Battle #1

Hey all!  I write this as I sit in a comfy recliner getting poison medicine pumped through my veins.  Yesterday, I felt like a 'real' cancer patient was I started my lengthy medicine regime that I have in addition to my chemo drugs that are put through my port.  Richard reminds me I've been a cancer patient for nearly a month now, but truth be told, I haven't always felt like one.  For the most part I've felt well.  I had some pain and fatigue after the surgeries, so I did consider myself recovering from those, I didn't attribute that stuff to the cancer.  Now the cancer treatment starts.

This morning I started Battle #1.  I'm calling each treatment a battle, because I know I will win the war.  And I will conquer the battles, they just may rough me up a little.  They told me that today's treatment will last 7-8 hours, as they give your your medicines very slowly and watch you for reactions.  This morning they also did my chemo education.  Fun times!  Seriously, very informative, and honestly a little scary.  It almost scared the shit out of me.  Pun intended.  Apparently one chemo I have has a high rate of diarrhea for a few days and the other chemo has a high rate of vomiting.  Apparently, your body doesn't like poison chemo.  I'm guessing I'll feel like I did during college after a drinking binge.  So, nothing I can't handle, right?  Although, come to think about it, college was a long time ago and I bet I don't recover nearly as fast.  And, I probably won't have as many cool stories...  Did I ever tell you guys the time I nearly got arrested in my sexy devil costume?  I digress...

Okay, for all of you who brought care packages and gifts, sent messages of encouragement and prayer, a HUGE thank you!  I've got to say, aside from a quick blood draw and a Pulp Fiction like needle going into my port (that might be an exaggeration, but I assure you it felt like a huge needle!) today has been a piece of cake.  And they have wi-fi.  And comfy chairs.  And I plan on taking a nap.  No need to feel sorry for me... Goodness, I know I will eat these words later, but this almost feels like vacation.

Speaking of cake, I plan on eating my way through chemo, which probably isn't a great plan, as they said I will actually be one of the lucky ones who gain weight during chemo.  But, you do what you've got to do, right?!  They actually encourage you to eat your way through, so it's really like I'm following doctor's orders.

Speaking of eating, this is a picture of Richard last week before my PET scan.  He decided that he was done starving with me when they tell me I can't eat for 8-12 hours.  Sweet guy, I know he stuck it out with me as long as possible.  This is Richard getting ready to scarf down a Chik-Fil-A sandwich right in front of me.  As my stomach feels like it is eating itself.  Good thing he is cute, huh?!

Richard being the 'supportive' husband ~ eating in front of me while I haven't had anything to eat in over 12  hours.

I'll try to check in with everyone in a few days.  They've warned me that days 3-5 will be the worse, but there will be a roller coaster of symptoms, as some symptoms hit at different times during my chemo cycle.

Feeling more blessed than ever.  I know this is the 'easy' day, but we are in good spirits.  Much love everyone!