One week down; four to go

Monday wasn't too bad, little queasy following treatment. Treatment consisted of laying in my custom "cradle", arms over my head and going into a CT type machine for 10 minutes. All together it took about 30 minutes because they do two scans everyday to make sure they are targeting the precise area of intent. Tuesday, treatment same as Monday followed by a visit with Dr. Stevens. During the appointment he informed me that I have small lungs and will probably be looking at closer to 80% loss of lung function in the left lung. He recommended that I consider taking an Amifostine injection everyday prior to treatment. It is actually two injections in the belly because they can only give 1.5CC at a time. Anyway, this drug is supposed to strenghten the good cells and weaken the bad cells. He said it could reduce lung loss by 5 to 10 % "if I can tolerate them". Well, it does not come without its own side effects. Primarily nausea and vomiting. He gave me a prescription for phenergan and said we would start on Wednesday. Pre-medicated with the phenergan and Benedryl prior to appointment. Benedryl was supposed to reduce possibility of allergic reaction to injection. I was so cold sitting in the waiting room I was shivering. I thought it was just cold. Now I think not...I believe it was the Benedryl. I remember that I reacted the same when I was getting chemo and was pre-medicated with Benedryl. Anyway, shots were not too bad, the tech Paul and his nurse Mary were exceptional. Got my treatment, took three warm blankets to stop the shivering. When I cme home I went to bed immediately, I had ridiculous restless feet/leg going on but went to sleep and slept for 5 hours. Felt like crap when I got up, nausea and vomiting, but not too bad. Thursday I decided I would not take the Benedryl and when I got to the room for my shot I did not have to tell them how rough it had been. One look and they knew. Paul called another Dr. as mine was unavailable and he came and talked to me. He decided to change my medicine to Compazine and Zofran, taken together. I got sick before and after the injection/treatment and came home and crashed again. It was BAD! Friday I took the combo, got my injection, radiation treatment, came home and slept. Tiny bit of nausea no vomiting. And I had an appetite. That was also an issue for the first four days.

Saturday I had a conversation with Sears regarding my washer that had been in the process of repair for three weeks and somehow convinced them that this was unacceptable and got a replacement allowance of $925 for a new washer. Off to Sears to shop for a new shiny LG Wave washer in Graphite. My son went with me, that was a treat in itself. Then an unexpected invitation to visit with some of my dearest friends last night at an impromptu gathering was delightful! Today, laundry at my mother-in-laws, as new washer (and dryer) are not coming until next Saturday. Watered some plants, vacumed, bathed the Yorkies and lined up a friend to tile my laundry room before Saturday. An exceptional end to an otherwise yucky week!!! Don't know what to expect in the weeks ahead, I am sure I will feel progressively compromised as I move forward. But for the moment...I am thankful for feeling good and will keep on trucking!!!
Love all of y'all. Hope you have an exceptional week!!!
Joanne