Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ferdousi: Chemo #2



Rina and her new, soft blanky...

Friday started with a hitch - I was a little bit nauseous just before breakfast. But I was determined to get chemo done today. So I waited a bit and then slowly ate a whole 3 tablespoons of Cream of Wheat and was able to keep it down - a good sign that the day might go well ! My friend Tara, visiting from San Fran, drove me to the Oncology clinic around 7:45 a.m. I was touch & go in the car. Good thing I had my bag with me, but I didn't need it. Checked in and 30 min later the nurse called me in to take the blood sample. As we walked back to the lab I was concerned that when they accessed the port that it would be painful like last time. I took a deep breath and put it out of my mind - hopefully the local anesthetic that I had applied would help. Luckily Tara and I could get chairs side by side. When they took the blood at the port I felt numb - no pain !

30-40 min later we got the good news - white blood cell count still a bit low, but "close enough" to do chemo. So first came the nausea medicine -3 types (emend, decadron, & axoli) - all delivered intravenously. After a 45 minute wait came the chemo (oxaliplatin 2 hrs). Then the pump was filled with a drug referred to as 5-FU, and was connected to my port. The pump will continue to administer the drug for 46 hours. The pump is the size of a bottle of water and I carry it on my shoulder or on a belt around my waist. It gets in the way, but lets me be at home or go out and about while the chemo treatment continues.



Tara stayed for most of the day and then left to catch her flight home.
Tara - thanks for coming all the way from San Fran. You are an amazing woman. My soft blanky and amazingly soft socks really helped my get through the after affects of chemo #2. Having you here meant a lot - your love, encouragement and support really help.

A friend brought me home around 2:30. I was excited to get home as David & Chuck were coming to help take care of me this weekend.

I love you all !

14 comments:

  1. Really happy to see how well Rina is doing - a little foggy yesterday but today she is great!

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  2. Glad to hear you are getting along well. I can't wait until August when I can come up and visit you! Lisa and I have been praying for you daily, and we both send our love to you.

    - Ken Sodemann

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  3. We'll be seeing you in a few weeks Rina. We all love you girl!

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  4. I'm glad you are doing better ;) See you on skype!

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  5. silvy (Swat's Mom)July 9, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Rina
    I am glad that you are doing so well. My prayer is with you.

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  6. So grateful for these updates. Thanks to the sisters for making it happen so we all can "be" with you from all parts of the country/world. You are loved and supported Bean. look forward to seeing you very soon. Cara

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  7. Ferdousi,
    Paul and I are thinking of you and talking about you daily.... sending our love and prayers, see you in a few weeks.

    Sarah says keep your chin up, she knows how difficult this is...

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  8. Rina, I continue to pray for you every night. You are always on my mind. I hope to come and visit in the very near future. Keep smiling and keep your hopes up! The power of positive thinking is amazing.

    Love you girl.

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  9. Ferdousi, it so great to hear from you and I am vey happy that you are feeling better. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Keep smiling - you look beautiful as always. Jackie

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  10. Ferdousi - You are in our thoughts daily. May our prayers and actions lift your spirits and provide strength and power for your great battle. You are an inspiration to everyone!

    Love you doll!

    Sue, Blake, and Fred

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  11. Love you Rina. I think about you every day. Will talk to you soon my love.

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  12. We are all praying for your recovery. Thank you for all you have done for us, especiallly for our daugters. We will inshallah visit you soon. Miss you so much.

    Love, Jahanara Khala

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  13. Hey rina apu, I miss you so much. Inshallah you will feel better soon. Every day we du'a for you and remember all you have done for us. Thank you for being an awesome sister! :)

    Love, Ismat

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  14. Baba, We know it is tough, bgut your positive attitude will help to get our of this difficult time. We are always praying for you, may Allah remove your pain and suffering. InshaAllah, you will recover soon. We love you.

    Abbu & Ammu

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