Blood Work and Chemo #1 Followup

Today, I had my first blood test and   followup appointment with Dr. Quackenbush.
My white blood cells are low, but that is expected at this point.

They asked about my symptoms:
Nausea?   None to speak of, a few occasions of a touch of queasy, but no nausea or vomiting.  I told him I do everything I can to avoid vomiting.  He agreed, that was how he would handle it too. 

Sores in the mouth?  no sores, but I can tell  there could be and my mouth feels and taste funny.  The nurse suggested that I rinse my mouth 4-5 times a day with a solution of baking soda and water (1 tsp/1 cup) to prevent sores, and get rid of the chemo inside my mouth.    I am very pleased to hear about this trick.. I will be doing it!

Constipation or diarrhea?  A little of both, but not uncontrolled or problematic at this point.  Still working on the perfect solution.

I mentioned that I had a lot of low back and leg pain early on.  A constant ache.   Dr. Quackenbush indicated that it was my bone marrow kicking it all on its own, and seem to be happy about that.   I didn't particularly like the discomfort but it is comforting to know it is a good thing happening.

I forgot to mention that I am not sleeping really well.  You can pray about that with me.  I would love to sleep all night. 

I asked again about virus and flu concerns, and timing of getting a flu shot.   I should get a flu shot on any day but a chemo day.  He said I should live an active life and not to worry beyond what I normally would about the viruses going around.   So... "Yes you should go to the football game tonight, and be sure to yell at the coach to put Daniel in the game."

I got my first call for substitute teaching this afternoon.  I will be doing Junior High Social Studies  Tuesday 9/15- Thursday 9/17.   I have done long term sub jobs for this teacher on more than one occasion in the past, so it shouldn't be too hard.  Pray that my strength holds out!   I think it will be fun to be in the classroom.  Get acquainted with the kids again.

I did purchase Wig #1  All of your interest and votes were really fun to receive and read!  Thank you for sharing in my life in this way.  Here is what it looks like after a trim.

I wore my new hair to church on Sunday and received many delightful comments.    The one that I enjoyed the most was at a potluck picnic after church.   Preston and I were sitting at a picnic table enjoying our wonderful lunch and one of the ladies came up to him and said "No Arlene today?, Where is Arlene?"    to which Preston replied, "She is right here."





After my appointment today I went to JoAnn's  and purchased some fabric to make some scarves to use when I don't want to wear my new hair, like when I am gardening, or cleaning house, or....just plain lazy.   They has shown us some that they had to share at the cancer center, but the fabrics just were not me.   I was looking for things that were not as calico looking, and that had wonderful color. (The red one has little paw prints in the corners of the plaid.  I chose that one for WMHS game days...a bit of school spirit for Daniel :).   Our JoAnn's just doesn't have much to choose from.  But is will be a great start!   The little triangle of fabric in the bottom right corner was shared with me by the cancer center.  I took it to measure it.  I plan to take it back.
You can get two scarves out of a yard of fabric, by cutting a 36" square into two triangles.  I think take one  of each to the cancer center.