We arrived at the oncologist office at 1:00 P.M. and were shown to our room. We were given a room with a lovely view of the Reston Town Center. After signing several forms and testing the Mediport, blood was drawn from the Mediport. The blood was then tested for the following three counts:
* White blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells in the blood and are distinct from the red (oxygen-carrying) blood cells known as erythrocytes
* Platelets: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. During normal blood clotting, the platelets clump together (aggregate). Although platelets are often classed as blood cells, they are actually fragments of large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.
* Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell filled with microscopic granules that are little sacs containing enzymes, compounds that digest microorganisms.
The nurse returned with the results of the blood work and presented them to us. All levels were good and we proceeded to the next step.
An IV of Decadron and Aloxi was started to complement the anti-nausea meds taken one hour before arriving for the appointment. This IV took about 15 minutes.
The Adriamycin IV was then started. This took about an hour to complete. Laurie ate fruit popsicles and ice chips while the Adriamycin was administered which is reported to cut down on the likelihood that she will develop mouth sores.
Once the Adriamycin was completed the nurse started the Cytoxan IV which took another hour to complete. The IV access was removed from the port and we were sent home.
Laurie was very comfortable and upbeat throughout the entire process. She did become a little impatient waiting for each medication to finish but my charm and whit was sufficient to help pass the time. I also recognized her need for rest during the procedure and allowed that to happen.
We arrived home around 4:45. Laurie was tired from the treatment and from not sleeping well last night so she took an hour nap. She woke up groggy and I believe the effects of the chemo were beginning to take place. She was not hungry or thirsty but I insisted she drink some water. The kids were brought home by Laurie’s mom and dad around 7:00. Laurie was feeling more “out of it” so she went to bed around 7:45ish. A few minutes later she said she was feeling a little nauseous so she took a Compazine and went to bed. After watching Texas win the Fiesta Bowl I came to bed and she was still sleeping. Around 12:45 she was feeling nauseous again and I gave her Ativan which did the trick. She slept until 8:15 Tuesday morning.
Tomorrow we will see how she feels and allow her to rest and relax. At 4:30 P.M., 24 hours after her chemo treatment finished, I will give her a Neulasta injection. Neulasta is used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infections. Giving her injections is nothing new to me because of all the IVF injections I gave her eight years ago that led to us having Brooke and Ridge.
Laurie is scheduled to go back to the oncologist next Monday, the 12th for a follow-up visit.
Our trust in the Lord has sustained us throughout this process and we continue to look to Him for strength and support. Our faith will see us through this and your prayers are very important to us. Please continue to remember Laurie in your prayers and thoughts as we have now completed the first of many steps toward her recovery.
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14 comments:
Thinking of you all! Rest up Laurie! Great day to stay inside!
Love, Yvonne
Laurie and Forrest,
we are definitely keeping you in our prayers. You are both incredibly organized regarding the meds, treatments, timing, etc. You are an awesome team!
Peg Zumbo
Laurie,
Thanks for creating a blog to keep us informed. It seems they gave you a strong treatment, which you handled well. That's terrific!
Even though I may not post very often, please know you are in my prayers. God bless.
Doug Bush
Laurie and Forrest, you are in our prayers. You are doing all the right things by researching, staying informed and fighting this as a team - but most importantly by remembering the our Lord is with you through this all. He's your coach, cheerleader, mentor, captain, friend, shoulder to cry on and an amazing leaning post! He is the ultimate comforter, healer and friend. We will continue to pray for you on this journey.
Our Love, Tim and Karen Dukes
Laurie and Forrest,
We continue each day to think and pray for all of you, you have amazed us with your beautiful spirit (both of you). Keep your smile and remember just how much you are loved by so many....
The Ossenforts
Dear Laurie....Lifting you,Forrest and the whole family up in prayer daily. I went through breast cancer surgery(stage III) with 11 lmyph nodes and a tumor in each breast. Surgery, chemo, and radiation in 2008 and now hormone therapy for 5-10 yrs.I also acquired lmyphedema in my right arm and hand from having the lmyph nodes removed and required therapy for sometime. I have a few things to pass onto you that I think may help you get through chemo 1) Drink lots of G-2 ( light gatorade with electrolytes) before, during and after chemo. You cannot hydrate enough. 2)old fashioned lemon drops for various tastes that may come and go with chemo. I will be sending you a few others tidbits and names of some books that were a godsend. Remember, you are where you are and going through what you are going through for a reason! You can be victorious,
and you will be with God's help and the help of all of the angels( doctors, nurses, technicians,and the list goes on )that will come into your life as you go from stage to stage of the journey.
Love and stay positive ,
Bonnie Scott
Dear Laurie and Forest,
I am so glad I received your christmas card which allowed me to find out what you are going through. The boys and I pray for you everyday and please definately let us know if you need anything. I know you guys have much faith and I totally believe that our good LORD will hold you tight on HIS arms while you go through your chemo, I pray for you, your family and for wisdome for the doctors who are treating you. May God continue to bless you guys! We love you guys!
In Christ,
Carolina, Philip II and George Hays!
Laurie and Forrest,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers each day!
Gail Heidt
You are all in our continued thoughts and prayers! It sometimes helps to sleep through the entire chemo infusion process since it is usually a very long and anxious filled day. The nurses monitoring Laurie during the infusions can suggest something but Benadryl always did the trick for my mom.
All our best!
Dear Laurie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May all the support given to you by family and friends help keep you strong through all the challenging times.
I don't know you're husband, but from his blog it sounds like you have an excellent partner in all this.
Take care and know we are thinking of you.
Rosie Fernandez-Eubanks
Laurie and Forrest,
I had no idea you were both dealing with all of this until I received your card and letter.
It has been almost exactly one year since a close friend of mine and his wife went through what apparently sounds like the exact same thing. She is doing much better now and I know you will be, too. I'll check in on your blog for updates. Take care.
Trey
trey_lane@bellsouth.net
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you all...you remain in my prayers.
Yvonne
Hi Laurie & Forrest,
Thank you for the updates. You are in the Coleman Family prayers every night. I hope you will let us know if you need anything at all. We would love to be there for you.
-Kim
Laurie and Forrest,
I'm new to visting your blog but not new to joining with you as a prayer warrior as you fight this battle.
I drive through the neighborhood several times a day and each time I pass your home I pause to lift you both up in prayer. Specifically I'm praying for a complete and total healing and restoration, comfort for you and the children, hope...for you to grasp on to Hope and God's promises.
Remember...we serve a Mighty God! He is walking along side you with each step in this journey. Isaiah 41:10 is a favorite verse of mine that reminds us of the strength he provides and that He Will Uphold you with His Righteous Hand.
Thank you for sharing your story via this blog. Your commitment as a couple is hugely evident and a blessing to witness. You seem to be surrounded by an incredibly strong circle of family and friends and of course your faith in Jesus Christ.
For now please now that you are daily lifted up in prayer by our family. Be strong and courageous!
We are with you...in His love,
Robin, George and Olivia Palchus
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