Friday, March 18, 2016

Another Chemo Friday!

I started on the second phase of my chemo therapy, today, and had the first of 12 Taxol sessions.   The treatment went well.  I first saw the doctor, who went over the treatment and the side effects of Taxol, etc., and reviewed the lab report results with me (white blood cell count was normal, red blood cell count was fine, etc., so I didn't need an immune booster injection).  I was a bit nervous about the treatment and possible allergic reactions.  So I did what I usually do when anxious - I prayed.  After that, I knitted, as that's a great stress reliever, too.  There were no allergic reactions (they do give anti-allergy medications, before hand, but still there was still a chance of an allergic reaction within the first 10 minutes and the nurse came by to check that everything was OK.)  I had taken a protein drink before I left to go to the clinic in the morning, yet, halfway through the treatment, I got hungry, so daughter went out and got me a hamburger!

We were home by 1:00 p.m. and I have felt fine the rest of the day.  I did some office work, had my gardener plant the gladioli bulbs which were starting to sprout in the bag they were in, and spent some time sewing.  I cut out some strips to use to attach the pieced blocks together, and, of course, created more scraps in the process!  LOL. 

So far, I have felt no side effects (they also gave me preventive medications such as anti-nausea medications and steroids along with the anti-reaction drugs; their effects last for at least a day or two.) 

Because I was feeling so well, daughter accepted an invitation to spend the evening playing card and board games with some of her friends.  The evening is supposed to last until 10:00 p.m.  But I have been instructed to call her if I start feeling ill before that.  But I am feeling OK, so I don't anticipate needing to call her.

I will see how I feel tomorrow before I plan to do anything.  If I feel any side effects, I will take it easy and rest.  If not, I will sew and do paperwork and maybe do a bit of decorating for Easter.

Today, I am grateful for:

- A good chemo session (no allergic reactions, no side effects yet).
- The power of prayers.
- Daughter having a fun evening with friends.
- Having a good appetite.
- Kitchen counters still clear!

How was your Friday?

6 comments:

  1. Good luck with your treatment, Bless. I hope you continue to feel fine :)

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    1. Thank you, Nathalie. Everyone's well wishes and prayers are helping. I woke up feeling fine, this morning. :)

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  2. Hi, sounds like your 1st treatment, series 2, was less invasive and distressing than the initial course. In an attempt to be helpful.... I wonder if DD would make French Silk Pie for neighbour to ask if he could make time over Easter to diagnosis the issue with gas dryer.

    I used to have DSs make an STRAWBERRY ANGEL FOOD CAKE DESSERT for Easter...
    Angel food cake [store bought]
    1 c. milk
    1 sm. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
    1 pt. vanilla ice cream
    1 sm. pkg. strawberry Jello
    1 1/2 c. hot water
    10 oz. frozen strawberries
    Cool Whip
    Break angel food cake in pieces and place in bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Blend milk and pudding and add ice cream. Mix with mixer until smooth. Pour over cake. Put in refrigerator until firm. Mix strawberry Jello with hot water. Stir to dissolve Jello. Add frozen strawberries. Stir, refrigerate until it starts to gel. Pour over cake. Don't mix. Refrigerate for several hours [overnight] until Jello is set. Top with Cool Whip.

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    1. Hon, that's what they said at the clinic - that the Taxol is a milder dose (and that's why it's being given on a weekly basis).

      My neighbor is dealing with a death in the family right now, so I will wait several weeks before I approach him about the dryer. I usually compensate him for his time and effort with money in an envelope, when he does odd jobs for me.

      Your Strawberry Angel Food Cake dessert sounds delicious! I shall show the recipe to daughter!

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  3. So very happy that you did not experience any side effects at this time.. Praying for you [so happy that prayers are being answered].
    Your quilt is going to be wonderful.. Have fun , rest, do what you feel like doing.

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    1. Thank you, Judy. I know that everyone's prayers and thoughts and well wishes are helping. Continuing to feel fine this morning. But I am planning to take it easy, today. Some sewing, a little paperwork, etc.

      Hope you have a lovely day and a fun weekend.

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