Chemo #1- DONE!

Finally! Today I had my first chemotherapy treatment! I've been waiting for a month to do something about this tumor and today was my chance!

We were supposed to start Wednesday. There was a problem with how the paperwork was filed and our request for coverage could not be approved. We were disappointed to not get the treatment I needed, but; were not willing to sign a coverage waiver that could potentially cost us $30,000 for one round of treatment. So, we waited. Yesterday the problem persisted. We call the doctor, we call the insurance, doctor, insurance.... no resolution. Last night we did not know if the treatment was on or off for today. After more back and forth with the hospital and insurance company the president of KU Med stepped in and approved my treatment! Finally! It was go time. Then it all hit me at once. I got sad hugging my mom and boys bye as we left the house, hands shaking and scared.

By the time we got to the hospital I was ready to go! They accessed my port in my chest and drew blood. This port is amazing! I was so scared to get it... now I love it! Then up to oncology. We now know my treatment plan for sure!

-6 treatments (chemo sessions)
-treatments will be 3 weeks apart
-each treatment will be a large dose of Taxotere and Carboplatin
-I will have surgery in about 6 months
     *if there is a complete pathological response (tumor is completely gone at time of surgery) then
       done!
     *if the tumor is more stubborn then surgery will be followed with 4 more chemo treatments with
       different drugs.

This is the treatment plan we have been hoping for since the day our oncologist diagramed it! I feel so fortunate to get this regimen as it seems to have the most promising LONG TERM effects! My cancer is notorious for popping back up within the first 5 years. We want to do everything (obviously) to prevent this! A complete pathological response to the chemo is THE way to make that happen!

I got the treatment. It was not dramatic. I anticipated a much scarier scenario! We had a little room with a recliner to ourselves. Jim went and got us some lunch at the shopping center across the street. Everything they did went through my port and was painless! First they administered a bag of steroids. Next was the anti nausea meds. Then came the real drugs! The first was the Taxotere. I was worried. 2 nurses have to check your chart, wear protective clothing and gloves and verify you're getting the right dose before it can start. Then they stand there and stare at you for 15 minutes anticipating a reaction. I felt completely normal. No reaction... thank goodness!!! Last was the Carboplatin. Still fine! Before we knew it we were all done! They took the IV out of my port and put on a bandaid and sent us on our way!

4 hours later and I still feel fine. This will probably change in the next few days. But, maybe I will be the one who doesn't get the horrible side effects!!! Crossing my fingers. One side effect I cannot escape is the hair loss. I plan to loose my hair in 2-3 weeks. I dread this because I don't want to LOOK sick. But, it is inevitable. I will deal with it when it comes.  My wig, Hermes scarves and cute hats will be my new style!

We came home to beautiful cards on the door and 2 little boys who had a pajama day! Thank you Zizi for making this day easier for all of us!!!

I am so grateful to have this treatment done! On to the next 5!