Four Down, Two to Go

Yup, four down, two more chemos to go. Today's the start of the second phase of my chemo.

Last night I took 2 pills of dexamathasone, a prerequisite for the second phase. This morning, I had to take two additional pills of dexamathasone, 1 pill of anzemet, and another pill for anti-nausea. If I forgot to take these medications the doctor will postpone my chemo. But I didn't so I had the chemo this morning shortly after 9:00 a.m.

I was given the usual saline, dexamathasone, and another anti-nausea medication. Taxotere was also given to me, a new chemo med that I have to endure during the second phase. All these medications were given through an IV and lasted two and a half hours. The chemo went fine and unlike the first three cycles, I didn't feel any pins/needles on my head and nausea wasn't present. Thank goodness.

Before they injected Taxotere into my bloodstream, the nurse provide two ice packs and placed them on both my wrists where my pulse/heartbeat are located. The nurse informed me that Taxotere will make my nails turn black. The ice packs will prevent the nails from changing its colour. That was a bit uncomfortable because they were cold but painless.

Well it's only been two hours since my chemo and so far I'm ok. I was able to eat a little bit. It might be a different story tonight or the next few days.

My next chemo has been postponed by one day. The original schedule was April 13, but the oncology clinic will be closed for the easter holidays. So my next chemo is April 14th. It will be a long day because the blood tests, the doctor's appointment and the chemo will all be done in one day. But as the saying goes, we'll take it one day at a time. At least we're four down, two more to go. :)