Chemo and Ice Cream

Today was the day we started fighting this evil thing called cancer. Russ and I were both nervous this morning. Fortunately, I felt so much better today then I did yesterday. I am much stronger mentally, physically and spiritually and that helped so much.
We met with Dr. Ibrahim first. He did give us one good piece of news. The MRI I had yesterday did not show that cancer was pressing on any nerves that would cause my leg pain. He gave me a prescription for Vicodin (I know what you are all thinking - "Now I know who to call when I need the good stuff"!!) and also suggested I wear support hose. Hmmmmm, that ought to be attractive. But I'll do it if it helps! He then went over some of the details of the chemo.
When I first got into the treatment room the nurse told me Maribeth Spoelstra was going to come see me. She works in the same building and has been a friend for years and years. It was so awesome to see her and she brought me a couple of thoughtful items. It just made me feel calm to see a familiar face. They then proceeded to get my IV going, put saline into me, drug me up on 100mg of Benadryl (they were all amazed that this didn't knock me out) and some anti-nausea drug. Next step - the chemo.
The plan was to first give me Taxil. We were told that it would be administered very slowly at first because some people can have an allergic reaction to it. Well, let me tell you. I am not only one of those people who get an allergic reaction, but I get an extreme, severe allergic reaction after only one minute. My heart started racing so fast, I became light headed and semi-fainted in the chair. Russ told me that they (the nurses and my doctor) were on me so quickly - getting me oxygen, pumping me with drugs to stop the reaction, taking my vitals. I was quite panicky so don't remember much of this. I say this in all seriousness - I thought I was dying, plain and simple. It was the scariest experience I have ever had. Fortunately, from that point on it went uphill. Once they got me stable and regulated they went to plan B for chemo. This new drug they are giving me will be just as effective but I will now have to go in every week rather then just once every three weeks.
I feel so much more hopeful today. I know a lot of that is coming from the wonderful things that peope are emailing me, posting on my facebook, texting and cards and phone calls. I wish I could respond and answer everyone but it just isn't possible. But know that these things are so uplifting to us. One friend posted on my facebook a youtube link to Alan Jackson singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". I've always loved that song and it just felt so beautiful and soothing to hear it. Another posted a link to a blog where the author wrote about remembering that Jesus is right there next to us in the midst of our storms. Jesus said to his disciples who were in the midst of their own storm on Galilee "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith." and then, the best part "Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm." It is really hard for me to not be afraid. But I have to remember that Christ is with me at all times.
One funny thing that made me laugh today. When I was almost finished with the chemo, I texted Kevin and Kyle the same message "I'm kicking cancer's butt right now." Here are their separate responses which both came back immediately. From Kevin - "Go Mom!! How much longer?" From Kyle - "I'm kicking some kids butt in Call of Duty right now." Two kids, same parents, such different responses. And I absolutely love each of the responses - a good laugh and encouragement - just what I needed.
Oh, and why Ice Cream in the title? I read some nutritional pamphlets the nurse gave to me. It said to make sure I eat high calorie snacks and ice cream was one listed. Hey! I have permission. Yummmmmm - mint chocolate chip.