Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2 down

Well 2 treatments down, 16 to go.

Yesterday was terrifying. The nurses were great. I had a reaction to the first chemo drug, which is common. They had to give me extra Benedryl and extra steroids. Then they had to drip the chemo slower. It finally worked. What is funny is everyone around me was happily sleeping through their treatments. Me? Apparently, Benedryl makes me a bit wired. As do the steroids. A few hours into it, I was literally doing laps around the nurses station. I'm sure people thought I was crazy and talked about me when I left. Oh well. Looks like I'm totally going to be known as *that lady who walks when she comes.* It was an 8 hour day yesterday. Wowzers.

When I got home I was ready to go! I literally could have cleaned my whole house, visited with friends, watch the Bachelor (guess which one of those I actually did?!) I didn't sleep well last night, some because I was wired, some because I was a bit worried about today and how I would react to the drugs.

We got there bright and early, 8am again today. *Luckily* I was only there 7 hours today. Oye vey! Today they put drugs directly into my abdomen port. They essentially emptied a two liter bottle of pop into my belly. Can you say uncomfortable? But all went well. This is the drug that "will make me feel like I'm on chemo" according to my doctor today. So, we'll see how the next couple of days go.

All in all, I'm glad to have this thing underway. When I look at the bags of chemo hanging on the I.V. cart it scares me. But today I imagined Jesus' hand dripping into my belly and killing all of the cancer cells. That brought me comfort.

So friends, here we go!

14 comments:

Traci said...

E, I cannot read any of your updates without crying. I love you. We're praying for you and Steve and the kids. Huge hugs...

Anonymous said...

I love you sweetie!

kristen said...

you are amazing, Elizabeth...you have handled this bump in the road with such grace and positivity, and you are an inspiration. Please stay strong - you are so right in that He is beside you through it all! You are thought of and prayed for so often!

cindy q said...

Ok, E, I'm imagining the 2 liter bottle of pop being poured into your abdominal cavity and I pictured Orange Crush soda. Was it orange? ;)

jenny from mommin' it up said...

CLEARLY if they emptied a 2-liter into ya it would be Mountain Dew. Because that is the stuff that cures what ails me! And, also gets me a little hyped up. :) So glad you have 2 DOWN! YAY!!! Praying for you constantly, love you bunches! Swoop Jesus Swoop!

Sara@www.tablegrace.net said...

I'm so sorry that you don't get the Benadryl nap! Thinking and praying for you!

victoria said...

So wanting to come and walk with you!!

emme said...

I've been prayin for ya lots E! So glad the first one is over...love you!

jenny said...

Been praying for you a ton the last couple of days! Sorry the first day brought some rough spots....hopefully each time they will now know what works for your body. Praying Jesus carries you through the side effects and that they are easier than you are expecting.

Stacie@HobbitDoor said...

We're praying. Glad to hear you've come up with a good visualization to keep you going. Thanking God for your support system. Praying for strength and peace and healing.

Unknown said...

I'm with you -- Benadryl makes me loopy and wired; didn't sleep a wink when I took it one night for a cold. Never took it again. But, at least you know now a little bit more what to expect. I'm so glad this first treatment is over!! Will be praying for you in these next few days, asking the Lord to bring you through with little or no side effects! Keep us updated as you can. Love you!!

Unknown said...

Isaiah 41:13

I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your hand and says to you, Do not fear. I will help you.

Michelle said...

We love you and are praying!!!! I am trying to give to the site but having some technical problems.....We will continue to pray bunches!!!remember "HE'S" got this!!!!Love, Dan and Michelle

Rachel said...

Counting down with you and praying praying praying with that powerful vision you shared. With love!