Thursday, October 9, 2008

Chemo Treatment #1

Boy, was I ever nervous on the way to the doctor's office yesterday. I think it was due to the fear of the unknown - more than anything else. My husband took me there. The first thing the nurse did was get the IV lines hooked up to my med-port. Whoa, that hurt! I thought I was gonna jump right outta that chair 'cause it burned so much. I tried not to but I started crying. Mostly from the pain but also from looking around at everything in that room and attempting to come to terms of why I was even there.

The room wasn't crowded with other patients at that point. I have to say I was relieved. Three people were finished just as I was beginning my treatment. One gentleman came in for his treatment and left while I was still there. Another lady was there the entire time. The atmosphere was different than what I expected. Not a lot of pressure to engage in conversation if you didn't want to. I did talk to some of the others in the room but we talked about other stuff - our families, etc. - and not strictly about our cancer experience. I was glad.

My treatment only lasted two hours instead of three. I got all snuggled on the couch after I got home. I was so sleepy and dozed off and on for hours. The nurse told us a headache is a typical side effect of the drugs I received. I did (and still do) have one. Despite taking the anti-nausea medicine, I felt sick all evening and right on through today. (Glad I had those oyster crackers on hand!)

I have to get myself ready to go to the doctor's office for that boost-up shot. I've got to be there anytime before 3 PM. Thankfully it's just a 'walk in/get the shot/walk out' thing. A typical wait in almost every single one of the doctor's offices I have to go to is about 1 & a half-2 hours. (Yes, I'm learning patience :)

Anyhow, I survived Treatment #1. Next week is full of more doctor's appointments (radiology oncologist/expander injections by the plastic surgeon/fasting bloodwork at the regular oncologist's office) but no chemo treatment. That will be the week after.

Thank you again for all the wonderful, encouraging, supportive comments and prayers. They are so appreciated. Wishing each one of you a lovely day!

19 comments:

  1. Michelle...

    Thanks for sharing all of this with us. It probably isn't the easiest thing to do.

    I'll bet you were so glad that your hubby took you. Was he there the entire time with you? If he was, I bet watching you go through this has been very difficult for him. I know whenever I cry, Tom cries right along with me. He's such a "softie".

    We'll just keep praying you through!!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  2. You amaze me. The way you ended your post with wishing each of us a lovely day!! I prayed for you often yesterday as God brought you to my mind. Glad that first one is over for you & I pray that the anti nausea meds do what they are supposed to do.

    Love to you,
    Sheryl

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  3. Hi Michelle,
    Hope your days gets better and better!
    I think of you often and when I do I pray for you!
    You are such a Blessing!:o)
    Hope you have a good day.
    I am so HAPPY to hear Bobby is such a great support for you!;o)
    Blessins',Lib

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  4. Hi Michelle ~ I prayed for you all day yesterday. I just kept hoping everything was going good. I'm glad the first one is over...and soooo glad Bobby took you.

    Please take care and rest!

    Hugz,
    Michele

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  5. This post just touched my heart and I'm sitting here crying. I picture beautiful little you cozy on the couch...but nauseated. And I think of how this has just taken over your schedule...and your life...but I do know that God is in control and we are not to question why. Someday we will know all of the answers.

    Michelle, my prayer for you today is that the headache and nausea leave you quickly. You are such a trooper and truly an inspiration to others! God bless!

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  6. ((((((Michelle)))))))

    I wanted so much to leave a post for you yesterday...my fingers just didn't know what to type that hasn't already been said....You know I am here for you in whatever capacity you need me to be....My thoughts have drifted to you many times last night and today...praying that your pain will soon be replaced with strength....I am continually amazed by your attitude and I know that is going to take you great places, my friend...

    hugs and love to you my friend...

    Angie

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  7. Michelle, we may not be there with you in person, but we are one with you in spirit!

    May God continue to have His hand over you and your family during this trying and difficult time.


    Blessings,

    Sher

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  8. Michelle, Thank you for sharing your experience. I've never heard anyone tell what it was like in the chemo. treatment room. I can't imagine the fear, like you said, of the unknown, and perhaps a lonely feeling. I've only had a tiny tiny bit of cancer; so tiny that I even forgot about it. The first one was a little tiny skin cancer on my face. I remember crying after being told. I also remember thinking, "Hurry and get it off me." I was pretty scared. That was about 11 years ago. The kind of cancer you are dealing with is so much more obtrusive and hard to get to. I pray that the chemo. does its job and kills it out, so you can be healthy. I sent your package this afternoon. They said it would take about a week. I love you sister, in Christ. Kathi

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  9. Hugs to you Michelle! You are doing so great, you amaze me! I would have cried all the way there! Praying for you!!!

    Kim

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  10. I am so happy to know that this *blogging* world is filled with so many Godly women! If anyone does not have the words to say, another one will, we are all like a big team of prayer warriors fighting this battle, fighting for you to win. Satan will NOT defeat us...we have the power of the Holy Spirit on our side......

    Love you so much!!
    kelly

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  11. Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. But, I did want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way.

    Big big hugs to you and your family.

    Joanne

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  12. Good Morning Sweetie, You made it! I tell ya I teared up reading your first day! Brought back some memories for me! :o( I am sorry for your pain, I do know how you are feeling and what you are thinking! Hang in there, your in my prayers my friend! Loving thoughts and hugs! Diana Lyn

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  13. I'm glad that the experience wasn't so bad for you. It's too bad you have a headache though. I hope it goes away. You are in my thoughts and prayers Michelle. God bless you.

    xox Sharon

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  14. Michelle, since I have not had to ever have chemo. treatments, I have no idea what you are feeling like on this day, day 4. The chemo. must be doing awful things to your tummy and head and all parts of you right now. I'm going to keep praying that your body will remain strong and that that those powerful chemicals search and destroy the cancer.

    I just stopped in to tell you I'm thinking about you and that I care. God bless Michelle today and give her strength and give her peace and joy. Please allow her to feel Your presence. Hugs, Kathi

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  15. I've been out of town and am just checking in. It has been a few days and I hope things are better. I am thinking about you with all that you have coming up this week. Take it easy!

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  16. You are one amazing lady, Shell. You are in my prayers each and every day. God's got big plans in all this mess for you. Keep the faith, He's faithful in every moment.

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  17. Hi Michelle!! I came to visit you from sweet Deenas blog. I hope your feeling better...I hope you have much peace! I am in MI too we are in Westland.

    HUGS to you!
    Sara

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  18. My prayers are with you and your family....Your blog is sooo cute...It's cheery to me...I love it... I will be back to check on you...adding you to my listKatherinellen

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  19. praise God Michelle
    hang in there
    it's all good
    it cancer killing time!

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