What a Day!

I attended a class about chemotherapy and it's possible effects...not too encouraging.

That lasted one and a half hours. I must admit, that while it was chock full of information, it left me feeling anxious about the whole process... They did not seem to mention any favorable side effects...just a long litany of bad ones, and none of them are any fun---

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Tiredness, severe fatigue, loss of interest
Constipation or it's opposite--
Diarrhea, with the associated discomforts and possible dehydration
Fever or chills
Hot Flashes...(YAY)...just when I thought that was all over with!
Skin Rashes, infections
Mouth sores
Sore, achey muscles and bones
Weakness overall
Possible Heart Damage
Kidney Damage
Liver Damage
Brain Damage (I doubt that would be noticeable!)
Internal Organ Damage,
Etc. etc. etc.

On the UP Side, I did manage to leave with a prosthetic breast, though, and that helped me feel more "normal" about my physical appearance.

An hour later, I went to Mercy Hospital for a MUGA Test. I have no idea what that stands for. They put an IV in my right arm, because they had to take my blood, inject it with radioactive particles, and re-inject it into my arm again. They could not use the IV port I have in my shoulder, because he said the radioactive material will clog the port hoses.

I had to wait a half hour for the radioactive material to do it's thing, and then I went in for the MUGA test, which consists of laying on my back, very still for three 15 minute segments. I had to keep my arms above my head, so that got to be uncomfortable. It seemed like three hours! This test gives them a "picture" or reading of my normal heart activity, so they have something to compare with during the chemo process. I was not excited to know that chemo can cause heart problems...

At the end of the testing, the young tech. took the IV out of my arm and had me hold a piece of gause on it for a minute, put a piece of surgical tape over it, then instructed me to finish getting my shoes on, etc. and he would direct me out the door to the lobby. As I was bent down, tying my shoe, I felt something wet on my arm, and my arm (and my nice blouse) were drenched in blood! So he had to clean off what he could and put another, larger, tighter bandage on my arm.

I have a nasty-looking set of bruises under the skin on my arm now. I have never had this happen in all my years, so I was quite shocked at it! I drove home, sat still for a while and then removed the bandage. It is fine now, except for the bruises.

Well, next week I will most likely be seeing my Oncologist, so will fill you in on that, when it happens.

I will be needing someone to come with me on my first visit, so I will most likely bring Gary, and then we shall know how I handle the treatments, and whether I can drive myself to and from.
I have some girlfriends who have volunteered to come along, but everyone is so busy with their own lives, work and all. We shall see.

While I was typing this, the Postman came to the door and delivered a package from my cousin, Eleanor, who is a survivor of this same type of breast cancer. She sent me some books of encouragements, a Survivor T-Shirt, and two beautiful scarves. As if that was not enough, she apologized for not attending the Benefit [because her husband was having a serious health issue] and included a check! I am always over whelmed by peoples' generosity! Thanks, Eleanor.

That's it for now,
Love you ALL!

Mary :)