So I know I look happy at this point - but this was the very beginning of a 2.5-3 hour treatment. So once the chemo entered it was cold and it felt like someone was pouring something in and onto me. I really did not get that sensation with the premeds but only the chemo. I was told that because it was going in as cold room temperature and we are heated to body temperature. Then, on the Cytoxan I was warned that it should be infused for at least 1 hour and that it could make my nose/sinuses have a burning situation. And sure enough it happened and it was a strange feeling but OK since I was warned it could happen. I’m thankful for the first one I was in a private room because just the thought of chemo is overwhelming but they had some overcrowding - I thought it was very important for me to start on Friday the 9th, since that was what i mentally prepared for and that I’m still trying to work while going through all of this. I was also injected with a med that is going to slow the ovaries down and try and protected them through chemo - so I may be having some menopausal symptoms…fun. And my hormones are a big ole ball of confusion because I just finished taking heavy hormones to produce eggs for the egg retrieval. The doctor warned my mother about this and I’ll talk about this is a bit later in the post. I was also given a Neulasta® Onpro™ to have on me to deliver the Neulasta shot at home instead of returning to the office for 1 shot. Strong chemo can help fight cancer, it can reduce my white blood cell count, weakening my immune system. A weakened immune system increases my risk of infection. - See more at: https://www.neulasta.com/onpro/#sthash.iLTOqEMS.dpuf. Fewer doctor visits is a great thing, so I can continue to live my life.
After chemo, I went for a few stops in the Cancer Center. I was looking to visit with Cancer Support Community North Texas Foundation | http://cancersupporttexas.org/ and firm up my appointment with the Genetic Testing office. At Cancer Support Community North Texas they have a beautiful space with rooms for support groups, a demo kitchen, arts and crafts and a room for kids if you need to distract them while meeting. They also offer help on finding assistance Very cool place - will probably spend more time with them throughout this process and work on getting my membership so I can participate in more of their activities. Now for Genetic Testing. My original appointment was on 9/8 but I was a little occupied and getting my port installed for the chemo so I was a no-show.
I was reminded I needed to set that up again yesterday and they were able to move me to next Thursday. Yay! I’m very interested in seeing the results on that since cancer is does not run in my family. And a quick side note on the port installation: everyone I met at Margo Perot Day Surgery were angels. My nurses Lovella and Mable were awesome (more than words can say) and Dr. Bourland did a great job with the port! I was told he was the best and I believe it - everyone complimented the appearance of the port after 1 day installation. When I was in the office for Genetic Testing, I ran into the director of the Nurse Navigators. I had the nicest nurse navigator called me while I was at work sometime during the week August 29, and she told me her job was to help me through all of this that was happening and about to happen. I was so thankful because I was able to meet her yesterday. She was able to meet my parents and she directed me to the Women’s Health Boutique. There’s more to come from that visit because I have a follow up with Women’s Health Boutique next Thursday to find out all what they have to offer and what my insurance covers.
On the next post I will tell you about the not fun evening after effects of this chemo and about the day after…so far. Talk to y'all soon!
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