# 23 CHEMO NURSES AND STAFF, ALL CHEMO TREATMENTS, MY BIRTHDAY!

ON FRIDAY, JULY 22 I STARTED CELEBRATING MY 67TH BIRTHDAY (JULY 23) WITH THE LAST DAY OF CHEMOTHERAPY!

BUT FIRST, 

SUMMARY OF THE THREE DAYS A MONTH OF CHEMO TREATMENTS AFTER RETURNING FROM TRAIL DAYS:

I already wrote briefly about the first month of chemo which fell on the same week as the first week of radiation in April - Post # 12 OKAY, LET'S GET 'ER DONE! But I didn't have the pictures yet of those wonderful nurses that took care of me that first month.

Thank You Megan

Thank You Jodi

Thank You Rita

 And volunteer Tom and his wife Terry who volunteers at the first floor reception desk. Found out while talking with him that he has a bucket list to visit all the National Parks. And his grandchildren love to hike! They both started to volunteer at retirement to stay busy.

Thank You Tom

Thank You Terry

SECOND ROUND OF CHEMO - MAY 2016

This set of chemo was moved from May 18 - 20 back a week to May 25 - 27 because my important blood levels were too low. My white blood count was 2.70. It rose to 3.0 the following week. My magnesium was still a little low at 1.8 and 1.7. Standard is 1.9 - 2.7. I received a new script for magnesium which is extended release. On day 2 I talked to Nurse Megan about the side effect of swelling in my right leg and foot.  She checked for pulse in feet because of potential clots. She couldn't find a pulse manually so she used a portable doppler to check pulse in feet and found a pulse. I received no additional fluids through port but was instructed to increase water intake all day. 

Thank you to my nurses in May - Amanda, Megan, and Rita.

Thank You Amanda

It was an exciting day for Rita because she received a picture text that her 8th grandchild was born. It's a girl - Claire Francis. She bubbled with pride as she showed the picture to all her fellow staff on the floor.

I received a tip from a hiker about quitting smoking - Allen Carr

THIRD ROUND OF CHEMO - JUNE 22 - 24, 2016

This set of chemo resulted in same swelling in my right leg. Nurse Navigator Amy said she knows it is hard for me but I need to try and sit still and elevate my legs! And I was realizing the major fatigue for me except for day 1 of treatment doesn't hit until a week to a week and a half after the set of treatment. 

 

In infusion room

Mobile at chemo center

I had a conversation with Nurse Sherrie about my smoking again and her story made me realize one reason may be that I enjoy smoking. I also told Dr. Veytsman that I was smoking again and she thanked me for my honesty. Apparently not so many patients are honest with their doctors. Don't understand that - how can they help you if they don't know everything! She recommended I use the patch and gum. 

On the second day I decided to leave the needle in the port - seeing if I like it. Didn't!

Thank you to my nurses this round - Sherri and Megan.

Thank You Sherri

ON JULY 13, 2016 DR. VEYTSMAN REVIEWED THE CT OF MY CHEST, ABDOMEN, AND PELVIS WITH CONTRAST.  She asked me how the nicotene program was working for me. I replied it doesn't work at all. She recommended I add the throat spray. She explained that it is not the nicotene that damages my body or conflicts with the treatments but the cigarette smoke I inhale. Nicotene is the addictive product.  She also explained to me how those nicotene products work and drew this chart.

She stated I need all three to get close to the nicotene satisfaction from a cigarette. And it will not work if I am smoking. So, I conclude what will work FOR ME is to quit and then use these products to remain a non-smoker. I have the patches and gum, need to purchase the throat spray.

Thank you to Odie and LNTracy for going with me. I was nervous! Dr Veytsman showed me the scan. I couldn't see the differential she was saying but basically I still have a little cancer but it is on the run!

 

FINAL ROUND OF CHEMO - JULY 20 - 22, 2016

This set of chemo I had swelling in my right leg immediately after treatment but elevated my legs ALOT all three days which resulted in no more swelling. Yahoo! Thank you to my nurses this round - Megan, Jodi, and Susan.

Thank You Susan

And Thank You to volunteer Brooke. She volunteers because she is a nursing student and her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last August in her 30's.

Thank You Brooke

 

BIG THANK YOU TO THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT INFUSION SPECIALIST AND THE RECEPTION AREA STAFF WHO ARE ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND SMILING.

Thank You Receptionist Dianna

Thank You Candace

Thank You Deanna

Thank You Medical Assistant Michelle

 

BLOOD TEST RESULTS SUMMARY 

GROUP PHOTO ON MY LAST DAY OF CHEMO. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR CANCER PATIENTS. AMAZING!