Saturday, March 22, 2008

I'm actually getting chemo!!

I can't believe that I now have chemotherapy in my body. I give it 5 days a week to other people, but never really thought about getting it. The experience actually was a pleasant one, as far as the atmosphere. God, of course, wrapped me in a hug and gave me peace, but I had great friends around too. We worked a half day for Good Friday and I started my treatment after work with just a few patients finishing up. My patients, by the way, are amazing, encouraging, and wonderful in every way. I got a lot of hugs. My coworkers gathered around right before my infusion and blessed me with anointing oil (never had that done before) and prayed for me. It was a very generous and touching gesture of friendship and love. One of the doctors I work for came in for part of the infusion, because he thought I "might want someone to hold my hand", which he did personally. Well, so far so good, and I'm praying it'll continue like this. I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, and had to take a long nap yesterday. But besides the fatigue (reminds me of my beginning pregnancy fatigue), I'm doing well. Thank you for your prayers and love, I know that's what is keeping me so upbeat. God is blessing me every moment.
Just to cover "the plan", for anyone who might be wondering. I will get four treatments of this chemo. I get two drugs, Adriamycin and Cytoxan, along with anti nausea medication. I'll get these drugs every three weeks. If I stay on time, which I should, then I'll have approximately 5 weeks after my last treatment before baby's due date of 6/21. He might come early though. This is the chemo that has been tested safe for baby, but they have seen preterm labor and/or smaller birth weight (what was the downside to that again?!?) So he may not wait the whole 5 weeks to be on time. Oh well, I should still have a little time to renew my immune system before he comes, even if he is a couple weeks early. Then after I recoup from giving birth, (no idea how long that will be) I'll start two different chemo drugs, Taxotere and either Carboplatin or Cisplatin. I'll get four treatments with those and then I'll get 6 weeks of radiation, most likely once a day/5 days a week. So, now you know, whether or not you wanted to :). I plan on a cure. So does my doctor. Now we just have to pray for one. I know that God Almighty is in control. . . .and I'm very content in that knowledge. I love you all.

4 comments:

Burke Smiles said...

Julie,

Go to this site and hit high speed...http://www.craigmorgan.com/?em1948=159969_-1__0_~0_-1_3_2008_0_0&content=videos...now you know how I feel. Keep standing STRONG and hanging TOUGH. You are amazing to me. I love you!

Bill

Kristen said...

Julie-
I just read your blog for the first time. (I didn't realize you had one before). Thank you for all the details and for keeping us up to date with your journey. Soon this will be a thing of the past, and you can share your experiences with those that you help.
Lots of prego love!
Kristen

Anonymous said...

Julie!! It's Lauressa from Onc inpatient!! You are amazing, girl! Your upbeat, positive attitude and big smiles will get you through this. You are absolutely beautiful with your baby bump and I love your perfectly coiffed wig.

You are going to be a wonderful mommy to baby Burke. I have 2 sons now and just love them to bits. I'm thrilled to hear you are also having a BOY!

God bless you, hubby, and baby. We all love you and know that you will beat this cancer's booty! :)

-Lauressa Ditson

Will we see you for inpatient chemo or is it all outpatient?

Unknown said...

My dearest Julie...

Yeah a baby. I had heard you were pregnant... I ask Dr. B about you all the time because I know how much you love it over there. Well I am deeply sorry about all this bad news... Who would have thought. Well with your great faith in the lord above you will sail smoothly through this little bump in the road. I am now a Respiratory Therapist at the hospital so move on up... Well please let me kmow if I can do anything (even clean your house) to help

God Bless you and Much love and prayers..

Mandy