Treatment #10

This week's chemo went well after they got the IV in. They had to try 3 times to insert the IV, and suggested again that I get a port. 

They showed me a port sample, and how it goes and feels underneath the skin. It needs a minor surgery to insert it under the skin of the chest, and up the neck. After a week to heal, you can shower and do normal stuff, and you feel it below the skin. They insert a needle to do the blood draws and chemo infusions. Then if you want it out, you need a minor surgery to remove it when all done. I'm checking in with the oncologist again about it, and in the meantime, squeezing balls and drinking water!

My sister asked if there was one person who could always get the vein in one try, and unfortunately, the answer is no. I've had the same people try twice and fail, then the next time I see them, they get it the first time. I guess the chemo degrades the veins, so as time goes on, it gets harder to do the IVs.

I had only Taxol today, preceded by saline and Pepcid. No Benadryl or Dex (steroid), as they said I was doing well enough with the Taxol to remove those. I read a book until I couldn't use my hands when they were in the cold mittens, then Frank and I did a crossword puzzle. We left home at 1 and got home a little after 7.

I had a couple of very tired days this week, where I didn't get to my daily walks outside. I am happy I always have enough energy to read, play games, do puzzles, watch TV, listen to things, and eat! I also am happy to get messages and cards from people. Here's just some of the many cards we've received since this started - and we hung them up to give me cheerful reminders of how many people support us!

Our kitchen is decorated with many cards!

We had a pretty snowstorm to watch change the landscape during the infusion! 

Of course, we also had messy snow to drive home in - I thanked Frank again for doing all the driving!

Got home to find some cheerful flower and smiley balloons waiting! Thanks, Jenn & Michelle!