I finished off last night with an episode of “Psych,” a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Lighten Up and a handful of Baked Lays. Yes, I know this isn’t the most nutritious dinner, but what’s my standard response is always at the ready? That’s right! I have breast cancer. I can justify to my heart’s content on those four little words. (smile)
By midnight (I still can’t believe I was up that late), I crawled into bed after taking my first tablet of Zofran at home. I was awakened six and a half hours (which is about an hour an a half later than I usually open my eyes) with the padding of twelve paws all over our bed. I opened my eyes to find myself eye to eye with Franki and a poor, pitiful meow. So, knowing there would be no rest to the movement on the bed, I peeled myself out of bed and headed down the hallway to give each of the cats a morning scoop of food and then turn around to the counter to fill my stomach with Zofran and a sundry of other pills that address this that and the other.
I noticed right away this morning that I don’t feel anything extra different. I feel normal – my fingers and toes are still the same, I’m still bald, but my stomach is at rest. This is a relief. Given that I’m feeling as well as I do, I have full intentions of throwing on my walking shoes and heading out the door for a much-needed walk this morning. Goodness knows that with the hours I pulled last week at work (which I loved doing), I didn’t attend to getting outside as much as I had been doing. This morning’s walk with be a real treat – especially because I woke up feeling so well!
Of course, I’ve got it in the back of my mind, based on what the oncology nurse said last night, I may feel side effects immediately, then again, I may feel them later on. I’m glad that I’ve felt none right away - allows my mind to relax and enjoy the moment.
At 10:00 p.m. tonight, Nat and I will return to the Main Building of M.D. Anderson so I can get a shot of Neulasta. Because my white blood cell counts were hovering in the low to below normal range for the last few weeks, Dr. Cristofanilli recommended the Neulasta to replenish my white blood counts that would surely be depleted from last night’s chemo. This will put me in better shape so that if I run into any infections, my body will better be able to fight them off. What I’m not looking forward to is the fact that my nurse last night, after I asked her about the shot, said nonchalantly said, “Oh, it’s not that big of a deal. It just will be a stick and a slow burning sensation.” Lovely! Way to put me at ease when I’ve been lying in bed having all kinds of toxic drugs dumped into my system late at night. That’s something to help me sleep better at night.
Oh well, I’ll spend today psyching myself up for tonight’s shot. I’ll remind myself of things like, the bone marrow aspiration discomfort, the tube that hung out of my side for weeks and weeks and what it feels like when I bang my hands and feet into hard surfaces. With all those thoughts combined, they should surely be worse than a “stick and burning sensation.” At least I hope.
If anything changes today, I’ll be sure to post something to let you know, but otherwise, assume that I’m doing well. I’ll check in for sure tomorrow to bring you up to speed, as well.
With one down and three more to go, it’s only a matter of time when I’ll be through, yet another leg of this journey.
Lots of love to you, Lisa
-MESSAGES-
You are so courageous I met with your mom on the road out front this AM and I kind of figured she was on the phone with you since I know you two take "walks" together on the phone quite often. I mentioned that I read your updates each and every time you've posted a new one. I think of you very often, very often. I have a friend who is going through pretty much the same thing although her treatment is a bit different as they all are.
I think that is so awesome you keep in touch like that with your parents! She stopped in and we chatted a bit and of course D. and R. greeted her with open arms as they always do HAHAHA! Tonight, I took D. to the Port Edwards Street Dance... BORING... we were home by 8:45 and he hopped in bed to watch Aristocats (loves that movie now; he's 5). I just wanted to stop in and actually post something this time to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you each and every step of the way, Lisa. I also bought a pink ribbon magnet for my vehicle! Stay Strong! S.