We are here because my daughter is getting her braces off, WHOO HOO!!! So I'm out of my house, I'm functioning, I just don't feel super awesome. But I'm almost excited - just happy that this next step, this next part of the process has started. Just that much closer to being done with all of this junk!
You're in the home stretch my friend ! So excited for you. You can do hard things fo' sho' �� I am impressed with your amazing upbeat attitude and your unwavering faith throughout this whole experience. You've face every challenge with determination and I've never doubted that you would make it through with your head held high. You're awesome and I'm happy to know you ! I'm glad you liked that necklace. I saw it and thought of you. Please let me know what you need. I'd be happy to bring dinner by the next time you go to the hospital for your IV chemo. You shouldn't have to cook in the says you feel so awful, so PLEASE use me ! : ) Love you friend ! !
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