Treatment #2 (Cycle 1B)

So in for bloodwork at 8:20am yesterday and chemo at 9:50am. It was all a bit delayed because the bloodwork results were late and when they did arrive my white blood cell count was below the normal go ahead so they paged my oncologist to get the go ahead and she said do it anyways...so I must be extra careful to not expose my self to sick people or infection of any kind because my immune system is already pretty wiped out. They couldn't use the port yet, still a bit tender and what a lovely bruise! No low cut shirts for a little while I guess ;-)

So they managed to find a co-operative vein near my left wrist. The pre-meds which includes Benadryl (for my lungs) totally spun me out. Otherwise it went as planned. Steve brought me lunch and hung out with me at the end and took me home and I was home by just after 2:30pm. Lots of people come and go in the Chemo Suite (in the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or GRRCC). There are two big rooms full of beds and recliners. Both times it has been pretty full....mostly seniors...so I can't help but feel a bit tragic usually being one of the youngest there. There are a few other younger people. I saw a brand new mum with babe in arms...I'm pretty sure she was there to be treated not just visiting. Now that I can't imagine.

So far it has been about the same as the last treatment. I was totally wiped yesterday when I got home and slept for several hours. Thought I would get to blogging right away....but there was NO way. By the evening I was feeling pretty normal again. Today has been pretty good. I totally took it easy and tried to catch up on some long overdue e-mails (as many of you found out). Steve's parents are here and it has been fantastic having them...we realized when my mum was here last time how essential the help is around chemo day. Just to do dinner and get Wynne from the bus, take Wynne to gymnastics, Avery to the park etc. Today Steve's mum has dinner all ready and they took the girls to the library after school. Especially great as Steve had another open house tonight (3 Weds in a row!).
We have had so many generous offers of help. Thank-you all so much for your offers and positive thoughts....we just don't know what the next few months will bring! I've realized how so many of our friends are really very positive people. We have had family here for us thus far. My dad plans to come for the next chemo day on April 27th. Hopefully I will still have hair in another 2 weeks! :) Staying positive,
Jenn%)