Chemo #1

Sorry for the radio silence over here.  I had my first Chemo treatment on Monday the 31st.  I also went back to work this week.  Between the 2 I was sleeping a lot this week.

My port in action

My first treatment wasn't bad, all things considered.  The nurses were fantastic.  Everyone took their time explaining what was happening.  The port was great.  They used a numbing spray on the area so I didn't feel a thing.  I got 2 different kinds anti-nausea medicine, and a steroid before the 2 different chemo drugs.   My friend, Erica, went with me for this one.  We were there about 3 hours total.  Not too bad at all.  I met with a nutritionist while I was there.  She gave me some tips on managing my diet to help with the side effects.  I felt good the rest of the day Monday.

Julie my nurse all dressed up for halloween

Tuesday was my first day back to work.  I went to a meeting and got to see a good group of people. They were happy to have me back.  And didn't mind that I passed around Purell to help keep me healthy.  After the meeting I had to go back to the infusion center and get a shot of Nulasta.  This helps with the white blood cells.  It also made me very achy in my bones, but that is normal.

Back to work outfit

The rest of the week was just work and sleep.  I am happy I haven't had the bad nausea that they have talked about and hope it stays that way.  I have just been extremely tired.  Friday night I used instacart.com and had some groceries delivered.  It was so easy, I will do that again for sure.  I forgot a few things and did go to Target yesterday.  After 25 min, I was ready to come home.  I just have to get used to the fact that things will be different these next few months.  I am hoping that I feel better and have more energy next week in my off week.  

This cutie was parked next to me at Target

In addition to being tired, I have noticed that some smells really bother me now.  The soap I use to wash my hands has a lavender sent and on Tuesday I had to rewash them because it was just too much.  I went through a few different soaps and the milk & honey bothered me the least.  Things also taste different.  Even plain water has a yucky tastes.  I have been drinking mostly apple juice, 7up and smoothies.  The taste and smell changes are normal and could even change again as I go on.  Something that I like today may taste horrible tomorrow.  It's all a learning experience!

All the soaps!