Day 1/Day 2 Update

Don't worry, I'm not going to update after every day, or even every two days. That would get me several nominations for "Most Boring Blog of the Year"...although when I win, I could put the trophy right up on the shelf next to my "Parent of the Year" trophy!

Since we just had returned to Ohio on Sunday, we finished up a ton of errands and dropped Brady off at Grandma Lola's before making our 11 AM appointment with the radiation center. That appointment was quick; they took a few films of my neck and tongue, and the actual radiation itself took about 10 minutes. I didn't feel a thing; just claustrophobic in the mask that I wear that is formed to my face. I likely won't feel many side effects from the radiation for a few weeks. From here on out, I'll have my radiation at 4:00 every day. The time is a huge blessing because Jason can adjust his work schedule to be home for Brady and we don't need to find someone to take care of him every day.

After finishing radiation, we went upstairs in the same building for the chemotherapy. The Cancer Center I am being treated at is state of the art and has only been opened for a year. It is gorgeous. Everything is new, modern, and clean! I was placed in a chair by the floor-to ceiling windows with a great view of the lake effect snow! The chemo drug I am receiving is called Cisplatin, and the most obvious side effects are nausea and kidney damage. Because of the kidneys, I have to have IV hydration before and after the chemo infusion, including up to three days after chemo. So they first put me on a 2 hour IV drip, followed by 2 hour cisplatin, followed by another 1 hour of hydration. It was easy as pie for me. I read my book most of the time, also watched a little TV, and attempted to blow up my cell phone by texting almost non-stop!

We left around 5:30 and picked up Brady. Almost as soon as we got home, nausea set in fast even though the doctors put a strong anti-nausea med in my IV. I proceeded to vomit 8 times in 12 hours. That's a lot of lost sleep. Not to mention my stomach was practically empty so it was really painful. In the middle of the night, Jason called the doctor who promised to get us something stronger first thing in the morning.

So, we survived the night, which can only be described as pure torture. The nurse called around 11 AM and asked if we could come right away for my IV hydration, and they would give me several more anti-nausea drugs to try to get me feeling better. I feel better now after that round of treatment, but still not near 100%. I also have new anti-nausea meds that I can take here at home.

There you have it. Would appreciate prayer that the nausea goes away completely. I am such a wimp when it comes to throwing up! I am exhausted from all the meds as well - but I don't mind that! Posting this blog even takes a lot out of me. Now I plan to head for the couch and curl up under the blanket!

Thanks for your prayers. It means so much for us to hear from you all as well.
Angie (for the Hubbards)