Week 2 of treatment is well under way! Marnie is my primary caretaker this week and was a trooper with me yesterday at chemo. Chemo was unfortunately not as smooth as we had hoped. We arrived early yesterday in order to have my radiation completed first which went well. Also, my blood counts came out well, yeah! So far so good. Then, I was set up again in my pimped out Lazy Boy and our little room with our flat screen and DVD. Then come the IV's. Now, it is never a pleasant experience to have someone prick your arm to start an IV but yesterday, it took 6 TIMES for them to get into a good vain. Apparently, veins don't really enjoy having poison going through them so I am told it is common that they tend to hide. I was able to hold it together for the first 3 on my right arm but became a bit teary and upset when the 4th prick on my left arm was deep and painful. Marnie was so brave to watch all of this but was a bit disturbed at the "needle language" of the nurses. They are great nurses and tell you exactly what is going on (especially me with all of the questions). But, they would say things like "ooh, I blew through that one" meaning that they were in the vain and once they advanced the needle, they made a little prick in the vain and you are unable to use it again. Maybe not the best use of bedside manner. Finally, after 2 more tries on my right arm again they were able to start a line in the vain along the bone in my forearm. It was pretty difficult to relax and rest my arm because I had to turn it out but at least they got it on the 6TH TRY!! Let's hope for better cooperation from my bod next week....please don't hide veins....I need you!
Lunch time, we had a great visit from my friend Maria who brought us Jamba Juice (my new thing....smoothies always taste good to me) for a nice snack. And, we watched Juno....great film.
Also, thank you to Jennifer for the delish pasta primavera for dinner.
Today, radiation went smoothly. Afterwards, Marnie and I went to a "Gentle Yoga" class at Gilda's Club inside the cancer center. It was very nice to stretch and I may be a little sore manana. Marnie also taught me how to knit today....I am working on a scarf I hope to finish by November... :-)
Tomorrow's plan: radiation, meditation class, keep eating
Love, Hugs and Good Health!!
13 comments:
Good job Kins! I'm so glad that you have been surrounded by family and friends throughout this process. Hang in there!
Sorry to hear about the IV troubles :( It sounds like you had a very good friend to see you through it.
Thinking of you.......
xo Kara
Holy smokes, you're as tough as nails! What a day! I wish you lots of happy, or at least cooperative veins, for future treatments. Thanks for keeping us posted on your journey.
Marnie, you're quite the trooper too!
Love you,
Jami
Holy smokes...you are amazing (i think i say that every time). Anyway, I'm so sorry chemo got off to such a rough start. I'm definitely praying for cooperative veins next week!! I'm so happy you have such amazing friends and family to support both you and Mark!
love you.
hil
Behave veins! You don't like chemo but you show up ready to work and so should they, in my humble opinion. I'm glad that's over for the week. And that you have Marnie to keep you company. Good luck on the knitting. Love you china. Erin
You are amazing Kindra. We are so proud of your courage and positive attitude during such a challenging time. We are thinking of you all the time and sending our love. Love, Marina
P.S. Thank you for writing in this blog. It means so much to know what is going on. xoxo
CHALLENGE
We all know and love Kindra and Mark! Right now Kindra is going through a very tough time
she has had some very devastating news and is dealing with it very well. I am sure this is
becoming a financial burden for them and I would like to CHALLENGE YOU ALL TO MATCH
OR BETTER MY SMALL CONTRIBUTION OF $100.00.
Kindra is a very smart, loving and compassionate person as we all saw when she grew her hair
for cancer patients and has done numerous fundraising walks for the same cause. This would
be a very small way of helping them deal with challenges they will have in their personal finances.
Love you Kindra your my Hero!
Jean and John
Kindra & Mark...I will match the contribution from Jean & John and we are so proud of you Kindra and Mark we know that it is tough for you also...keep a positive attitude and things will work out great...Love you both MOM
My mom had trouble with her veins too Kins. Her hospital had a nurse who was known to be really good at finding hard veins and my mother would just ask for her before they started pricking her. Maybe you have someone who has this talent too :) Good luck!
Hang in there Kins, thinking of you always! Aim
Kindra, you are wonderful, beautiful, and inspirational. I've been thinking about you everyday, and look forward to seeing you soon.
-Charles
Your crazy!!! I would have been out of there after the 2nd try. Bad needles!! sounds like everything is going as planned. Love you sooooo much!!!!
Bro
Kindra and Mark,
Mom and I will match the $100.00 but only to purchase veal shanks and make home made osso buco (italian high protein dish). Seems like they stopped making that stuff in Chicago. Seriously, we are so proud of both you and Mark and how you have handled this situation. Two weeks down and only three to go. Can hardly wait for week 5 to see you and Mark again. Really miss the trip down Foster to Ashland to Lincoln to Wellington (I think that is the way ... well is not MONA will give me the way)
We love both of you so much!!!!
Mom and Dad
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