Many people have asked questions about the timing of my chemo schedule and testing (thanks for caring and being interested!). So, I thought I’d lay it out for you to show you exactly what the plan is. May I diverge for a minute? Speaking of schedules (and schedule-keeping), I have to confess that the last… Continue reading Brookside Scheduling and Testing
Cancer
Brookside Middle-of-the Night Musings
Thanks to Decadron, I am up again in the middle of the night (again) and I thought I’d offload some of the random musings in my nutty-spinning-mushy-feeling brain. As you may recall, Decadron is used: To treat or prevent (potential) allergic reactions to chemotherapy. To treat nausea and vomiting associated with some chemotherapy drugs. To… Continue reading Brookside Middle-of-the Night Musings
Day One Post Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Today, day one post breast cancer chemotherapy, I have to tell you is a tough, tough day. I just feel F-Bomb rotten. Thanks to the Decadron, when I looked in the mirror this morning, my face was so red & flushed that I look like I spent the day on the beach in Boca (in… Continue reading Day One Post Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Dressing for Chemo
Part of my confidence has always come from the way I dress, i.e., the outside working with the inside to produce fortitude, energy and courage. I believe that fashion has a wonderful power to transform the way one sees and presents both your inner and outer self. With that thought in mind, I chose my… Continue reading Dressing for Chemo
Chemotherapy 1st Cycle, Round 2
This morning is a new day. The sun is shining. Time for Chemotherapy 1st Cycle, Round 2. Today is going to be a good day! I just know it… After my trial run yesterday, I woke up feeling so much more calm and confident this morning. Here is how this morning is going…writing to you… Continue reading Chemotherapy 1st Cycle, Round 2
Chemotherapy 1st Cycle, Almost
This morning, I was the first patient this morning at the Santa Barbara Cancer Center. Bright and early. I was nervous, really, really nervous. At the reception desk, I was given a pink questionnaire (at least it’s my favorite color!) asking me about any symptoms I am currently experiencing. Apparently I will have to do this… Continue reading Chemotherapy 1st Cycle, Almost
Chemotherapy and its Side Effects
Tomorrow is the first day of chemotherapy. WTF? Did I really just write that? Really? Seems so surreal. Two messages from friends keep going through my mind: We. Can. Do. This. All you have to do is B R E A T H E. I’ll take the liberty (because I can) of adding: Focus on… Continue reading Chemotherapy and its Side Effects
Pre-Chemotherapy Testing
Chemotherapy begins on Monday, the 27th. 3 days. FFS (For F**k’s Sake). I’m feeling a little anxious. Scared, I’m not. I’m anxious about how my physical body is going to react to the medications. There are several things that I have done this week to prepare for my first dose of chemotherapy: #1. The first… Continue reading Pre-Chemotherapy Testing
Port-A-Cath Insertion: Follow-up
The Port-A-Cath Insertion went very smoothly. A SL to the day! Let’s just say that with some good medication: Fentanyl (a potent narcotic analgesic) and Versed (to cause drowsiness, relieve anxiety, and prevent any memory of the event), we give the Brookside BUZZ a whole new meaning. :–) After the procedure, The Husband even took… Continue reading Port-A-Cath Insertion: Follow-up
Port-A-Cath Insertion
This morning, I am going for my Port-A-Cath insertion, which means: Commencement of phase two in the FBC fight. What is a Port-A-Cath? As you may recall from a previous post, a Port-A-Cath is a device that facilitates the administration of chemotherapy into the venous system (i.e., into my veins). It is a fabulous gadget that… Continue reading Port-A-Cath Insertion