Recollections on Chemotherapy

In theory, this post, though way over-due, should be easy, in that pretty much all my memories of this past week are pretty hazy. Though I have not been sick per se, the anti-nausea drugs have pretty much knocked me out, and my memories are a bit patchy and vague.

But, here goes, to at least pass out some thanks:

Thanks, to Mark's Aunt Glad, who stayed with me before and after my port was put in. Her job was not high and lofty, though I wish it could have been. I got my usual pre-surgerical nausea, and after the procedure it was worse. She was a trooper, claiming she did NOT have a queasy stomach and came and repeatedly patted my back everytime I was ill. True servanthood. She also prayed over me at least twice. Everyone needs an Aunt Glad.

Regardig the port: I was not, and I repeat NOT, put out. This is not a fact that makes me happy. The whole ordeal was one of nausea, having my head under a tent, and carrying on a three-way conversation between the doctor, the resident he was training and my self. Somewhere in there, the doctor shared his child is also involved with ECI. We are both in agreement its a great program. No telling what the resident learned during the procedure, except that maybe some patients would be best put TO SLEEP!!

Because I got so ill, my chemo was delayed a day. They sent me home in my hospital gown, which I dutifully tried to return the next day. Ever try to hand off a used hospital gown to hospital personnell?!!! Those not equipped with rubber gloves? Pretty funny! But one brave soul finally risked life and limb to take it off my hands. Wonder just how much I saved Baylor medical by returning it?

I was told the chemo would be a 4-5 hour infusion. It took probably less than 2. I will inquire again with my excellent clarificaton skills when I talk with the doctor again.

I never did get sick from the chemo, though I have come close a couple of times. It is pretty foggy, since all the drugs knocked me out. So, rather than wondering if I can be "so sick" and I am wondering if I can, indeed, sleep 3-4 days every other week.

Further thanks and a prayer request: Mark's cousin, Barb, was to stay with me the day after my treatment. Her daughters were going to assist as well with the girls. Barb's dad had a sudden, massive heart attack. As of this writing, I do not know if he is still living. I do know they have been facing serious life-support issues. Please pray for them. In light of all that, Mark's brother, John, took a couple hours off of work two days in a row to come to my rescue (while Mark was at a conference.) The first day Ellabeth was napping and Annaleigh was staying at my side watching PBS. I remember his arrival with great relief! He also stayed with me one afternoon while Mark took the girls out, but I did not know that til later.

So, how to do I feel? Tired. And like something really harsh is on my stomach. Not exactly nauseated, but whatever is sitting there doesn't feel like it belongs. And sleepy. Did I mentioned sleepy?

My favorite memories of this past week....listening to Mark truly enjoying the girls; resting in bed and realizing I was truly, PEACEFULLY, resting--thanks Lord for granting that and for those who prayed for that; and for resting on the couch with my two little girls falling asleep with me. One night, just Annaleigh, and the other night both of them, and Annaleigh climbed to the floor and slept by my side. Sweetness and blessing to me!