Chemo 1.1 Happened

Each round of chemo consists of 2 sessions. So Friday, March 4 was session one of the first round. It was the first time I had my port used. I had no idea what I was walking in for. The lessons were great, but there is still so much unknown about the process. 

I had a great main nurse. His name was Ray. He was funny, gentle and patient as I asked questions. However, he wasn't the only nurse. These nurses here are such a strong team. They hear the beeps from the IV or see that you have a question and they come even if you are not their patient. It was such a different experience from when I was in the hospital (nothing against hospital nurses, but I felt I waited for help longer than I'd like because only your own nurse can come). Many of the oncology nurses had had these sweatshirts. It is very Santa Cruz and says Nurses Are Swell. These nurses swell for sure!!!




The port was amazing. I was really questioning if I had made the right decision, but let me tell you this was the BEST thing I did. When the IV went into the port it felt like a bit of pressure and a tiny pinch. The rest of the day was nothing at all. It just sat there. When the IV was taken out it felt only like a bit of pressure. It was great. 

I had in my head that I would get an IV bag and be left alone. But that is not the case. There were 6 different things going into my IV (besides the vials of saline in between each one). It started with an anti-nausea med. That was dripping for about 10 minutes and then it was done. Next up was an anti-viral that dripped for about 15 minutes. Then he had the first two of the 4 chemo meds. Both of those are small tubes that the nurse has to stand an hand load. Each took about 7-10 minutes. The third chemo was a drip bag, but only took about 20 minutes. The final drip bag was a full hour. I had thought that I would have loads of time to read, work, color or whatever. Not really. Things are happening and moving almost the whole time. I'm not complaining. Breaking it all up like that makes the time go so much faster! 



                                        
An hour after I got home was my first negative reaction. My neck started feeling hot and itchy. I looked in a mirror and saw that a rash and hives were developing. I quickly called the clinic and discovered I needed to take Benadryl. When I take one 25mg Benadryl I get drowsy, but I was instructed to take 50mg. To say I slept hard for the next few hours would be an understatement. But the hives went away and I am all good. I have a feeling the next chemo day will have an IV of Benadryl added. 

Today is day 3 after chemo. I did wake up early this morning with an upset tummy. But I have several ways to help make that better. Snacks, tea, sitting up and eventually taking some prescription of anti-nausea helps! I am well cared for and will beat this! 




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