A Half A Bubble Off

Drip, drip, drip. One drop of chemo medication at a time. It went quickly - only three hours.

I only got a couple hours sleep before going in this morning. I fell asleep before 4:00 am but woke up when Jim got up at 6:00 am. It gave me the chance to read my Bible and complete a Bible study I have been working on for four months. I thought it was fitting that I finished it today - tomorrow is a new day. I was tired but I wasn't feeling too nervous. The facility was very nice and the nurses were wonderful. I don't think I mentioned that our old neighbor Edna works in the office (she was very influential in getting my appointment with Dr. R). She took the time to come in and pray with me after I was all hooked up.

The nurses waisted no time in getting me in a chair and started the process. They used a freezing spray over my port so that I wouldn't feel the poke. It was great. They started running a saline solution first. Then they ran the anti-nausea medicine before running two of the chemo meds. Each one took about an hour. The last one was inserted with a syringe that they pushed manually through the IV tube. The saline finished and then they ran medication into the IV port to prevent clotting in the port.

Jim stayed the first hour and then went to run errands so he could help Matt finish packing for camp. He also was on the mission to get my anti-nausea medicine that I will take Friday and Saturday. We got a call from the pharmacy that the medication was $187.00 and wanted to know if we wanted them to proceed. I said yes because I wanted to take what the doctor thought would work for the nausea. The pharmacy also called the doctor to let them know how much I would have to pay. The doctor's office called the insurance company and the actual manufacturer to see what could be done. Just by chance (I believe God's providence) the pharmacutical rep was planning to be in the office during the time I was to receive the chemo. She presented me with a free trial coupon and had me complete a form so that I could get the rate completely waived for future prescriptions or at least a discounted rate. What I didn't realize was that the $187.00 was only for two pills. Each time I would have had to pay that cost. I was so thankful for all the work they went into to help me with this situation. For the first prescription we didn't have to pay a dime. Thanks Lord!

Kellie stayed with me for the three hours. We brought Katie's Nitendo-DS so we could connect via wireless to play Gin Rummy and Backgammon. The coolest thing was that we were able to send chat messages to each other. We were being very silly and giggling away. The nurses had never seen anyone else do this. It made the time fly by. We were trying to maintain ourselves so we wouldn't disturb any one else. Kel went and got us ice teas and I brought snacks. I think the chemo nurses enjoyed having Kellie there. They gave her a bag with some fun goodies in it for me. A great cook book, blanket, and other goodies. Before we knew it - it was time to go.

I wasn't feeling tired but my eyes were drooping. Very strange. After Kel left I went in to just shut my eyes for awhile. I was given another dose of steroids today and I have to take another does tomorrow. This is supposed to help with nausea. I'm not feeling great. Just a little sick to my stomach. I can't really explain how I'm feeling. It's strange. They told me to stay hydrated because it will help. I feel so bloated. I'm just going to have to take the next days moment by moment.

So, for going to chemo is was a good experience. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I pray my body responds positively to the anti-nausea meds. I really can't do anything more than rest. I'm just tired. I think just because of lack of sleep. Jim is being a great nurse. I'm so thankful for his love and compassion.

Please pray for good rest and a strong stomach. As I can, I promise to let you know how I'm doing.

I've received many encouraging cards, emails and written prayers. They have touched me greatly. Yesterday, my friend Deena brought over a book with scriptures she had written out just to encourage me during chemo. This verse is my prayer for the next few days.

Psalm 57:2 - Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.

P.S. When I read this back I couldn't believe how many errors there were. I'm still not sure I caught them all. Please excuse any mistakes. I'm just not 100%.