Chemo Sucks!!

Hi Everyone!

Well… I am resurfacing today!! Just the anticipation of starting a different kind of chemotherapy last week really had me tied up in knots.

Nicole and I headed down to Tucson at about 6:00 AM last Wednesday to begin my day with an appointment with Dr. Chambers. Dr. Chambers was very pleased with my progress and the results of the surgery! She said the surgery could not have gone better. We then went onto the Central Infusion area for the chemotherapy. The first day of chemo I was given the pre-meds that just played havoc on my system. One drug had me wired and the other drug was trying to put me asleep. The fight within my system lasted about an hour and a half while the chemo was infusing into my system.

After treatment, Nicole and I headed to the Casa Luna. Casa Luna is a wonderful bed and breakfast in Tucson that I feel so fortunate to be able to go to for rest . Nancy, the inn-keeper, is amazing and serves the most fabulous food. The rooms and gardens are so beautiful. We highly recommend Casa Luna to everyone.

On Thursday, Nicole and I headed back to the clinic for another dose of chemo. This time the chemo was infused into an intra-abdominal port that was installed into my abdomin during surgery. The drug literally drains into my abdominal cavity and is then reasorbed by the organs. I felt more pregnant than Nicole! The fullness lasted about 24 hours. This made eating and drinking a bit more difficult. Friday, I headed back to the clinic again for hydration and boy, did I need it! I was really wiped out!!

The staff at the Arizona Cancer Center is amazing and took such great care of us. We were also able to spend some time with our new friends Ardie and Paola!

Saturday, I couldn’t get out of bed which wasn’t too bad because at least I got to see ASU beat Cal!! Go Devils!!! (Manny, what’s the count?)

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, my Royal View neighbors brought over dinner for all of us. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I love having my family around the table and just hearing the chatter, banter and teasing. Thank you all so much. We are spoiled that this generosity continues through the week. Between my neighbors, the Conlins, the Bootzs, the Molinas and Shufeldts, we are one well-fed family! Thank you!

Wednesday, I head back to Tucson for just one day of chemo. Then 2 weeks off!! Yeah!!

Happy Halloween! The girls will be passing out candy at my house tonight for all you trick or treators!

Love you all,

Colleen