Chemo #2

Jan 6- I get very anxious before chemo treatments. NOT sure way? I guess it's the unknown or maybe it is the known.... Terry usually gives me a blessing before I go so I feel more calm. I always works.
Terry had to work and had meetings so he couldn't take me to treatment. Jenni just jumps right in to help. She drove me to the hospital and went through the treatment (a mere 5 hours). About 3 hours into the treatment Terry showed up and gave more moral support. I am very blessed to have family who loves me and want to help take care of me. After the chemo I felt pretty good in general. The think with chemo is it goes in to kill all cells good-and bad. There are side affects (some good some bad) to all of the chemo, here are a few:
#1 The next day I go in for a shot to help create white and red blood cell. Okay Anatomy 101... Where are blood cells created?...... In the bone morrow inside the long bones. So what happens is the bone in my body feel like they are EXPLODING with the production of the blood cells. aka PAIN.
#2 Mouth sores: I get these little sores all over in my mouth. They are pretty much annoying! This week they we out of control and caused Thrush as well. A film that is all over the inside of my mouth and down my throat.
#3 Nausea/Heartburn: I feel like I am going to throw up all the time. I have med's for all of this, which helps. But the burning feeling is not cool.
#4 Constipation/Diarrhea: I really know you want to know about my bowels but it part if it. The first of the week Constipation- by the end of the week diarrhea. Well this week the diarrhea took over and dehydration hit. I had to go in on Friday the 14th and get fluids dripped into me.
#5 Fatigue: I just feel tired all the time.
#6 Sleeplessness: I want to sleep but I can't fall a sleep. So I just lay there--WIDE AWAKE for hours. (they did give me drugs to help)
#7 Short tempered: I try to stay in my office at work, so I don't say something that will offend another person. Sometime Terry gets the blunt of it. I don't mean to be mean. I really try to be kind... I think I'm doing pretty good. Hopefully Terry know... "It's the Chemo Brain".. Sure love you Ter....
#8 Can be around sick people: Wearing a mask-suffocated me. But if I want to be healthy I need to wear a mask. I guess at work right now we have strep throat, bronchitis and pink eye. I personally don't want it. So once again, I stay in my office and spray Lysol all day. Use hand sanitizer and yes-wear a mask.
#9 Depression/Feel Bads: I just feel sad, like my "feel bads" have been hurt. They Doctor suggested that I get out of town and get some SUN. I'm all for that. Janell and are planning a Birthday trip to St. George. Look forward to feel good.
#10 Sore feet and hands: I have my feet and hand go numb. This is called Neuropothy, (nerve damage) (We'll talk about that in Chemo 3's post)

Needless to say the week after Chemo is the pits.... Then an amazing thing happens the third week. I get feeling better.... My energy is back and I feel like I could run a marathon. (not really a marathon but you get the point). I try to get as much as I can done at work, and home. I am in a happier mood, and I get a lot done. Just in time for Chemo 3.........