Weight: 141.0
Pain areas: pain around port area is getting better
Numbness: none, really
Nightsweat: none, really
General Attitude: Positive
Swallowing: little worse than yesterday
Medications:
1. Prevacid 30mg x1,
2. Tylenol 500mg x1,
3. Vitamin E 400UI x1,
4. Multivitamin x1
5. Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10mg x1
6. Fluorouracil 50mg/ml 100ml
7. Leucovorin
8. Oxaliplatin
So today I begin chemotherapy. I went it to UCLA Oncology at around 9:20am and first saw my oncologist. We had a meeting that lasted for about an hour or so - mostly discussing the things that I should expect from the treatment (side effects) and my schedule for the coming months.
The process isn't that bad. The worst part was the initial prick - and it stung for maybe about 3 seconds; I have to say that its on the same pain level as having an IV inserted. But I'm so glad they installed the port - besides saving my veins in my arms, it allows me to do just about anything that requires full use of my arms/hands. The physiological aspect of being connected to a dripper machine making all kinds of sounds is something that I have not yet adjusted to (it's only been 10 minutes!).
Two hours left on the timer and so far I'm OK. I guess I'll have to pass the time watching HBO through my slingbox =).
Treatment doesn't stop after I leave the center; they had me bring home a portable pump to deliver chemo (Fluorouracil, 100mL) that will be kept running for the next 2 days.
As for the side effects of chemo, I'm not feeling all that much - but then again its probably too early to tell. The only things I've noticed so far are:
1. very, very slight nausea (it might be worse tomorrow)
2. strange, unpleasant sensations when eating
3. sensitivity to anything cold (common to oxaliplatin)
I was prescribed Compazine generic drug (for the nausea). I think I'll try it out (even though I don't feel that nauseated); lets see what happens...
Some unique things I did today:
1. have chemotherapy for the first time
