On Sunday, my hair slowly started to fall out. And by “fall out” I mean if I would tug lightly on my hair, 5-6 strands would come out straight with the hair follicle. From this I new my days were numbered before the big chop would come. My oncologist warned me that my hair would start falling out on day fourteen after my initial cycle. The nurses working at the Breast Resource Center also said that hair usually starts to fall out between 10-14, for sure there would be drastic loss by day 18.
Cycle #2 and BRCA1
This morning I woke up bright and early to make it on time for my 7:30 am appointment with Phlebotomy ( the place I do my blood test before every cycle). My alarm clock went of at 6:30 am, but of course I pressed the snooze button. Quickly, I put on my face (make-up) and got dressed. After making my way downstairs, I gulped a glass of orange juice poured by my mother and we were off! Nik would join my mother and I for my second session but he’d still be working from his laptop.
A “no-no”
Yesterday, Natalie and I had our ritual Skype session. During our hour long conversation, she was thoroughly enjoying a pink grapefruit. I sat there and all the sudden started craving a juicy, pink grapefruit myself. Being the princess that I am, I quickly called over my mom and begged for a grapefruit!! She hesitated to fullfil my cravings since the strong citrus fruit could end up hurting my mouth and result in mouth sores, a very common side effect of the chemo. But I insisted and would not give up until satisfied! Of course my poor mother gave in and brought me the sought after fruit. I delightfully ate it and savored every bite!
A blessing in disguise.
Going through chemotherapy, it is highly recommended to keep well hydrated at all times. That means I am constantly drinking water and constantly emptying my full bladder. The last two night specifically I have been waking up in the early hours (between 4:30 and 5:00am) to use the bathroom. Unfortunately, I later have trouble falling back asleep. So that means I’m usually up for an hour reading through the current news updates on my AP iphone app.
First 7 days
Today has been exactly 1 week since my first chemotherapy, and boy do I feel great. The first four days were quite miserable but I survived!
Day of Chemotherapy: I came home and lasted almost 2 hours without feeling sick. I was able to eat lunch with my sister and parents, but soon afterward headed for my mom’s KING size bed, where I would retire for the next few hours. I did not feel as sick as I thought I would, just drained. I had quite an eventful day….. I was skyping with Natalie for the next few hours before we both fell asleep. Nikita came over around 8pm.
Of course Mikey wasn’t too far away….
First day of Chemo
My father and I arrived early in the morning at Roswell Park. First I had to get my blood work done, then go to see my lovely Oncologist. I was scheduled to see her at 9:40 am and start my chemo at 2:30. The office staff were surprised that my time slot for chemo was so late in the day, they were not satisfied with it. So instead of starting my ever, so anticipated attack later in the afternoon, I would be in my chemo chair by NOON. My anxiety went through the roof at this point. I was in no rush to start this deadly attack on my body, but my doctor insisted.