Family...the ones you live with, laugh with, and love

Family...the ones you live with, laugh with, and love
Summer 2009

Friday, February 26, 2010

My First Treatment


Yesterday I had my first chemotherapy treatment. I think the anxiety of waiting was the hardest part. The office had somehow forgot to put my next 2 appointments on the schedule so at first I was worried they wouldn't be able to do it. But then I was kind of hoping the receptionist would just say sorry we can't do it and I could escape back home, but they were able to work me in.

Having the port accessed was another worry of mine. Since my port is completely underneath the skin they still have to poke the needle through the skin. But to my surprise it didn't hurt at all. My nurse must have been very skilled.

The nurse then had me take my first anti nausea pill. They prescribed 3 pills total. Thank goodness for insurance because just for 3 pills it would have been $400 instead we paid $25. Ouch!

She first gave me the anti nausea medicine which I was relieved since I know nausea is one of the biggest side effects. One which I really don't want to experience. In between treatments they would flush the line a little with saline. Then they gave me the first chemo drug. It wasn't too bad. The worst part was a sinus headache that came on quickly and stayed until the drug was completely administered. Then they gave me the drug the nurses have named "the red devil". The nurse had to push this drug over 10 minutes. They watch you very closely for reactions. Thank goodness I didn't have any. This is the drug that is very harsh. The nurse compared it to battery acid. It is also the one that kills all the rapid cells in the body. For instance red and white blood cells, the hair follicles and something to do with the esophagus.

The nurse then went over all the side effects I would most likely experience. So far it hasn't been too bad. Last night I was very nauseated so I didn't sleep well. I don't remember the last time I had to sleep with a bucket next to my bed. This morning I feel a little better. Mostly just tired. Today I will also need to go in and get a shot to boost the white blood count back up. Again thank goodness for insurance. This shot is $5000 each and I will have 8 total over the course of chemo. Yes cancer is very expensive! I assume within the next week or so my hair will start falling out. I am prepared now. It is just another hurdle that needs to be crossed in order to recover.

Thank you again for all the phone calls, cards, facebook posts, meals, gifts from all of you. I love you all!

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like this first one wasnt to horrible for you. While going through my treatments I met a lot of people who were taking "Red Devil" not a fun drug to take. Those shots to boost your blood count hurt huh? Mine did anyway, after having them I felt like my bones where very achey. Did they give you some numbing cream to put on your port? That really helped me as well. Also I have some cute scarfs if you want to borrow them. Good luck and keep in touch, I hope you dont mind me commenting on your blog. Again I wish you the best of luck and hang in there.

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  2. Hi Dani!
    Just want you to know I am here for you, love you and want to do anything I can to help. I'll be in touch!
    Beth

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  3. You are so strong. We are all praying for you. Glad the first treatment is over for you. That's just one less you have to go through. Good Luck and make sure to ask whenever you need anything.

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  4. I'm so glad to hear that everything went well with your first treatment. You are so amazing--you are so strong and have such a postive outlook! You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Ethan misses you, and says to tell you "hi!" :)

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  5. Dani:

    I've been thinking about you and I am so glad to here things went so well! We will keep you in our prayers and hope it goes well through out. By the way are you related to any Schiffmans that live in Draper?

    Love ya, Tammy

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