It's Been A While...

I just realized it has been 11 days since I blogged anything.  I suppose that is a good thing because nothing major has really happened.  

Just the usual:

• Still having trouble sleeping
• Queasy stomach everyday - doesn't seem to go away between Chemotherapy Treatments

The great news is my bloodwork has been in the "low" of normal range consistently.  This is a great accomplishment as it is normal to have to miss treatments due to abnormally low blood counts - counting my blessings here.

My fatigue and sleeping is still an issue.  Either I am up all night until daylight, very jittery, or I fall asleep and wake up 3-4 hours later, again unable to fall asleep.  Today, the doctor prescribed a sleeping pill.  Hopefully this will help.  I do nap during the day because of fatigue from the medications and thought this was the reason I have trouble at night, but even when I force myself to stay awake, I still have trouble at night - and then feel worse the next day.

Today's Chemotherapy went as planned.  I noticed that I was having stomach issues within an hour of leaving and was exhausted sleepy by the time I got home.  I took my nausea medication and slept for 2 hours.  I know they say the side effects can take time to get slightly worse and worse and I am praying this is not an indication of what this cycle will hold. 

My Chemotherapy Support Group For Today - Maria and Pam

My excitement for the weekend starts with getting my new eye glasses on Saturday.  I can't wait - my vision has changed so much since taking these multitude of medications and treatments. And then, I am planning on taking a drive Sunday to visit my son, 2 hours away.  This is terrifying because in the past weeks, driving for more than a 1/2 hour causes me issues.  So wish me luck Sunday.  My sweet grandson will be with me so hopefully he will keep me on my toes.

Beautiful Lung Cancer Bracelets being worn by - Me, Caitlyn, Maria and Pam

Above is a picture of the Lung Cancer Bracelets I have to support my journey.  At this point, Caitlyn, Maria, Pam and myself are wearing them.  If you are interested in helping support my journey, just let me know.

And the best news - August 26 - right around the corner - POOTIE is coming home to stay!!! Can't wait to see my baby boy <3

First Day of Chemo

After months on this journey and months anticipating my first Chemo Treatment - it is over.  So much in one day.  It really is mindblowing what is involved in this treatment - it is a new way of life - a new normal - a sad way to know what is important in life - and an unusual way to find out who cares the most.

The day started with my sister, Maria and I, arriving at the Moll Cancer Pavillion.  So much happens before I even get taken to the back Treatment Room.  First, the nurse must connect the IV tubing to my chest PortACath.  They take blood to check my White Blood Count, Red Blood Count and Platelet levels - being my first day, this wasn't an issued, but in the future this is a HUGE problem as Chemotherapy Meds kill off the good cells and if these bloodwork levels drop too much it may postpone my necessary Chemo.

Then after the results are in I met with my Oncologist.  The good news was my bloodwork showed my kidney function is fantastic.  Usually, they base the dosage of my Chemotherapy Drug on this number but if they had done that the dose would have been sooooo high it would have made me violently nauseaus so he decided to lower it to a normalized dosage.

I then entered the Treatment Room - We chose a chair right next to the restroom (remember my kidneys work great, lol) and this was my view for the next 5 hours -

Treatment Room

A recliner, a television and tons of drinks and snacks, if needed.  My supporter was there with me making herself comfy...We were prepared - Kindle, Laptop, Phones and Music.

My sister, Maria

The most amazing part to me was even though we were there almost 5 hours - the actual Chemo Drugs only took less than one hour.  Everything was else was preparation - bloodwork, meet with doctor - IV's with antinausea drugs and steriods - and more monitoring - then finally the two Chemo Drugs were started.

The nurses were wonderful.  The Social Worker came and talked to me to make sure I had all the support I needed and gave me gifts - 

A Quilt Made for Chemo Patients By Wonderful Volunteers at Fairview Moll Cancer Pavillion

And the gifts didn't end there.  There is an organization called "Chemo Angels" that got my name and address.  There are two women who send me several cards a week to "cheer me up" and today I received a box in the mail - this was a gift from one of my Angels.

My Chemo Angel said this week should be a Pampering Week from Bath & Body Works :)

So finally, Chemotherapy was over.  They told me my hair will fall out next week or the week after.  I decided I don't want to wait until huge clumps are coming out so we went to Best Cuts for me to get a Buzz Cut.  I wanted it short enough so when it starts coming out it won't be too bad - so here is the final "look" - 

And surprisingly enough, Maria was inspired to get her hair cut the exact same way as me so I wouldn't feel alone - we both got a true Buzz Cut = attachments 4 on the top and 2 on the sides -

And finally, let's not forget my baby brother and cousin too -

My Baby Brother, Nick Miceli

My Wonderful Cousin, Billy Shahinian