Round 1

The following is an edited excerpt from another blog of mine, describing my first chemotherapy treatment. I will expound upon this topic in subsequent treatment postings, but for now this is for your general information:

"Yesterday was the first treatment of Cytoxin (nice name, I especially like the suffix) and Adriomycin (probably spelled wrong.) These are my cancer drugs. They did not give me anything to improve spelling.

Along with the Adriomycin, they gave me a popsicle to enjoy before injecting the IV, to keep the blood vessels constricted in my mouth and prevent sores. Before this and the start of the Cytoxin drip, I was given anti-nausea meds and a steriod through the IV... the steroid, perhaps, to give me an appetite and improve energy levels. I didn't ask. It did, however, do both, which was annoying when I got home and felt repulsed by food yet compelled to eat, tired but unable to sleep.

Another setback was a slight allergic reaction to the Aridromycin, which was cured w/ a little Benadryl. At the end of the day, despite the sheer number of drugs in my body, including 3 additional anti-nausea drugs, additional Benadryl, and a laxative, I felt relatively free of the dreaded symptoms and side-effects and was able to sleep through the night. I also had a calcium pill for good measure.

The "port" was not painful to use. They sprayed a super-cooling mist which freezes the area temporarily, and just popped the IV in when I exhaled quickly. At first I hated that I would know exactly when she was going for it, but I felt no pain whatsoever in the initial puncture. 2 Thumbs UP.

All in all, it was a good experience. I'm bringing a "good vibe" into the cancer centers and hoping it stays that way... Just 7 more of these treatments to go. No picnic for sure, but I'm much relieved. It could have been so much worse."

As per usual, here is your link to find out more about chemotherapy treatments, how it works and its effects: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chemotherapy/CA00029