3 Injections to go!

One week left.  Wow!  I am already figuring out how to rebuild my strength with running, biking, swimming and weight workouts.  The real kicker for me would be an Aerobics class.  I couldn't keep up with them even before my treatments!

Today I decided to pay tribute to Traz.  He is typical male - internalizing his feelings.  But, I know he was in tune with what was going on.  He learned to wait on mom a bit and he has shown how helpful he can be.  He is a sensitive, caring person and I have to pat ourselves on the back a bit, for raising him that way.  Don't get me wrong, he still has his teen moments and his struggles socializing.  As far as my treatment is concerned, he gets five stars.  He especially earned them on Monday, July 11th 2011.  I had my first treatment, then later that day, my PICC line "installed".  It was rush hour in Philadelphia and Traz got thrown into driving "feet first".  He had just finished his 6 hours of driving instruction and was on his learner's permit.  He had to do a right merge onto the Schuylkill Expressway and deal with rush hour drivers.  I told him to listen carefully and slam the gas when I said go, or slam the brake if I said stop.  I had to yell stop because an a-hole wouldn't give us a gap to move over.  Traz decided he did not want to drive in the city, EVER.

Peace to you all!

Greta

4 Injections to go!

Soon, I will be back to the house cleaning, laundry, and some limited cooking (Wallace was always the chef in our house.)   I must thank Wallace for carrying the burden of nursing me, meeting Traz's needs, and doing all of the housework.  I think the only "chore" I continued to do was paying the bills and managing the mail.  So, Cheers to Wallace!

I am looking forward to feeling "normal" again....

5 injections to go!

Wow.  I am getting so close to "done".

The picture below shows the rash I get around my injection area.  I am all spotty when I wear a tank dress!

The rash is about the size of the palm of my hand.  When I inject into my leg, it actually is either red or purple.

6 injections to go!

I am getting very excited about this.   Two more weeks and I can start returning to "normal".  Just some body scans in my future.  The picture above is one of my "you know you're old when..." jokes.  You know you are old when your pill organizer is as big as your laptop computer!

The top row is for my daily asprin and an anti-depressant.  The middle two rows are my vitamins and a few supplements that some cancer books suggested I take.  The bottom row is for my evening injections.

I get to put this baby away in a few weeks!

7 injections to go!

Well, I am a little late at posting this blog entry. Here is a little slice of my life:

Three times a week, I go upstairs and set up my syringe needle (for transferring saline into drug vial), small needle (to put on syringe for injection), alcohol wipe, hand sanitizer, benadryl tablet (bright orange one), Compazine (yellow one - for stomach upset) and two Ibuprofen.  The two small glass containers with the yellow lid and green lids are my meds.

8 Injections to Go!

I added up the number of needle "pricks" that I have had throughout this ordeal.  One count put me at 165, and another count, at 175.  This includes blood tests, surgery prep., and any needle entering my body.  Here is a photo of some of my "spent" needles:

I put my needles in a medical sharps box and bring them to the hospital for proper disposal.  It will be exciting to drop off my last box-load!

9 Injections to Go!

Another funny moment:  After my surgery in mid-May last year, the nurse in the recovery room asked what my pain management preference was.  I decided to give Percocet a try.  It was amazing.  Within 15 minutes, my pain went from an "8" to zero.  Really, zero pain.  I was so happy and amazed that I was telling everyone how wonderful the drug was - I thanked the nurse (a few times, I think).  Then, when I was released, Wallace wheeled my down the walk-across that takes patients above the street and into the parking garage.  As I happily chattered away, I noticed my voice kind of echoing.  I was fascinated with the echo and told Wallace to listen.  Then I started to sing a little loudly.  He started chuckling.  He parked my wheelchair and went for the car.  I remember sitting there singing and happy as can be.  (Can you imagine the people who walked by me?)  Yup, a little looney moment......