Saturday, March 24, 2012

Round Three Went Well!

I've had a fantastic three weeks since my last chemo on March 2. Lots of energy, very productive weeks at work and home. In fact, aside from my taste buds that continue to act very wacky, I've had very few negative side affects.  They include sore gums and itching on my arms and hands, but I continue to drink at least 4 16oz. bottles of water a day and that helps tremendously!

Went in for my third treatment yesterday afternoon and for some reason, it only took four hours instead of five like the first two.  Let's hope I got everything I was supposed to get. Ha! I'm sure they did. The nurses at the Cancer Center are great, but still ... the thought did cross my mind. After all, I've been living (and dealing) with Murphy's Law for the last 10 months.  Know what I mean?

The best part of this experience has been sharing it with my friends.   Shelia F, another dear friend from work who I've known for 33 years, accompanied me yesterday to chemo. Had lunch together first and then spent an afternoon doing some much needed catching up on life. Shared lots of stories, but I especially enjoyed talking with her about our mutual experiences as caregivers to our husbands. Trust me, care giving is not for the faint of heart and it's always good to know we're not alone in our day-to-day experiences. The amazing thing about Shelia is that throughout the years of her husband's long-term illness and more than one difficult situation, I never once saw her without her trademark smile and upbeat attitude. She said it was an honor to accompany me, but honestly, the honor was all mine.  It takes a special person to volunteer to take time to sit in a straight back chair for 4 hours for someone else. She's a trouper, an amazing woman and it was nothing short of pure pleasure to have her at my side.:)

The the immediate reaction to the last treatment was an incredible need to sleep. In fact, except to take care of life necessities, I slept for three days straight.  I expect the same to happen this weekend. So I don't know how long I'll be "conscious" today before I nod off.  I'm definitely taking it easy through Monday.  I have a few things to do this morning before sleep comes over me like going to the bank and the grocery. After that, all bets are off on what I'll manage to do aside from fluffing up my pillow and getting some shut eye. 

5 comments:

Marta Stephens said...

Okay, so it's 1:17PM.

Had a "real food" breakfast with Rick, then we got in the car around 11:00 and went to the credit union, the regular bank, Staples for an ink cartridge,and then to the market. Rick waited in the car, but at least he's out and about. Just got home a few minutes ago and still feeling "awake." :)

For anyone out there getting ready to start this type of procedure. Please don't sweat it. Just follow your doctors orders and you'll get through it. It's not as bad as it sounds or rather what it used to be. But then, it will be what you make of it.

Okay, I'm off to do a load of laundry. Thank goodness I don't have to go down to White River and beat it against a rock. LOL

Claudia Show said...

Is you next one 4/13? Would love to drive you there and sit with you. It was faster today because you body is getting used to the drugs. Also, anytime Rick needs anything, please have him give me a call (760-1789). Your positive attitude is inspiring! Let me know-would love to help out.
Claudia

J D Webb said...

Hey, Marta. Great to hear of your successes on this journey. I love your willingness to share your personal story. It takes courage and mettle to bare life's struggles.
Now, go get that sleep.

Marta Stephens said...

Hey Dave! You know, it's noon on the second day since and I'm still feeling well.

Rick is eating four small meals of table foods a day now so these weekend breakfasts have been wonderfully "normal."

I think that because we are both finally seeing the light at the end of this very long tunnel it's help to energize us.


We are extremely blessed. ;)



Hey Claudia, thank you SO much for the offer!! Jess has made plans to take off work to go with me, but feel free to stop by if you want. :)

Kim Smith said...

You are such an inspiration, Marta!! Great to know you are doing well :)