The Second Week

Monday September 12th.
I started my first Chemotherapy round today which took 9 hours and totally kicked my ass, which to be honest, I wasn't prepared for.  It was exhausting.  I slept most of the day.  

Tuesday September 13th. 
Today was tough,  the side effects came up fast and furious this morning.   In a quick 5 minutes, I was feeling all of them.  I slept most of the day away to try to stay healthy again.  So much fluid is still on board and diuretics can't be given as frequently as they would like.  So much pressure and pain in this excess 23lbs of fluid retention in my abdomen and legs.  PT starts tomorrow.


Wednesday September 14th. 
More terrible side effects happened today, again they were fierce.  Sweats, nauseousness, vomiting, which then in turn causes pain from the convulsing in my swollen abdomen.  Its quite a cycle.  Switched to oral pain medication, which takes a lot longer to process through my system.   The swelling in my body has finally started to go down in my body.  Lost 3 lbs. of fluid   #winning  Not much change other than I had to get a bunch of Albumin via IV, which makes me extremely frustrated because they have the largest hospital poles here that I've ever seen and the smallest bathrooms.  

Thursday September 15th.
Today was a wonderful change.  I had a wonderful overnight RN, who allowed me to sleep almost all of the overnight which was exactly what I needed.  (Still woke up nauseous and puking again, it comes faster than I can even get the sublingual medication under my tongue) The swelling in my legs has finally started to improve, yet it is a delicate balance between all of the diuretics and the current (double) size of my Spleen and Liver.  My PICC line dressing had to be changed today, which stung and was uncomfortable but necessary.  


I will have to have a port placed after discharge.  YUCK, but it is temporary.  I had a wonderful visit from my amazing Rheumatologist, who I swear, when I was screaming that "something is really wrong with me" he was one of the only ones who was attentive enough to get to the bottom of it.  I have so much respect and appreciation for him, SO VERY MUCH!


PT came again and kicked my A$$ again, but I am HAPPY to report this girl has been SERVED her WALKING PAPERS for TOMORROW.  WOO HOO!  After almost 21 days, THREE DIFFERENT Inpatient Hospital stays in the last month, I am just so grateful to be going home to MY kids who I miss SO much. 

The love and support from "my villiage" is enough to bring me to tears with just the thought of all of you and your continued prayers.  Thank you, I love you all. ❤️  

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