RCHOP Treatment: Day 2

Chemo – referring to chemical therapy specific to the treatment prescribed to cure the cancer that is personally set up JUST for you.

My regimen is R-CHOP.  I found this great article that explains all the drugs here on LymphomaInfo.net .   Yesterday was a mixture and today specifically the R = Rituximab.  I needed to get the first dose of this one separate to monitor the side effects as it can be tough to take on the first treatment.

Drugs in the R-CHOP Regimen

“Cocktails” are served up in the back – the nurses station – we joked about this today when I was at the doctors for Day 2 of my treatment.  I will have to start a countdown clock to post here on the blog so you all know when I am done!  So the “bar tender” nurse in the back sets up the IV drugs as the patients come in … today there were quite a few folks in for treatment – about 6 of us total.  Steve and one other caregiver topped it off.

It is interesting seeing the different types of patients and what they have to spend the time, most have ear buds and music, but some books and writing and like to talk to the others.  Others kick back in the comfy lounge chairs and take a snooze, often to the point of snoring..  (someone PLEASE wake me if I EVER start to snore).  🙂  The ones chatting about their complaints of treatment and symptoms and being not so much fun was giving me bad feelings and wary of making any type of conversation with others …. and I turned up my Nano louder to my Country playlist of the day.  Complaints or Country music – tough choice, but my running music was just driving me crazy after taking my first prednisone this morning.  🙂

I wore my tech T-shirt of the day for inspiration— my 2007 Ford Ironman Triathlon 70.3 World Championship shirt — a fond memory of racing in Clearwater Beach Florida.  Very proud of myself for making that trip and competing that day.  Check out the story here from my Mountain of Dreams blog.  Lots of great stories from my racing and running, including running tips and lately more photography challenges, but lots of inspiration none the less.  🙂  I started this blog in 2006 as a writing outlet and a place to share my racing, running and triathlon experience, my photography and my life with others.  I love looking at the archives as well as the more recent posts mostly which have been on photography.  I house my race resume here and direct people here if they are looking for tips.  The best way to surf it is to go to the labels and click on what you are interested in.  I have a separate photography page now set up with Bloggers new interface and the challenges have been so much fun.

So I worked my time away on my IBM PC to try and catch up knowing I am not flying to Houston this week for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life  National Relay Summit.  It is hard for me knowing I will miss meeting some amazing people, new companies are invited specifically to attend and it is so important that they have a great experience, feel the Relay passion, enthusiasm, power and go home jazzed and ready to hit the ground running fueled with knowledge and resources and new relationships to grow in the National Team Program that I direct nationwide.  But — I am proud as a good staff person that i have some amazing volunteers set up to facilitate and speak with my prepared powerpoint and tools.  Rene from Curves is amazing and Melanie from the Jaycees also fits the bill as a top level national volunteer.  I also have my great colleagues Kyla Harrison, Judy Reiching, Laura Donmoyer and Melissa Ames set to present and give the tools and answers.  I feel confident that everything will be great and so happy that I planned and got it all in place with all this hanging over me the past weeks it has been completely overwhelming.

SO I will miss the purple Kool-Aid, the purple boa’s, the conversations in the hallway, hearing inspiration live, loud and clear, leadership volunteers from across the country — it is a Relay Summer Camp for national leadership and my favorite conference of the year for lots of hugs and support.

Photo of my dear friend and Hall of Fame Member – Pat Flynn and I at the end of last year’s National RFL Summit:

Oh ya – back to treatment….  that was me, so focused on my email and preparing that I forgot I was there… 🙂  I did get some symptoms, heartburn, headache, dry mouth and sore throat – that caused a flury of activity and doctor / nurse attention!  🙂  It was funny – – same as when the man yesterday exhibited symptoms, they watch you like a hawk and slow down the treatment until the symptoms go away.  Very cool indeed.  Great teamwork and I love this place.

We got to meet Dr. Mullally’s partner Dr. Lindsay Rockwell – a small lady – very bright, very very nice — with very cold hands  (which I liked actually because I am burning up most of the time these days..).  She has this miniature Australian Shepherd dog that wanders around the office meeting and checking out everyone.  Very cute.  The interior decorating is all her too – says the nurses.. (i mentioned that they should have a braided rug in the middle of the floor and if it were up to her, they would!)  It is a very comfortable atmosphere and just a super office.  SO happy we are there for this trek.  🙂

To be treated in the “Happy Valley” for cancer…  just gives it a new meaning.
My power song of the day?
Just Stand Up!  Love the words.
And I found a new Caregiver song too!
Umbrella – by Rihanna  – but you need to listen to the words from the mind of a cancer survivor.  🙂

Here i am with my inspirational tshirt, my IBM on my lap with my headphones… pretty funny eh?  There is the nurses station in the back where they make the “cocktails” — I asked if they want me to donate a blender for the cause, not sure if they got my humor….  🙂  But some smiled…..  🙂

Humor, Optimism & Strength will get me through – thanks for all your prayers and support!  And POWER thoughts as Amanda LaKier’s girls have sent!  🙂  You all rock!  And have some purple kool aid for me if you make the trek to Houston! 🙂

Steve was so gracious to take my picture again — check it out they even gave me Relay purple for my bandage this time!  Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment! 🙂

N