Chemo #2

April 4 - Had a really good night's rest.  Dane is coming home today.  The sun is shining. I donned a blue headband with a Cardinal Cap on my almost hairless head, took a deep breath and am now ready to face the world for the first time with my new look.

Connie Thompson, my chemo buddy for the day, picked me up at 9:00 and we headed in.  Since we were early, we decided to stop in at the gift shop and check out some caps.  WE found a really cute one that Connie said complimented me so I asked the clerk if she had a mirror.  After talking to me and discovering I had just lost all my hair, she grabbed a few more hats and we headed over to the mirror. I, too, really liked the first one.  I tried on a few more and selected another one with pink headband to go under it. I'm feeling better about the whole hair ordeal, especially with a look I fell comfortable with.  Plus I got a 10% discount because it was my first purchase.  Another bright spot in my day!!!!!

On to see Dr. Coplin.  Turns out my BRACA gene mutation results were in.  I do NOT have the gene mutation.  This is great news, not only for me, but also for my sisters.  This, along with the fact that my tumor has shrunk about 3 centimeters (Hooray!) may possibly change the previous surgery decisions I have made.  I will meet with Dr. Oruwari, my surgeon, on my next chemo visit to discuss my options.  I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but may go the lumpectomy route if the tumor continues to shrink.  A little less invasive.

We then moved on to the Chemo room.  My blood was drawn to make sure my blood count was in range to receive the meds.  Results were fine so my port was accessed, no problems there.  I was pre-medicated with a steriod (Dexamethasone) two anti-nausea meds (Emend & Aloxi).  The nurse pushed through the port my Adriamycin and then my Cytoxin was given by IV drip.  A little over 3 hours and we were ready to leave.  The chemo nurses have great attitudes and are very attentive.  I have nothing to say but good about this facility.  Makes the journey easier, that's for sure.  Connie and I had some good laughs and conversation so the time went by quickly (at least for me).

I was feeling pretty good, so we went up Manchester road and ate at Penn Station.  We then stopped at Ross Dress for Less down the road.  I was getting tired after that, so we headed home.

Today was a Great day, only 2 more Chemo sessions until surgery in May.  Thanks for reading and keep sending those prayers and thoughts, they are definitely working.