The Scans and the Chemo Schedule

Well, it's officially been just over one week since my diagnosis. I attended a Chemotherapy class this past Tuesday where the nurse taught us what we can expect from the drugs we will be given. It was informative and it gave me a greater sense of reality. Can we say overwhelming? 

After the class, my awesome sister-in-law, Judy, took me over to the Life with Cancer house.  She interned there for a year during graduate school.  This place seriously blew me away.  Everything there was free of charge, all of the exercise classes, counseling, all the arts classes, etc.  They have a group for Young Adults with cancer that I'm probably going to join.  They meet once a month at the 'House' and sometimes outside the House as well.  So I'm excited about getting involved with all the House has to offer. 

Yesterday I had two scans.  One CT scan of my chest, and the other was a bone scan.  I am happy to report that they both came back CLEAR!!!!  NO SPREADING (mets)!!!  SO EXCITED!!!

After the scans yesterday I had to get a flu shot.  I typically don't get them since I tend to always get sick when I do, but because my immune system will be compromised, they suggested I get the shot.  I also received my chemo schedule.  Wow, this is going to be hard.  Next Monday I will have my port placed.  Tuesday I will start chemo.  The first day is about 6-7 hours long.  Wednesday will be my second day but will only be about 2 hours.  Then on Thursday I have to get a shot to boost my white blood cells, which means another trip to the Drs.  The following week, I only have to go in once for lab work.  Dec 19-23 is my first full week of chemo.  Seven hour days starting at 9am.   I will have to get white blood cell boosting shots every day for a week after this and go in for lab work at least 2-3 times.  Phew.  We are hoping that since my mom is a Nurse Practitioner that the Dr and my insurance will clear her to give me the shots everyday so I don’t have to go to the office, but that hasn’t been finalized yet.

For those of you who don't know, I hate needles.  I've obviously had to grow out of that fear since all of this has been going on, but I remember a scenario when I was prob 12 yrs old of the Dr trying to prick my finger to get just a small drop of blood.  I totally panicked and fought back, over a small prick.  If only I had known then what I know now, I would kill for a small prick vs. the countless number of blood draws and IVs I've been through so far.  haha :o)

Today I had to go to the dentist.  I found out during the chemo class that I wouldn't be able to continue my routine checkups because the risk for infection would be greater.  Your mouth contains all kinds of bacteria and since my immune system will be compromised, they suggest you get the cleaning before or wait until you are finished.  Well, I went for the former just to make sure there wasn't anything wrong before I started treatments.  I had to pay out of pocket since I wasn't due for a cleaning until February and I've already gone twice this year, but it is worth it. I received a clean bill from the dentist as well!!!  They also gave me a whole box of sample mouthwash that was suggested we get for dry mouth.  I was more excited about receiving this for free than the fact that I got a clean bill of health! 

So, just wanted to post my news about the scans to let everyone know their thoughts and prayers WORKED!  I'm so thankful for all of you, for your support and for your words of encouragement. 

Ok, now on to the Chemo. I'm ready!