Sorry to keep you waiting, it has been a very tiring week for me but round 1 is done and will be getting the second round this Tuesday!
Last Monday they put the port in, which the roughest part about that is I had to go in early with no eating or drinking. This meant no pain meds as I do not tolerate pain meds on an empty stomach very well. I was there by 8am and the surgery was scheduled for 9:30am but it was more like 10:30am by the time they were ready for me. Poor hubby was giving non stop back rubs as the gurney I was on was not comfy at all! But once they knocked me out for surgery I woke up feeling pretty darn good!.
Tuesday I went in for chemo , something they usually give you a week to heal from the port getting put in, but in my case was given a day. This was the worse thing about chemo, it was very tender and swollen and sore, I felt like I had been tackled by a whole football team. To pierce my skin to gain access to the port, was horrid and she missed the first time! I actually had to ask hubby for his hand so I did not hit this poor nurse.
The second try with the needle went much more easy and not near the pain and once it was in it was clear sailing! We were hooked up to the IVs for about 3 1/2 hours and everything went just fine. When all this was done, they squeezed in a brain scan, so it made for an 8 hour day at the hospital. Afterwards though I felt better than I had in the last 2 months, it felt pretty good!
The rest of the week, I seemed to struggle with fatigue and severe constipation, a nice side effect of pain meds. Oh yes, I am doing everything possible that I should be doing, but nothing seemed to help this week. I finally got the bowels moving though and by this morning am feeling pretty good again. But for a few days , it sure exhausted me and I was sleeping a lot more than normal, even took a nap which I never do!
So all in all it went as smooth as it could have and pretty much everything that happened is to be expected. I know people have been worried about me as I do not always post as much as I should, but it do not get on the computer when I am too tired or in any pain so will update as I am able to.
I appreciate all the prayers and positive thoughts everyone is sending our way :)
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Last Monday they put the port in, which the roughest part about that is I had to go in early with no eating or drinking. This meant no pain meds as I do not tolerate pain meds on an empty stomach very well. I was there by 8am and the surgery was scheduled for 9:30am but it was more like 10:30am by the time they were ready for me. Poor hubby was giving non stop back rubs as the gurney I was on was not comfy at all! But once they knocked me out for surgery I woke up feeling pretty darn good!.
Tuesday I went in for chemo , something they usually give you a week to heal from the port getting put in, but in my case was given a day. This was the worse thing about chemo, it was very tender and swollen and sore, I felt like I had been tackled by a whole football team. To pierce my skin to gain access to the port, was horrid and she missed the first time! I actually had to ask hubby for his hand so I did not hit this poor nurse.
The second try with the needle went much more easy and not near the pain and once it was in it was clear sailing! We were hooked up to the IVs for about 3 1/2 hours and everything went just fine. When all this was done, they squeezed in a brain scan, so it made for an 8 hour day at the hospital. Afterwards though I felt better than I had in the last 2 months, it felt pretty good!
The rest of the week, I seemed to struggle with fatigue and severe constipation, a nice side effect of pain meds. Oh yes, I am doing everything possible that I should be doing, but nothing seemed to help this week. I finally got the bowels moving though and by this morning am feeling pretty good again. But for a few days , it sure exhausted me and I was sleeping a lot more than normal, even took a nap which I never do!
So all in all it went as smooth as it could have and pretty much everything that happened is to be expected. I know people have been worried about me as I do not always post as much as I should, but it do not get on the computer when I am too tired or in any pain so will update as I am able to.
I appreciate all the prayers and positive thoughts everyone is sending our way :)
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Hi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the first week is now behind you. And now you know what to expect for this next week, at least. Sleeping is the body's healing time, so nap away!
I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.
I confess - I was worried.
ReplyDeleteRequest EMLA cream to the port site. It will numb the skin for needle insertion. I don't think there are any contraindications to it. Ask Though. I think it needs 30-60 minutes to work.
Get Glycerine Suppositories to assist with the plumbing for use if everything else fails.
Sheila - Escanaba
You have permission to take a nap every day, or to sleep All Day. Hope things go better tomorrow. Miralax is a good laxative. I think you might need a prescription. Nothing wrong with using a Fleet's enema if you have to. They have kid's sizes if you just need a little help. Prunes help. We are all thinking about you. Don't worry about us. fondly, Ann
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Round 1 is done!! Now, you know what to expect going forward. That would put my mind at rest a little, just the knowing. Secondly, I agree wholeheartedly with Lili above. Please get *plenty* of rest, naps, etc., whatever your body needs. I'm sure it's an adjustment, but your family will learn to fend more for themselves until you're feeling better. You must take care of yourself first, and help them as you're able. Take care, Carrie, and know that many of us are thinking of you and praying for you! God bless, sweetie!!
ReplyDelete