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Email Diary

March 23, 2000 - Recovering

Click here for more information on breast cancer drugs.

Hi, all! And thanks for those continued prayers and encouraging words!

Am recovering wonderfully from the hysterectomy - continue to get stronger each day, although I've been fully mobile since a week after the surgery.

This week has been event full! Monday was my first dose of chemotherapy. My friend, Pam Burks, who went through all of this last year, flew in from New York to be with me and to take care of me if I needed it. We headed off to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center around 1:00 PM for an afternoon of "hurry up and wait!" The first stop was the lab - to get blood drawn to see how my blood cells are doing. I am so thankful for the portacath in my upper chest - it makes blood tests quick and painless. Next stop was the oncologist's office, so we dashed from the first floor to the fourth floor. Saw the doctor who explained what was going to happen and the sequence of events for the next few months (week one, chemo and blood test; week two, blood test; week three, blood test and doctor; week four, chemo and blood test). This sequence will go on until mid August.

While we were waiting at the doctor's, my friend, Robbie Ford, stopped by to visit and brought me a glorious multi-colored butterfly balloon. We were the envy of every one in the waiting room! After seeing the doctor, the three of us (and the balloon) hurried down to the chemo lab on the first floor where we again waited. Finally at about 3:50 PM, we were allowed into the chemo room. Picture an "L" shaped room with recliners on all the walls with IV stands behind them. There's a TV on the wall in one area and a nurses' stand at the corner of the "L." Not very warm and comfy, but certainly efficient. Because we were starting so late in the afternoon, there were not too many patients in the lab. That was good, because although Robbie had to leave us, two other friends, Sheila and Robin dropped by. So we chatted and enjoyed the hour and forty minutes it took. They gave us soft drinks and a blanket for the chill.

The chemo itself was uneventful. After I'd had the blood test, they left the needle in the cath so that the chemo nurses could hook me up easily. They first dripped some hydrating solution and some anti emetics through the IV, then both chemo drugs. The first four times I'm getting a combination of Adriamycin and Cytoxin. The last four I'll be getting Taxol. I could feel nothing - no pain, no cool liquid dripping in - nothing at all.

When it was over, they unhooked me - felt wonderful, so I drove home. The only thing I noticed was a little pressure behind the bridge of my nose. I didn't smell any chemicals or have a metallic taste in my mouth - both things which I'd been told might occur.

The best part is - I did not get sick at all! There was absolutely NO nausea at any time. I have been thirsty and drinking oodles of water and juices (needed to help flush the chemicals through my system) and have not been hungry. I am forcing myself to eat (what a change! :-) ), which is good for my goal of losing weight in a healthy fashion through all this.

Thursday I got my braces tightened for the first time - that, too, was relatively painless. I'd figured I might as well do it all at once!

So I'm feeling well and frisky and wonderfully loved and cared for and prayed for. I get tired more easily than before this all started, but then chemo, braces and two major surgeries in two months should be tiring!

Thanks so much for keeping on with me. I do so much appreciate it and each and every one of you!

Hugs!

Deb

Click here for more information on breast cancer drugs.

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© 2007 Deb Haggerty [ logo by iid ] [ site by blukid ]
           
Sometimes the urge to do something overwhelmingly fun and unexpected just seizes hold of Deb. Here she is at a party, planting a kiss on the cheek of surprised waiter who had complimented her just seconds before. This is Deb with Bonnie Ross Parker. Deb and Bonnie originally met online and quickly became good friends. She an example of the people, all over the country, who took on breast cancer walks and supported Deb in many ways. This is Deb with two good friends, Eva Marie Everson and Linda Evans Shepherd.