CHEMO 3!!

This post is a bit delayed.. Chemo 3 was on April 28th.  I have been spending days since resting and trying to find energy to so something productive but it hasn't happened.  Before my chemo appointment, I had a appointment scheduled with Dr. Marks.  I went to the Hillman, got my port accessed, got blood drawn, and went to the exam room.  Dr. Marks was in a meeting so we met with his PA and was told he would visit me sometime during my fun 4 hours of chemo.  During the appointment we discussed any side efftects I've been experiencing and how I felt after the first cycle of treatments! (woo one cycle down, six to go!!-- a cycle is 28 days.. I get chemo every 2 weeks, so 2 treatments equals one cycle.)  We then scheduled my next two upcoming treatments, another Dr. Marks appointment after another cycle, and my first PET/CT since treatments have started!! My 4th treatment is 5/12, I'm getting my PET/CT 5/21, A Dr. Marks appointment with results of the PET/CT and 5th treatment 5/26. After scheduling we went towards the treatment area, and got started!

After my premeds were started, I got the results of my blood that was drawn and it indicated my neutrophils are down lower since last treatment and are now 0.8, moderate neutropenia  (a level of 0.5 indicates severe neutropenia).  The neutrophils indicate risk for infection and ability to fight off bacteria. Dr. Marks was concerned with the dropping levels and prescribed prophylaxis Ciprofloxicin 500mg BID X14D and instructed me to DC the Cipro if my blood levels rise upon my appointment for blood work tomorrow.  Dr. Marks stated while these are risky levels for infection, he is going to continue treatment at high doses even if my levels were to drop to zero.  He continually says that keeping treatments scheduled at the recommended doses is the main focus in curing me of cancer.  While the Cipro is protective for me, I am told to be cautious around large groups of people, I am following a neutropenic diet, and avoiding anybody with even a slight tickle in their throat.  I'm hoping my blood levels will go up so I can return to some normalcy in the next week.  During the first two treatments I would be down for the first 2 days with nausea, tiredness, constipation, and dry mouth, start to feel some better the third day, get down on energy again the fourth day, then feel better each day up until the next treatment.  I would love it if my blood levels would go up so this next upcoming week I can focus on getting out and about and preparing myself for my 4th treatment.  I'm starting to get into a bit of a routine with all of this.. not a fun nor desirable routine, but I am starting to learn my limitations and capabilities between treatments.

Making a sad face because my neutrophils are low.. pictured with my Cipro RX and neutrophil levels.  (and trying not to laugh because if you know me at all I can't keep serious for very long)


After speaking with Dr. Marks, we got the treatment on its way.. each time it gets easier, because I know exactly what to expect.  Tiredness from the benadyl premeds, red urine from the adriamycin, frequent urination from all of the fluids they're pumping into me, and an awful taste when pushing the vinblastine through my line.  It's a fun 4 hours.  But this treatment it was even more fun-- THE STEELERS VISITED THE HILLMAN!!  That's right, as I was finishing my last med, my nurse told me that 3 of the Steelers were coming to visit patients and if we wanted to wait around a bit, we could meet them!  Well OF COURSE I wanted to stay.. so we did.  We waited quite a bit, but it didn't matter to me because I was going to sit there or sit at home either way.  While waiting, we joked with the nurses that it's probably Big Ben coming to serve his community service! haha After awhile, in walks Justin Hartwig, Trai Essex, and Sean McHugh!!  I swear, one of them equals 3 of me in size.  They were HUGE!! But they were soo nice and each signed a team photo for me!  Pretty cool and a nice pick-me-up after chemo!  I had to sign a release form that I could have my picture and video taken my UPMC.. so look for me in an upcoming commercial! haha who knows if they'll use any of it!

                                         STEELERS AT THE HILLMAN!!!


Well I'm feeling some better today with some energy.. hopefully tomorrow's blood test will go well and I won't have to be super concerned with making sure I have hand sanitizer globbed in my hands every 5 seconds! 3 TREATMENTS DOWN, 9 TO GO!!