FEC Day 1
Things started rolling around 7:30 p.m. tonight. To kick off this evening’s FEC (Fluorouracil, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide) treatment, I started with Ativan – taken orally. This was given to help me relax and is especially helpful in calming those who become anxious about possible nausea from chemo drugs. I actually wasn’t feeling anxious about potential nausea, but given that I don’t know what will actually happen tonight, I didn’t resist. I admit, I’m yawning periodically, but I’m more inclined to believe that this is due to coming down after a very busy week at work rather than feeling tired from the drug.
Twenty milligrams of Dexamethasone finished dripping around an hour or so ago (7:45), and the Zofran drip finished emptying into my system around 8:05 p.m. Zofran will help ward off possible nausea and vomiting, and will be something I take regularly for the first couple days after chemo, too.
After the Zofran, I proceeded to the wait-30-minutes-just-to-be-sure-there-are-no-allergic-reactions phase. I made it through that, so the F part of FEC began and within 15 minutes had finished. I did get a cup of ice during this part of treatment. Supposedly eating ice cubes prevents mouth sores. I’m trying, but am not being too successful making much of a dent in the ice. It’s cold in here, so I’m not all that interested. Where’s a hot flash when you need one?!
My nurse just popped in to flush my line and start the E. Epirubicin is the color of cherry Koolaid. When Mom and I were talking earlier, I groaned to her about the 20 mg of steroids they were giving to me, sure that I would double or triple in size. When I explained that one of the drugs I was getting was Koolaid red, images of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came to our minds, but instead of me blowing up into a blueberry like Violet Beauregarde did after eating the not-quite-perfected three-meal gum, I would instead blow up into a giant red raspberry after having 20 mg of dexamethasone and 935 mg of epirubicin!
So as of right now, I’m feeling fine. I haven’t noticed anything remarkable. I assume this will be the way things go tonight. In a couple of minutes, the C (cyclophosphamide) will start on its way to my port-a-cath. Looks like we might make it out of here by 10:00 p.m. Nat has wondered a couple of times where we should go for dinner after we’re done tonight, but because I’m getting kind of full with all the liquids I’ve “consumed” tonight, I will likely decline anything much to eat. Although, he may be able to twist my arm by dangling Ben & Jerry’s Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Lighten Up ice cream in front of me.
I’ll let you know how I’m feeling tomorrow. Love, Lisa
-MESSAGES-
Thinking of You What an evening you have had. I hope you sleep comfortably tonight, and it is my prayer that you will have minimal negative side effects from all you have been through this evening. You are an incredible, inspirational woman. I am so proud of you. Other than your scarves, no one would ever believe what all you have been going through. Take some comfort in knowing so many people are continuing to cheer for you all the way to the finish line. Much love, C.
One down and the last one will be here before you know it! Okay. I'm reading your update with crossed eyes...too many schedules!!! I had to chuckle when I saw that you wanted some sort of ice cream with raspberries in it. It tickled my funny bone since you have to take some sort of raspberry looking chemo drug! Everything’s coming up raspberries!!!! We've been mena and pause so far. Maybe now we can switch it to rasp and berry!!!! Oh, I just noticed...I used the !!!!! just for you!!!!!! (I'm feeling a bit punchy after 11 hours of working on schedules today.) I just got home (10:00 p.m.) and I'm hoping that you and Nat are leaving MDA as I write this! Happy thoughts!!!! million hugs, m.