In The Cocktail Lounge: 2nd Chemo Treatment Completed
Voluntary poisoning at it's finest.
2nd Chemotherapy treatment was done on Friday successfully. The voluntary poison begun after blood was drawn from medi-port to be tested in the lab. I met with Dr. M before going to the Infusion Room (The Cocktail Lounge) for the chemo drugs. She reviewed the blood work that came back from the lab which indicated my blood counts were good! She wanted to look at my hands for thinning nails and detachment - which is a side affects from the chemo drugs. I'm starting to get a deep purple line at the base of my thumb nail bed, she said it was a side affect from the drugs also. We discussed other side affects that I experienced none of which were out of the ordinary. The treatment was started and was shorter in duration, about 4 hour vs. the 5 for the first one. The Oncologist Nurse explained that the first treatment takes longer because the meds were administered slowly to see if I would have any reactions. Since I did not, the 2nd treatment (dose) was set to run faster.
I saw the claim for the first treatment today on a statement sent by my insurance company - for saline, Benadryl, anti nausea, and 3 chemo drugs - charges were $26,300.00! For drugs! I have several more treatments at $26K a pop - whoa!. Thank god for insurance!
I have noticed that my hair is coming out somewhat easily, not by brushing, but if I pinch a bunch together and do a slight tug it all comes out, no pain or anything - very weird! I anticipate total baldness by sometimes next week. The wierdness and fatigue are supposed to set in after the 3rd day following treatment which is when the steriods wear off - so Monday or Tuesday of next week, I might be flat out! My plan was to really enjoy this afternoon and tomorrow as much as possible. I'm a bit bummed because I was scheduled to be in Greece next week, however those plan were spoiled with the Breast Cancer show stealer. Since the vacation days were already planned I decided to take them anyway so that I can recuperate from the Chemotherapy without worrying about work.
I had visitors join me in the Cocktail Lounge - thanks Miss "C" and thank you Miss "J". Both your presence were wonderful to have today :)
Comments
Glad you got through it ok and that you had company. I may have missed where you said this but how many sessions do you have? I hope not too many. You seem like a pretty strong person but I'm sure all those treatments can wear anyone down. Glad you are taking those days off to rest and relax.
Aren't friends the best!?! *hugs* to you and them!