Dougie?

Well, I finally got my first Chemo treatment this week. Found I will always have to have a blood draw as soon as I get there each visit and then go in for my infusion. Id been told that it would take about 2 hours to do. But my doctor decided to add a bag of magnesium and one of Calcium to my infusion but they have to be given afterwards, not during. Purpose is that its claimed to reduce some of the side effects of the chemo. Well also this being my first day there was paperwork and there was approvals for the meds etc. I got to the hospital at about 10:45am. I left at 5:30pm. Long day.

The infusion for me is that they sit me in a recliner chair. Slip an IV in my arm and hook me up to the juice. They also give me a bunch of pills to take so I dont get sick during the infusion. Also Im given a chemo pill to take at home. These I take 2x a day for 7 days. The first 7 days after an infusion. Infusions are once every 2 weeks.

No fresh fruits or vegetables,only canned stuff (kinda counter intuitive eh?) guess its real easy for me to get sick from germs right now. For the first few weeks I was told to stay away from crowds, from anyone at all sick, even the sniffles. To wear a mask or have them wear one. One of the side effects many people get from the drug im on is cold tingly hands and feet. I guess it gets so bad that people have to wear gloves to get anything out of the refrigerator. Oh and the mouth sores. Gee cant hardly wait. Hopefully I'll get lucky this time and be one of the many that doesnt suffer any of the side effects.

Up until this chemo Ive been feeling better every day. Outside working on stuff. Getting more exercise. Eating a ton better and I did even gain some weight but Ive plateaued again. I have to really hope that the chemo doesnt mess with my appetite too much.
Still have bowel issues but of a different nature, especially after he put me on iron. Ouch.
Ahh and the chemo should last 6 months.
dougie
 

thinking about you Dougie.

And stay outa that garden...