We are at our first chemo session, finished with Herceptin and half way through Taxotere. Carboplatin will be last (this seems to be the drug that plays with your taste senses.) Jan is handling the chemo well; she is experiencing minor lightheadedness, but no nausea. Her spirits are good, as she is plugged into Fox News in addition to her IV unit.
The center where the drugs are being administered is like a big party room; I can count 21 patients in various stages of receiving their chemotherapy potions. Most of the patient lounges are occupied, and quite a few other patients have dropped by to chat with her. Patients are able to walk around while the drugs are being administered, dragging their stand / infusion device / IV bags behind them (the devices which administer the drugs can be battery powered.) It’s a bit spooky, and reminds me of space movies (Avatar?). For the most part the patients are a cheerful, friendly lot. Thus far, she has stayed in her lounge given the lightheadedness.
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Update:
Toward the end of the session, Jan felt good enough that she walked around the room chatting with a few other patients.
Overall, I’ll rate the day a success! It was a long day (almost 7 hours) and we don’t know what reactions she will have over the next few days, but for now are happy with how things went.