Tuesday 4/8/08 - Chemo#2 Complete

Much better session this time. Helps to know what to expect, although I've come to not expect anything so not to get disappointed. That applied to today, somewhat. After the routine blood work was done, the Chemo nurse commented my wbc was low that she would have to consult the doc to see if I could receive treatment or wait a week for the wbc to rebound. That's the joy of receiving chemo. The drugs are so powerful, they kill both good and bad cells. My hope is someday the docs will discover how to only kill the bad cells. Anyway, doc let me receive treatment but I have to get a shot tomorrow that will help boost the wbc's. Apparently my bone marrow is sensitive, which is good and bad. Good because the drugs are working and bad because the good cells don't have a chance. They're gonna get whacked too. However, I have a plan!! Got a juicer and lots of fruits and veggies along with various recipes. Our concoctions will deliver high vitamin drinks to focus on giving back to my system....and Ric's. He'll get healthy too. Also continuing to eat awful tasting high iron foods (liver, turnip greens,etc.). Yuck...but I eat it because I know it's good for me. Went to lunch with my friend Monica yesterday. I've decided Monday prior to treament days will be "high iron" lunch day. Unfortunalty the place we went only had turnip greens. Even with ham pieces they were terrible, but I ate them. I actually convinced Monica to try them. The look on her face agreed with me that they were not very tasty. You have to laugh though. Like I've said, this will be an adventure. The focus between now and the next treatment is to stay germ free. Good hand washing, stay away from others with cooties, etc. Can't get sick. Doc said to watch for a temperature. If it was to reach 100.4, a 2-3 day vacation stay at the local hospital could occur to reboost my immune system. The shot I get tomorrow is to help avoid that. So I guess more fun is in store. I always did like a challenge. This past Saturday, Ric and I went wig shopping. It gives "a humbling experience" a whole new meaning. Needless to say I didn't fare well but did come home and order two from the same catalog as I did my scarfs and hats. Hopefully they work out. Also bought some hair products called Nixion, which is for thinning and medical breakage. This won't stop my hair from falling out or thinning but should slow it down. I've read a lot of other blogs where others receiving the same chemo drugs as I, only had their hair thin. That's my goal. I'm willing my hair to NOT fall out. Very hard thing for me to deal with. Before I close out this entry, I'd like to say thank you to everyone for keeping me in your prayers. I feel your support. I appreciate the cards and gifts too! Lots of love out there which helped me succeed today and will carry me though each tomorrow. You all are awesome! Growing up an only child has made me very self-sufficient which as always worked for me. In this case, I feel truly blessed to have all of you in my corner. My family has grown to a size unmeasurable. I've changed my (cell) ring tone to the James Brown song "I feel good" because I do. It feels good to be loved and supported. Thank you all for being there for me.