For those just joining in on this blog, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia about a year and a half ago. After watching it over that time, it has become time to start to treat it.
I feel weird doing all of this. I have always been so healthy and it is all new to me. I'm much more comfortable treating patients, not being one. Yesterday I had the surgery to put in the portacath. It is a nifty port they insert under the skin on your chest. It makes access for chemo much easier and blood draws can be made from it too. It requires no special wrapping or bandaging so I can do normal things like swim and shower without worrying. I am still pretty sore from it today. I have very tender skin and just from the tape of the surgery drape, I turned all red but it is better today.
I'm trying to enjoy the last two days of freedom, but I've had a headache since the procedure and just can't get rid of it. Nausea too. Better get used to that!
The chemo will be given at Dr. Te's clinic Mon-Thurs next week for round one. I sure hope he has wi-fi. Day one will be the Rituxan, which he has assured me I will have a reaction to. Everyone does. But they premedicate, and run it slowly to keep it in control. I'll let you know how it goes Monday night (I hope).
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Good luck with your chemo. I'll be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way...
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Stephanie. We have prayed for you daily in our morning and evening prayer for your complete return to your complete normal health. We have also added you to the prayer roll in the temple. This is going to turn out well! It will probably be lots of ups and downs (like a Lagoon ride). But hang on. We will be on the roller coaster with you. We love you dearly.
ReplyDeleteDr. Te was my chemo therapy dr. as well. He knows what he is doing. I will be praying for you and your sweet family. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWe pray all goes well! You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!
ReplyDeleteStephanie. Thanks for sharing the link to your blog so I can follow your progress. I know today will be a tough and scary one for you, but you can do it!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you today. Go get em girl!
Adding our good thoughts and prayers, as well! Mitchell's youngest sister discovered that she had CCL probably a short time before you were diagnosed (she actually suspected she had it but took her time going to see the dr.!). She started treatment right away, and I believe has just reached her 1 year mark since her chemo etc. Her continued meds are working well for her and she's feeling so much better. Certainly you'll be cruising thru Wal-mart, Costco, and any other retail-establishment-of-choice as part of a marathon shopping event before long! ;)
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