What a difference a day makes...Chemo Treatment #3

Chemo treatment #3 was Tuesday 9/27, and I go back today to get the "ball" taken out.  Tuesday night was positively dreadful, with lots of vomiting and sleeplessness, not to mention a bastard of a headache.  That was by far the worst experience so far.  Perhaps it was enhanced by the flu shot they gave me. Whatever the reason, it was awful and made for a long day yesterday for Elaine (again).  Thankfully I slept well last night with no issues (other than the general discomfort of sleeping with a ball of chemo attached with a needle to my porto-cath).  I woke up this morning feeling fairly decent, had some tea and ate some breakfast before 8 am.  I feel like a completely different person so far this morning, in a good way.

The nerve damage/cold sensitivity gets a little worse each treatment.  Metal doorknobs, ceramic cups, glasses, etc. at room temperature (air conditioned) cause pins and needles instantly in my finger tips.  Tile and wood floors do the same to my feet.  This is still only an inconvenience though; it could be much, much worse.  I still have my hair and haven't developed any mouth sores yet, so in that regard I am lucky.

Had a great visit from my mom last week/weekend.  We didn't do all that much but it was wonderful just to spend time together.  The extra hands for Elaine didn't hurt either.  I'm looking forward to a repeat visit asap, as well as a visit from my big brother in the not too distant future. 

And now, for a little humor:

These photos were taken at the beginning of chemo on Tuesday.  The shirt and button cracked up the nursing staff.  They paraded other patients into my room to ogle my twisted sense of humor (Elaine designed the shirt and button, and the whole concept was thought up by my best bud Derek).