Anne SG and the Big C

Today I had my first chemo treatment. It went, I think, ok. They started by asking me if I’m feeling anxious. In the past I would have shrugged it off and said “of course not.” Today, tears welled up and I sniffled, “uh-huh.” So before I even got my chemo drugs, I got Atavan (for anxiety and nausea), steroids, benadryl, and I think something else. Then the drugs. I am on a lovely cocktail of Taxotere and cyclophosphamide. I got a nice nap out of the deal. My good friend rearranged her life to take me and keep me company. We got our own room, some pretty comfy chairs, and, if we’d needed it, we could have had books, videos, and such to entertain us. I did doze off for a while and when I woke up there was an iced tea, a sandwich, and a brownie that my friend brought me! I am soooo spoiled!

I guess this first time went off pretty well. On another note, I found out that a long term family friend has offered her platelets and if needed, bone marrow, to help me. I certainly felt that an act as selfless as this deserved tears–tears of appreciation. I was, and am stil, so appreciate and touched, and the doctor has assured me that if my platelets drop I can have these particular ones. She also taught me <a href=”“>how to read my blood counts, which is kind of cool.

Tomorrow I go for a PET scan to look for any more tumors lurking out there. Here’s hoping there aren’t any. Then next week I meet with the doctor again, and have genetic counseling. Then hopefully round 2 on March 10 or so. I also go the 4th back to Mayo this time to see the plastic surgeon for a final chek and hopefully, a surgery date.

I got so many texts and emails and calls today wishing me well. Those little kindnesses go a long way to hold me up and carry me through. Another good friend took my girls over to the beach for the day. They were a little worried this morning, wanting to be with me. But when they came home (I so missed them!) they were miserable and wanted to be anywhere BUT home! I just can’t win!!!

I’m thinking also that we need a girls night out soon to see Horton Hears a Who! I loved that book so much when I was little! We watched The Game Plan the other night. It was cute in a predictable way, but Arden was just heartrendingly sobbing part way through. I asked her if she worries about losing me or her dad, and she wouldn’t really say. But she needed some reassurance. I hope she will make through it all okay. She and her sister are both very sensitive and bright children (she said, without any parental bias whatsoever). I just want to work as hard as I can to get her life into some semblance of normalcy soon.

I’m guessing that cute green wig I saw at Target for St. Paddy’s day wouldn’t be seen by her as normal. Still, I’m tempted.