Round Two, Part 2

Round two of chemo infusions were last week. I was at the infusion center from 7:30 

This pretty much sums up round 2 of chemo.

a.m. until about 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. I can't tell you how hard it was to get out of the car at the patient drop off. It was like my body was screaming, "No, don't!" But I did get out, and once I was on my way, I was OK.

By Tuesday evening, I was really feeling it. And by Wednesday, the full impact descended on me. I felt awful (most of the time) on Wednesday, Thursday, and into Friday morning. Even with the different drugs to counteract it, nausea lurked around the edges. I was exhausted and my brain was foggy. But then, as I got farther away from the last chemo infusion, I gradually started to feel like I was going to make it. By Friday evening, I was feeling much better, a trend that continued into Saturday and Sunday.

I found out that one of the chemo drugs is nicknamed "the red devil" due to it's red-orange color. When I mentioned to one of the nurses that I'd heard the nickname, she said something like, "Oh, don't call it that. Think about it like it's Kool-Aid!" But then ensued a conversation about the Jonestown massacre. So I think I'll just use the drug's real name -- doxorubicin.

The other chemo drug I'm taking can cause neurotoxicity. I'm told to let them know right away if I have hallucinations or twitching. Turns out, on Tuesday my fingers and hands began to twitch involuntarily...just every now and then. Apparently it wasn't serious enough to cause concern, but it was definitely odd.

I've discovered an unknown fondness for my eyebrows. Hair loss is the least of my worries through this whole chemotherapy treatment process. I have classic male patterned baldness. I keep what hair I have on my head shaved close. But somehow, the thought of losing my thick eyebrows...well, it makes me sad. That's going to be a strange look for me when it happens!

My friends Staci and Terry picked me up and brought me home on Monday and Tuesday and then stayed with me (see neurotoxicity, above) until Allison got home from work. I am so grateful for their kindness and help!

Today I am feeling pretty good. This week is when my blood cell count will drop quite low, so I'll experience more fatigue (and be more vulnerable to infection). I did manage to go for a very slow run/walk this morning. Like reallllly verrrry slow. But I was among the trees and alongside the river at the park, and the air was cool and fresh and damp, and my heart was pumping and my blood was flowing and my lungs were filling with air...and I was simply grateful to be alive and moving.

I am so thankful for the many cards, texts, emails, and other expressions of love and support people have sent as I make my way through these treatments. Thank you for your prayers. It is much, much appreciated!