Therapy: Week by Week; Week 1

Ah! the first week of chemo is history! All that trepidation and anxiety and wonder now a full part of experience...history too! But wait...the second half of 'my recipe' comes next week (tomorrow!) -- and what side effects occur will be the big news.

Yep- on Monday, January 29th, I had my blood drawn, watched the chemo video (education = $32.00), was briefed by my nurse, Annette Samson, and then sat for 2 hours while the medicines did their thing. First: Adriamycin 31-40 mg. Very RED (only $197.00), then Vepisid 101-200 mg at the price of $224.00, finally Cytoxan 1001-1100mg at $165.00. At prices like these, they gotta be miracle drugs! It's a miracle you can afford them. Thanks Aftra health fund. Don't forget the Decadron for nausea $10.

Observations and notes for the week:

-Big appetite

-Running to the toilet A LOT (liquids galore)

-Toss 'n' turney nights

-Loose stills - exotic odors

-Energy 'by Prednisone'

The 3 nurses who'' work with me are all "Anns" = Ann, Annette, and Annetta! Together we'll ANN-ihil-iate the cancer.

The drop drop of the IV reminded me of the paratroopers or frogmen dropping into my "battle zone" to do some mopping up. Good first week of battle, boys.

Very supportive friends - signs of God's love and care for me, working through them.

~Steve offering help in any way

~Molly Sue making chicken soup and delivering it on her Chemo (sabe) day.

~Nancy Stewart, lunch at Lucia's on Tuesday (day 2) afternoon felt much better having gotten out, quickly back to somewhat normal.

~Kiss me Kate folks = Susan Long, Chris Bloch.

~JPG inquires and shows support and love. Nice chatting with JPG for 10 minutes - he extends open ended kindnesses. I thank him and ask for his prayers.

~Allie and Ollie at show, Thursday. I was a bit worried about staying after to visit (tiredness) - but prednisone provided energy, as did loving old friends. So good to visit with them. They extended hospitaltiy down the line.

~Mom, Chris, Ginger call

~Patty Goble asks if I'd be interested in taking the Impressionists at the Institute. We plan for later next week.

I feel confident and strangely peaceful - content to rest, lay back, let my body tell me what I can/should do. In the quiet of the house and out and about I feel God's guidance. I hold firmly to Your hand as this adventure (journey) begins. I put my trust in You.