Tomorrow is a big day for me. Chemotherapy begins and the fear of the unknown has provoked a little anxiety. While I don't believe that the first day will create ALL of the dreaded side effects, I feel a certain uneasiness about the whole thing. I read all of the literature the nurses gave me regarding the medications I will be taking. The IV medication which will be administered tomorrow morning at the "infusion room" is Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin injection). The troubling side effect with that one is neuropathy. Neuropathy is an increased sensitivity to cold. When I was introduced to the chemotheraphy nurses, they gave me a whole kit that included two sets of gloves, a warm fleece scarf, and a fleece blanket! They cautioned me about drinking any cold drinks for a week and putting my hands in cold water or especially in the refridgerator. They advised that it would feel like my skin was burning off...whoa! So I am not really looking forward to that...
Also prescribed is a pill, Xeloda, which I will take twice a day (3 pills per dose). The side effects there are nausea and diarrhea. That sucks. God knows this whole colon cancer thing has been such a pain in the ASS :) (sorry, that was a really bad and obvious pun but I couldn't resist).
Well, I guess I will shower and start my day. I think I am going shopping...
Wish me luck tomorrow and if anyone has any suggestions about anything at all, chemo related or otherwise, I'd love to hear them. Loving you all and wishing you a happy March 1st (already...)!
4 comments:
Hi Beth,
I got an e-mail from Aunt Dene today that said you didn't think anyone was reading your blog. I hate to admit it, but I didn't realize I could post a comment. Then I went to it & lo & behold... the "comment" link! Now you know, I'm kind of new to the blogging thing. Aunt Dene fowarded me the link about a month ago & I've been checking it pretty much daily ever since. You don't look any different from the last time I saw you @ Uncle Joe & Aunt Kathy's wedding...beatiful! Was it really 22 years ago?! I just wish we lived closer so I could give you a hug (preferably me closer to you cause it's so freakin cold here!). I've had a card for you, but I keep forgetting to bring your address with me to work so I can send it. I will definitely do that tomorrow, so I don't want to repeat what it says. I just wanted to let you know that the NY part of the Merkovsky's are all pulling for you... & we're reading your blog! ;) Good luck tomorrow. You'll be in my thoughts & prayers as you are everyday. All of my (our) love to you & your beautiful family. Your cousin, Susan & all
Hi Beth,
Ditto to everything my sister wrote. I am new to the blog thing as well. I have been checking your blog as much as I can and have been keeping my dad up to date. Your hair is awesome. Good luck tomorrow and I am praying God will shower you with his grace and give you all the strength and courage you need to fight this battle. We love you.
Michelle
Hi Sister,
I was inspired to post on Friday when I read Dad's post...because of course (like Mike) I didn't make dad's list...but between breatfeeding sessions (which seem endless) and holding the baby (because that's all she wants when she's not eating) I just didn't get to it. So today I had Katie and Domenica cheering me on as we read Susan and Michelle's posts (It was so good to hear from you both!)..."comment mom...yeah write something!" So, the girls and I think your hair looks great! I've always liked your hair that length. I've been thinking about you all day today, knowing that you are stronger than any drug. You are so incredibly brave. Remember this is only temporary and you will emerge stronger, healthier and wiser. We love you! Juli
Beth,
You are rockstar to say the least! Thanks for writing all of your blogs...it is so helpful for all of us to stay informed. You are one powerful, strong, grace-filled, positive thinking, humble, and incredibly gracious person. We admire you for all of your wonderful attributes. It's hard to see yourself for who you are. You are AWESOME. It's always amazing that the person with cancer is always stronger than everyone around them! I guess that is how it is. I think you are doing so well and I love your thoughts. I can relate to many of them. I loved the ones about your kids not noticing your haircut. So true. Remember that is ok for your kids to see you cry. Don't be stoic because it teaches your kids that they need to be that way. Besides it requires too much energy to try to be too strong. My dad, Bud, who conquered non-hodgkins lymphoma has this chemo advice for you: 1. Keep an open mind. 2. Know that it is going to work. 3. Trust in the doctor that you have.(This is going to be a tough one for obvious reasons:))4. Lastly, during your chemo you will probably have a tv, you can nap, bring a book, ipod, and blanket. Stay as positive as you can. I believe positive thoughts can really change the way you feel. Your haircut looks great and I appreciate the photos. You are amazing to everyone and you will conquer. I know it. Everyone is praying for you. Try to ask for help even when you don't want to and really need it. Once you do it, you will get used to it. We love you..xoxoxooxSteve & Cheryl and the kids.
Post a Comment