Lately...

You want to know what's going on? It's been awhile since I gave anything newsy, so here goes!
I had my second chemo appointment. I didn't want to go. The idea that actual blood gets taken from my chest (I know, I know...I already told you about this) and when it's done they say things like, "Oh, good blood return!" like I'm not in a horror film. Because I am in a horror film on chemo days. I don't like blood, guts, tampering with body parts, or anything of the sort. I actually cried from anxiety. I can't remember the last time I cried from anxiety...not even when I was claustrophobic. I was ridiculous which made the nurses all sad for me. Once the blood was drawn, I was fine. But you know what they gave to me next? Ativan. I didn't know about Ativan...I had been prescribed Ativan last time but it didn't work for my nausea. Do you think they gave it to me for anxiety under the cloak of a nausea medication? I think yes! It went straight into my vein via the horror port in my chest and I passed right the heck out. Yes, I was one of those chemo patients who fell asleep in the chair! I little embarrassing....but not. After that, everything was fine. If you ever want everything to be fine, just take an Ativan. Works wonders.
This time around, side affects were different. Nausea, yes. But let acute. More vomiting, but less intensity of nausea. I used a different patch and I think it made the difference. This week something new happened. Heartburn. I have never had to deal with heartburn...ever. My stomach and esophagus is on fire every time I swallow. It actually hurts to eat or drink unless it's room temperature water. Yesterday, I had to go back and get blood work done (through a vein in my arm, not my chest which makes it OK) and asked about this new development. They said it's "just the chemo" and gave me two more prescriptions. Have you ever heard of Magic Mouthwash? I kid you not, that's the name of this stuff and it works. You just swish it around your mouth and swallow. It coats everything and makes it numb and awesome. I love it! The other prescription is just another pill I take to help stop the production of stomach acid. I thought I needed that stomach acid....
The other side-effects are the same. Dry-mouth and fatigue plus a few headaches. Otherwise, I'm good. I'm doing good!
Lastly, for those who want to know what kind of stuff I'm taking, here's a shot of my drug list. Just one more cycle of this, then on to a new cocktail. 2 cycles down, 4 more to go!