Coming home with a benedryl buzz after a chemo session is like having a lost weekend where you didn't know what you did or why and aren't sure what to regret. We go in at 10 a.m., have a blood draw to learn what the platelet count is, consult with the oncologist, then do the infusion. It starts with benedryl and some sterioids to cut down on the possible allergic reactions to the chemo cocktail. If the platelet count had been under 1.0 I wouldn't have the next chemo. But it was high enough, and so I got plugged in, and then slept through most of it. Fortunately I have minions there to feed me and pile on the heated blankets.
My brain, after I finished the session and went home at 1:30, felt shaken, not stirred. I slept until after 4 and still feel groggy. Tomorrow morning I'll wake up feeling slightly headachy but still functional. Things will get better as the week goes on. It's certainly understandable why the medical professionals tell you not to make important life decisions while you're undergoing chemo. It's a kind of brain fog that lends itself to silliness more than seriousness. But whatever kills the cancer is fine with me.
Next week we have a break to let the platelets build up again, and the week after that, my two out-of-town kids are coming to take their turns as minions for one session. They're bringing other interesting people with them (grandkids, etc.), so we'll have a three-day party while they're here. I'll be in the mood.
*with apologies to "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom, a book everybody should read
2 comments:
Glad it's going well. Can't wait to see you. Hope your week off is lovely. It's amazing what drugs do to your brain--I'm starting to feel normal after my surgery in January! And, yes, "Tuesdays With Morrie" is a must-read. :)
The fact that you can still be witty on a fuzzy shaken brain speaks to both your mental and physical strength. I'm glad you are soon up for a break and will get to enjoy your lovely family. 💙
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