treatment #2

30 January, Friday

Rosalie joined Wanda and I for my second treatment. I am really glad she came along. I hope that by being with me, Rosalie saw that chemo is not such a scary thing. Margie was very patient and kind, explaining to Rosalie how the needle went in, how the IV is started, and that it hurt as much as a bee sting (much less than that, in my opinion - I hate bee stings!). Certainly, if nothing else, Rosalie brightened up the place. She can always make people smile. She saw that the treatment room was full of regular looking people, all passing their time in different ways. Some people had visitors, some read,and some watched a movie. We chose to play a game, while we waited for the medicine to drip. Rosalie came out the champion land owner in Settlers of Catan. We had a good time.

Rosalie and I, getting comfy

Margie, explaining to Rosalie how the IV would go in Mommy


Getting ready for Mom's turn. It's not so bad, honey, really.

The first day went remarkably well - much better than the last time, thanks to some very expensive anti-nausea meds (aprepitant). I took a capsule in the morning before treatment began, then one capsule on days 2 and 3. It's amazing the difference those little things made. They made my weekend quite bearable. I was able to attend Lucas' skating competition in Campbell River that evening, which I had been all psyched up to miss). Yeah! Below is a picture of Lucas and Linda, who joined us at the rink. It was wonderful to get in a visit - it's such a long time until camping season starts!

31 January, Saturday

I am still feeling great on Saturday. We went to the airport to pick up our new student, another piano-playing Lucas. This young man is from São Paulo, Brazil. He is very nice, soft-spoken and artistic. I am sure he will be a good addition to our family.

All day Saturday I feel good - so good I forgot to take all my anti-nausea pills. Big oops. By 10:00 pm, I start to feel yucky, remember that I haven't taken all the pills, and by then, it's too late. Once that feeling sets in, it's hard to get control again.

1 February, Sunday

I really don't feel well on Sunday, but still nothing like I felt after the last treatment. I missed Victoria's soccer game, but did manage to take Bruno to the airport for his flight home. We will miss that fun-loving boy.

2 February, Monday

Norm had the day off - what a treat! We took one look at the kitchen counter and knew what we had to accomplish that day - return all the casserole dishes, cake pans, slow cookers, cookie tins and pots! What a task, but it was worth it. On Thursday, Suzanne brought us over a spicy pulled-beef and buns - so delicious, with a bit of kick. Friday, we were at the competition, so had dinner out. Saturday, Trish and Todd brought us over an entire meal of yummy meatballs and pasta, salad and cookies. That was very tasty, and just the right amount for 9 people! On Sunday, Joanne took Rosalie for the day and had time to make us a delicious blackberry cake. Hmmh- I can't wait to make that myself. Thank you everyone.

I still didn't feel that great, and kept falling asleep in the van between errands, but at least I was out and not laying in bed.

Oh no, one more dish to return - we ate Wanda's Shepherd's Pie that night. It was so good - the best Shepheard's Pie I have ever eaten. (I hope you don't read this, Norm).

3 February, Tuesday

I noticed some swelling in my ankles, a side effect from the fluoroucil I guess. I felt generally crummy. My stomach hurt and I was just not myself. By the evening, the swelling had moved up my legs and my mid-section. Luckily I did not have to cook again! Claire came over with a dish called Solyanka that was extremely good. It was made with potatoes, carrots, cabbage, caraway seeds and cottage cheese. Claire threw in some slices of ham sausage, though the dish is supposed to be vegetarian, and yes, my kids ate it. They loved it and not even a blink of an eye at the seeds! I will post that recipe for sure.

4 February, Wedneseday

Well, the flood gates must have opened during the night because I got up nine times to use the bathroom. That is more than once an hour if you care to calculate it. Needless to say, I was kind of pooped on Wednesday, but my ankles were not quite as swollen as they were before.

I took Wanda out for her birthday lunch. She turned @( on Saturday. We went to Gina's Mexican cafe and I had a shrimp enchilada and some of Wanda's lunch, too. After lunch, we enjoyed a nice walk downtown in the sun. It was a balmy 9°C here in Nanaimo. Is spring here already? I hope so.

I started to feel much better Wednesday, basically back to normal. I made a lovely beef stew with rosemary, thyme, green peppers, and bacon. The family thought it was great. Lucas came home from skating famished, took the lid off the post and said, "Wow, this smells great Mom. Who made it for us?" Yeah - I do know how to cook, but apparently they forgot!

5 February, Thursday

The sun is still shining and the day is looking promising. The dog needs a walk and that is a good thing.

Don't forget to send me your photos and recipes. I know I have more than 8 friends out there.