Merry Christmas and Cycle 2 - Completed!!!

Cycle 2 = DONE as my Future FIL says, I'm 1/7 done!!

It's Christmas day and we are spending our time at the in-laws in Central Virginia. Although I'm not feeling 100% it's great to be able to spend time with family and enjoy life.

So, Chemo last week. Well, for the most part it was fairly uneventful. I felt great everyday except Thursday when I was a bit queasy.  Let's see, Monday my brother took me and then Cibrina came by later that afternoon. Tuesday was my dad's birthday and what a better way to spend a milestone birthday than with your daughter at chemo, right? Cibrina and Civanna came by for a visit as well.... Wednesday my future MIL drove up and took me. We also had a visit from my awesome sista, Stephanie. Thursday was a wedding party day, Cat took me in the morning then Hammel (Jen) came and brought me lunch and took me home. Friday my mom took the reigns. I was lucky that my Dr let me finish early on Friday so we could get home and I could nap before heading out to the mountain for the night.  

Everyday was about the same. Come in, draw labs through my port, Mensa (protects my bladder and kidneys), nausea and steroid meds, then the first 2-hour drip of chemo (Ifosfamide), another Mensa, then second 2-hour drip of chemo (Etoposide), followed by the last Mensa.  The whole time I received hydration for a total of about 3 liters a day, yes, 3 liters. I also drank water all day so I am always bloated/swollen. Needless to say I use the restroom, A LOT. 

I haven't felt great these last two days, not nauseated, just not.... Me. And the drugs are definitely taking a toll on my hair, or lack thereof at this point.  I've decided to just shave it off, kind of wish I had already done it but it's all hind sight at this point.  I also had to buy an eyebrow pencil, since mine are thinning..... So funny because my eyebrows are so thick and dark to begin with. 

After the long cycle of chemo, I have to receive a shot (neupogen) everyday for a week to boost my white blood cell count. The Dr is allowing me to have my shots administered at home over the weekend, instead of having to go into the office. So yesterday my mom administered the shot, no big deal, right? She's a Nurse Practitioner.  Today, my lovely hubby-to-be administered the shot. I could tell he was so nervous, but he did a great job and it hurt only as much as it was supposed too.  <3

I hope everyone has had a wonderful time with their families this holiday season. I know I feel totally blessed to have so many people by my side throughout this process, it's almost overwhelming how much support I have. I just have to say it feels pretty awesome. 

Enjoy the rest if the day, and Happy New Year! Love you all!

2012, here we come....