I completed the first day of chemo today. Everything went as planned. They started with nausea medication and Tylenol followed by Benadryl. The Benadryl made me sleepy, but was important due to the potential for reaction with the chemo drugs. I was able to accept the Rituxin at the prescribed rate with no reaction. It took about three and a half hours. That means next time (April 25th) they will be able to infuse it a little quicker. The bendamustine was started immediately after the Rituxin was completed and took 40 minutes. We were home by 2 PM.
Tomorrow I go in at 10:30 for the second infusion of bendamustine. That should take about one hour total. Then I don't go back until April 25 and do another 2 day treatment. I have infusion appointments set up through June (that will be 4 cycles). For the future two day treatments I will have lab work done at the beginning of the first day and see the doctor before starting the infusions.
I was tired when I got home and took a long nap.
I was tired when I got home and took a long nap.
Thanks for all your prayers!
Love,
Paula
Prayers all went well today, Paula, and that the chemo is attacking those cancer cells like crazy!!! Your schedule sounds similar to ours... some LONG infusion days, some shorter infusion days, and lots of blood-draws in between to monitor counts.
ReplyDeleteAs for napping... that sounds good. We've always been poor nappers in my family but when my mom started chemo, she took it up as a well-deserved hobby (along with Lifetime television movies). :)
Hopefully your zofran (I'm assuming) and benadryl will keeps the common side effects away. You'll have to let us know if you take up potato chip eating. I recall Children's telling us the kids on chemo disliked sweets but craved salty foods.
Sending BEST WISHES and healing prayers your way! Love, Shannon
Hi Paula,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are going to be busy but get this behind you and you will be able to enjoy life again soon. I think a nap was a great idea.
I so enjoyed our chat last week. See you soon.
Prayers are coming your way for sure.
Dear Paula,
ReplyDeleteTime for me to get another of my MILLIONS of favorite songs posted for you!
This time I picked "Word of God Speak" by MercyMe ... which is all about us not needing to have the words ... God knows. And often it is such a blessing to hear what HE has to say, anyway!! Hope you like it :-) (Cut and paste into your browser.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTY-UKgLlXs&feature=related
Glad to hear that possible side-effects are being attended to proactively, and that you don't have to go back for more chemo again until the DAY AFTER EASTER!
Prayers continue.
Sent with love and blessings -
L