CANCER VIXEN 2 down

Monday

Just back from my checkup at the hospital.  Donated a couple of vials of blood and then sat with the doctor for all of 3 minutes.  The blood work is fine to administer the chemo tomorrow - yippee!!  And I guess I didn't have too many problems with the first dose.  She gave me a prescription for a mouthwash for the mouth sores and so I am set - ready to face whatever comes along this time.

I wore my wig for the first time today and it is going to take some time to get used to it.  It does feel like wearing a hat - but the longer I had it on, the less it bothered me.  I got compliments from the chemo nurses - they can spot the wigs now - I guess they are pretty much experts now on spotting them!  However, people in the waiting room thought it was fantastic once they found out it was a wig and said they couldn't tell.  But you know me, fess up to everyone.  It is interesting talking to people and finding out their stories.  One lady today - well I thought it was a man - wore a beige knitted hat over her bald head and dark green shirt - it wasn't until the volunteer lady came by with some knitted hats and scarfs that I realized it was a women - so of course I had to get involved in helping her choose something more feminine - she picked out 3 in nice colours - so we became friends and she will be there tomorrow as well having her chemo - so I hope to see her.   Another lady I spoke to today has had 18 chemo sessions - 18!!!  I guess she is on her second or third round of treatments - cancer in more than one place - so there is always someone worse off than you.  All those people with their own stories of surviving and fighting.  All those brave souls doing what they need to do.  But you know, I always hear laughter when I am in there - laughter is a good thing.

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Wednesday morning.

I decided to wear a turban to the chemo session - so wore a little blue hat with the beautiful scarf I received as one of my Sunshine basket gifts - so it looked nice and the first time going out of the house with the 'cancer' target on me.  At the hospital it is no big deal, but walking around the grocery store afterwards one does catch the odd glimpse of people looking and you know what they are thinking - but I had my lippy on and rocked it and was my usual self.

My favourite nurse took my in yesterday and got me set up quite quickly - her name is Tracy - she took my blood on Monday and we had chatted for a while and then when she saw me sitting there yesterday she called me right in.  We always share a few laughs and it helps pass the time.  I get two types of drugs that she inserts manually through the PCC and  I had been drinking my water hoping to flush that stuff out of my system as quickly as possible.  I get the ice chips just before for the 2nd type in an effort to curtail the mouth sores - apparently if the area is cold the drug does not have such a strong effect - but it didn't work too well last time because I did get the sores and I have a feeling they are coming back again this time - although it might have been worse otherwise.  The doctor gave me a mouth rinse - so hoping that will help.  All in all it took about 2 hours.  Maureen came with me and so we took our knitting and had a conversation about knitting with several of the nurses - they are a chatty bunch in there - helps them pass the time I suppose.  They work quite hard - on their feet most of the time and running backwards and forwards from patient to patient.  All very nice and caring though.

One lady sitting close by yesterday was finished her chemo and left, but then came back, she was experiencing numbness in her mouth - so the nurses weren't sure what to do about that.  They wanted her to hang around for a bit while they contacted the doctor - you never know what these drugs are going to do.  She did eventually leave, but I didn't find out what the outcome was.

I did see the lady I told you about yesterday, but she was leaving and didn't see me, so we didn't have a chance to chat - but I was happy to see she was wearing the colourful headscarf that I had helped her pick out!!

I am prescribed . steroids to take day of chemo and for two days afterward - they are obviously working because I am feeling pretty normal right now - probably by Friday is when the fatigue kicks up a few notches.  But the tree is up and the living room is decorated and so Christmas can happen.  I will probably do a bit of wrapping each day and since I usually do it in the bedroom  the bed will be handy just to fall in when the need arises!!

Just waiting for the nurse to come and give me the immune system booster injection.  So then I can relax for the day.

Maureen and Bruce were here overnight - they have left for doctor's appointments in the city and we are babysitting their dog Maddie - have to watch she doesn't get under George's feet and trip him up - that would be all I needed!!   They are staying tonight as well, because she has another appointment in the city tomorrow.  So since I can't go with her I am glad Bruce is able to.  They are very good with bringing food and so we make it as easy as possible where meals are concerned.   We have been friends for many years and they are like family.  Bruce did a couple of jobs yesterday for us - changed some light bulbs and fixed a water leak in the garage - so that was great.

Didn't sleep well last night - I think I try to put out of my mind the thoughts of that 'stuff' going into me, but once in bed it all hits me and so the mind just runs riot.  I think it must have been about

Sunshine basket gifts for Monday and Tuesday:

1.  A book - "Before I go to Sleep"  - think I need to read that during one of my good weeks!!  Thank you gift giver - no card and I checked the inside and no name - so I do appreciate the gift and the thoughts behind it.

2.  A bottle of white wine and a lovely card - thank you gift giver - I will gladly share that with my friend Maureen and I appreciate so much your thoughtfulness.

So - that is it for today - have a good one.
CANCER VIXEN signing off!!

Do you believe this weather!!!   Mild - sunny and NO SNOW!!