So this is kind of a breakdown of what happened. We got to the infusion center at about 8 am and left at about 5:30 pm. Needless to say, it was a long day.
8 am: When we got here, my chemo nurse addressed what would happen for the day and he different medicines I would be receiving. Besides the 3 chemo drugs, here is a list of the other medicines I was given: Tylenol, Decadron, Pepcid, Amend, an anti-nausea medication, Lasix, magnesium, potassium, and lots and lots of fluids. Fun stuff, huh? I am not one to take many medications other than a occasional Ibuprofen, so this is a lot.
8:45 am: We started fluids and premeds prior to starting chemo. I got 500 ml of fluids with potassium and sodium, as well as, Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepcid, and Decadron. This took about 2 hours total.
10:45 am: Chemo time. We started Bleomycin first, then Etoposide, and Cisplatin. They did a test run of Bleomycin first for 30 minutes to make sure that I tolerated it well. I did. All of the chemo took about 4-5 hours.
3:45 pm: We started follow-up fluids and they pushed Lasix into my IV to wash out these chemo drugs. We left at about 5:30 pm.
It was an okay day. I dislike sitting in a chair for 9.5 hours other than getting up out of the chair to pee about 15 times. Those fluids have me running back and forth to the bathroom. I am thankful for my helpers here because I have to carry my IV pole back and forth. I miss running around playing with my kiddos at work. I miss running. But that's okay. It's only 9 short weeks!
The only issue I really had today was my blood pressure dropping a little bit following Bleoycin and Etoposide. I think it's lowest was about 90/48. I didn't really have any symptoms of this though. Lasix, on the other hand is not my friend. Poor Jason had to stop about 5 minutes after we left so I could go to the bathroom at the pharmacy. At the pharmacy, I got quite light headed and figured that the chemo side effects were hitting me. I may have been a little panicky too. I was pale, clammy, sweating, and nauseated all the way home. Jason seemed to think that my blood pressure had dropped so he told me to raise my feet on the dash and lay my chair back and drink lots of water. I did and felt quite a bit better.
At home, I didn't go straight to bed. My brother came to take Tuesday and Wednesday shifts because they request that I have a ride to and from chemo due to drowsiness. I did a load of laundry, walked to the mailbox, and visited with Andy. That's pretty good, right? I woke up and just felt a little flu-like but thats really the extent of it! MY PICC line isn't bothering me at this point either. I think I'm moving right along. :). It's all God though...don't let me fool you.
So that's BEP chemo. I hope this helps who may read this that is scared to death to start this regimen. You can do it. With God, there is no doubt. He has taken all of the burden of his illness,. He has taken this chemo. He has defeated the cross. I thank Him for this chemo. I thank Him for loving me like on one else does.
Chemo day two was a little shorter than day one. I didn't get Bleomycin today. I am actually sitting here writing this at the end of day two and it looks like we are going to get to leave at about 2:30 or 3. Woo-hoo! Feeling good today and my blood pressure did not drop as much. They have also already given me Lasix to monitor me after yesterday. They also reduced the dose by half.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Praise be to The Lord, to God the Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
Here are a few pictures from chemo days one and two. Enjoy. Thanks for all the prayers and support. My family and I love you all!
Treatments 1 and 2 down, 19 to go!
No comments:
Post a Comment