Lessons learned 1st chemo

DF explained all the drugs and side effects in great detail with chemo steps and schedule print-out: check-in, pre-chemo labs, conference with oncologist and chemo at the infusion

station. The rest of it was not that much -- just show up. The doctor made a few specific recommendations like get the ice mittens and booties from Amazon to ward off the numbing side effects and drink plenty of fluids, but that was about it.

Of course doctor Google was our next resort and today we came fully prepared:

• My daughter was my buddy to fawn over me and watch for unforeseen reactions to medications. (Fortunately I had none.)
• Turned out that we should have put the booties/mittens into the freezer the night before, so they were useless for today. Good thing, I didn't have those numbing sensations yet.
• Brought in my laptop to watch movies and downloaded tons of audiobooks (with the nurse running around and taking wasn't able to do much, but it will be useful next time).
• DF provides water and snacks, but we brought lemon/ginger water from home and nuts and pomegranate which was so much better than the sad looking mini egg salad in a plastic cup. I nibbled on a few nuts, but wasn't ravenous (often because the first infusion has a double dose of steroids, people are super hungry).
• We carried everything around in two backpacks -- the next time a small suitcase on wheels would be the right answer.
• My favorite red cashmere shawl made things not only warm and cozy, but also festive and matched some of the crazy xmas vests the nurses were wearing. :)

While I was in chemo, my friend Tamara dropped off bone soup -- returning home and crawling into bed -- it was a godsend! Sipping on this warm broth was so soothing and calming (no nausea yet). Having friends' support circle is INVALUABLE!

Cleaning

Today was a very busy last weekend before the troops are brought onto the field of cancer battle (chemotherapy).

After Max's friend's birthday party at XtremeCraze and fencing tournament (Max got 1st place!!!!), we started cleaning up our bedroom in preparation for chemotherapy patient with the help of my friend Alya. 

So out went all the plants, numerous jewelry boxes, cards/photos and all the other useful stuff that is impossible to live without --- to clear all the surfaces for easy cleaning for the next 6 months. Everything, but the basics are off into a box. Oh how I miss all of it already....

Though who knows, in 6 months I might just throw most of it away.