The Day After the First Chemotherapy

The Day After the First Chemotherapy

 

 

I didn't sleep through the night but, I was warned that that may happen. The pre-med designed to combat some of the inflammation from one of the chemotherapy drugs will wind me up and disturb my sleep. But, I was able to fall back to sleep pretty quickly.

 

 

When I woke up at 0730 I went to the bathroom and had the most painful urination that I can ever recall having. I had talked to Dr. Cohen about the chance that this would happen considering one of the chemicals in the chemo and my predisposition to cystitis and kidney stones. So, it really isn't a surprise. I called in to the doctor and spoke to Debbie, a nurse. She was vigilant in getting through to a doctor for me! There are no doctors in the Porter Ranch clinic today, but, she persevered! I was prescribed microbid and felt better after the first dose.

 

Otherwise, I had some stomach bloating and feet swelling. I did not experience any nausea or vomiting - at all! I didn't feel much like eating but I drank some decaf green tea, a protein drink (kind of like Ensure but for diabetics - less sugar), Greek yogurt with honey, and later in the evening salmon, brussel sprouts and mushrooms. I didn't eat much of any one thing but after the salmon I felt that my body had been missing food.

 

I went to Macy's and picked up a couple long skirts and some body lotion with spf 30 by Clarins and an anti-aging face moisturizer with spf protection, as well. I talked to the ladies at the counter and the Clarins clerk was very helpful and made me feel better about the Philosophy lotion, Amazing Grace, that I love; I don't have to give it up and switch, completely, to the Clarins - just use the Clarins where my skin is exposed to sun and use Philosophy everywhere else! That's just what I'll do! But, it is so important to keep the exposed skin protected. I will pick up a hat at Reflections next time I am at UCLA Westwood.

 

I bought a dozen bras for the brachytherapy patients. Mostly larger sizes - just thinking of the Savi candidates and the space needed inside the breast, they must have larger breast to accommodate the device. I could be wrong and, if so, I will go back and get smaller sizes, too. I am going to wash them in Dreft this weekend, package them in individual Ziploc baggies and attach the tags to the outside of each one. I am going to attach a note to Allison with my phone number so she can let me know when to bring more, if she needs different sizes and colors. I am very happy to do this and I hope the patients love the bras as much as I do!

 

Tomorrow I will return to the clinic for the Neulasta. I could have gone to work today, that's how well I felt. But, I've been very cautious about touching doors and things that others touch. I keep a bottle of Purell close by at all times.

 

While at the Family Christian Book Store I chose a little boy in Ethiopia to sponsor. His name is Sefu Nasir and he is 9 years old. When the clerk explained to me how World Vision works and all the great things my 35 dollars a month will do, I could not walk away without sponsoring. I wanted to take a handful of kids around the world to sponsor. I can't wait to hear from Sefu and to start our correspondence. I understand there will be a huge celebration in his village that he has been chosen to be sponsored and everyone will be happy for him. My contribution helps with education, introduction to Christ and to keep him protected from child trafficking. Inside the little 'book' I received with the sponsorship is a little video of Sefu - he is adorable. He waves and says nothing but he says so much. I feel so fortunate to be able to sponsor Sefu!! I know there is a chance that I can visit him and at some point I would like to! It really made my day to find this little boy.

 



The adorable Sefu Nasir of Ethiopia