Chemo #2

Short Version; Chemo #2 went uneventfully, but I am finding I am more tired than last time.  I bet I will be sleeping more in the next few days.
THANK YOU!  to all of you who are praying I am clearly aware of the power of your prayers. What a blessing.  THANK YOU to all of you who have taken the time to leave comments or send me email, facebook messages or other words of encouragement!   I am amazed at your outpouring of love!  Thank you!

Long Version: Friday, September 25th  I had my second chemo treatment.    Some of you have asked where these treatments take place.

The Providence St Mary's Cancer Center is in Walla  Walla Washington, about a 25 minute drive for us.   This is where we go for shopping and medical care most of the time.   If we want some serious shopping we go to Kennewick, Washington (1.25 hrs way)  That is Preston humoring me as I take pictures.

To the left of the main entrance to the cancer center is a nice little garden area , with benches a bell and stream.

The rounded building you see behind the garden is where chemotherapy takes place.  Unfortunately the garden is at the patients back.  I think they should turn all the chairs around so the patients can see into the garden.   I love the little stream, the bridge, and all nice ornamental grasses. 

The area for treatment is a big semi circle with the nurses work area in the hub of it.  That way the can see everyone. I believe there are 12-14 stations, I haven't counted them.  I will have to do that next time ;)  After blood lab work, and my meeting with the Dr. & nurse, I am escorted to the treatment area and get to select a chair that is empty.  This last Friday, there were two empty chairs to choose from.  The nurse gently nudge me to the last one.  Apparently the other ones partner patient was having a difficult time.  The fellow next to me was older, and getting what appeared to be blood transfusions.  His wife was very nice, he was pretty quiet. This is the set up and my chemo nurse. 

My chemo drugs are docetaxel (Taxotere) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).  They also give me ondasentron (Zofran)  & dexamthasone (Decadron) as anti nausea meds.  It is administered 20 min. before treatment is started, and then I get a two day supply to take home. They do a great job.  I also have lorazapam (Ativan)  to take as needed for nausea, vomiting, anxiety, sleeplessness.  The only thing I have used this for so far is the sleeplessness and it has been very helpful.

This time I read a magazine, and listened to music on my iPod, I was also able to chat on Facebook with my kids (Ben & Kendra), my sister (Lura) and a high school acquaintance Lesa Mecham.  It surely made the time pass quickly!  Thank you for taking the time to check in on me!  I did have some sensations that told me my body was getting foreign chemicals in it,  sinus pressure, and a sort of tightness in my chest,  but it was not disturbing. 

When treatment was done I got a shot in my arm of something that is supposed to boost my bone marrow into working harder at manufacturing  blood cells.    I was warned that it will cause low back pain, because that is where the bone marrow manufacturing happens.   I have already experienced some of that with the 1st treatment.  They just suggest using Tylenol or Advil for the discomfort. The wife of the patient next to me told me they had found that walking was a big help too.  I had already observed that to be true and was glad to have it confirmed.

After treatment we got in the car and headed to Mt Hood for a Oregon Camp Cedarbrook Board Retreat.  This was a working retreat where we reviewed the 2009 camp week and begin planning the 2010 year.  I had several reports to give as the Camp Director, and Preston also is involved as Business Manager, now Treasurer.

Right off  all of the women (and it is mostly women) wanted to see my head.  I mentioned wondering if I should just shave my head bald.  They began seriously discussed the fun of giving me a Mohawk with what was left of my hair and taking pictures.. then finishing the job.  They began to scrounge around for a razor.. and found a couple.  They appeared to be new. At this point I put on my director hat and said... Let's get camp work done first.   By the time we were done with camp work they had forgotten about it, as I had hoped.   They are truly a fun group of people who are a great support to me. It was good to be with them.  We accomplished everything we needed to and are off to a great start for OCC 2010.

By the time it was time to go home, Saturday afternoon, I was truly spent!  We got in the car and turned on our book on tape (The #1 Ladies Detective Agency,)  which my sister Lura suggested and I reclined and zoned all the way home.    Upon arrival at home I crashed on the couch, interacted a bit with Daniel and then went to bed. I slept well and was able to attend the church service today. My week always goes better when I am able to  worship my wonderful God with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Here is  the condition of my head as of this morning. 

Pretty thin!   I am still debating on whether to shave it  or, out of curiosity, let nature take its course.

I am anticipating a slow and sluggish week.  I would like to go to Daniel's JV football game Monday night (in Pilot Rock), women's bible study (we are starting a Beth Moore Study this week Living Beyound Yourself, on the Fruit of the Spirit) on Tuesday night, and at least make an appearance at Pioneer Clubs on Wednesday night. We will have to see what I actually get done.