I don't know if it was apprehension over knowing I would be having a treatment today or not, but last night was a long one. I was nauseous before going to bed and did not fall asleep until 2 am, then up at 5:15 to get Katherine off to school (side note, Katherine got contacts yesterday, she was thrilled. She is such a beautiful young lady!!).
9:00 am - I was the first one in the clinic this morning. Pretty quiet. Wendy came in and prepped my Port-Cath for connection. During Round 1, the Port was made ready-to-use during the surgery. Today she would have to start it with a fresh 'stick'... she said "Take a deep breath!" and then she stuck me. I figured out why they say to take a deep breath....its hard to say OUCH while you hold your breath. Sneaky, but it wasn't too bad.
Same routine, same drugs. First hour or so, the anti-nausea drugs then the Oxiplaitin (sp) for the last 2 hours. I noticed though, this time, some of the side effects that happened the next day during Round 1 began before I finished....a new one too...my tongue became numb and I felt like Tweety Bird ("I tawt I taw a putty tat") very strange. Food tastes a little different sooner too. Hands have become cold sensitive nearly immediately, and this time even to washing my hands with cold water. Strange....but I'll just use warm water. Problem solved....My feet are tingley sensitive to cold as I walked barefoot across the cold tile floors....wear slippers.
Also different from Round 1, I was not comfortable today with going from the clinic back to the office, so I worked from home this afternoon. I intend to be in the office all day tomorrow.
Oh yeah, I forgot to acknowledge the return of my little "buddy". He is sitting next to me now, rhythmically whirring and clicking every 30 secs. Thelma Lou, our 18 pound Ragdoll Cat is facinated by the noisy little black fanny bag. I have to get my routine going again with my little tagalong.
Despite these minor differences to Round 1, I am optimistically looking at a good Round 2. New faces in the clinic today....I think one new woman, and 4 'veterans' of this war. I tried to participate in some of the conversations but I was so tired from so little sleep last night I actually dozed for about 30 minutes I think...though it was probably only 3 minutes...it felt good. I've noticed from just these two visits, and probably will see it in the next 10, nobody sitting in that room with me are complainers of their situation. They're not bitter and they're not "sicker" than you. They are all very pleasant, nice people. People with a common thread running between us. We are doing everything we can to spend as much time here on earth as possible.`
7:30 pm - well, got some rest this afternoon and feel better. Still very cold sensitive on my hands and feet. One other discomfort that during Round 1 I thought was attributable to some recent dental work I had, I experienced this afternoon. Right at the jaw 'hinge', like a major cramping or spasm, like eating a very sour lemon. Googled it and they said Oxiplaitin can cause that. It only happens with the first bite of food, and then it goes away. Another check box to check - Check.
10:23 pm - Trying to go to sleep....after taking a 3 hour nap today...gonna be tough. So the end of Day 1 of Round 2....Overall, not bad, I have learned alot from Round 1 and know what to look for, what to do and not to do. I am getting more of a sense that I can do this, and with moderation and wisdom, do the other stuff I need to get done. But I have also noticed that if you are having a really good day, relative to what you are going through, some think you are having a 'normal' really good day don't understand the difference. And what I am coming to learn is you just have to say NO, sorry, I can't do that today. And taking a nap is not a bad thing sometimes. Rather enjoyable as a matter of fact.
Called my Mom today, she wanted to know how I was doing and how the treatment went today. She said she couldn't help worrying about her two boys, no matter how old we get, we're still her babies. Hoping I can get her and my brother out this summer for a trip to Old San Juan PR. That will be a fun trip.
10:38 pm - Whirrr - click! Gentle reminder that he's still here, awake, and doing his job. Thanks 'buddy', I do appreciate you. I expect a quiet night.
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