I know that God has a plan for my life and this breast cancer journey. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”

After the last couple of months of being anxious about when I would get to start chemo and if I had waited too long already, it finally happened. On Tuesday, I got the stitches and drain out from my tissue expander removal surgery the beginning of July. So yesterday, I had my first dose of Adriamycin and Cytoxan. It was a bittersweet moment and several times I wondered if I was crazy for actually wanting to start chemo even though I know it was my only option with TNBC.

It happened pretty quick. I saw Dr. Davidson about 10:45a and was in a treatment chair by 11:45a. After several pre-drugs (steroids, anti-nausea meds and fluid) it was time for the Adriamycin or “the Red Devil.” Not gonna lie, it was kind of scary. The nurse has to suit up so that she is protected because it can damage skin and tissue if it doesn’t go directly into the vein via my port. I had 3 big syringes that had to be pushed by hand over the next 15 to 20 minutes while eating ice the entire time. I was freezing by the time we were through. After the Adriamycin, it was time for the Cytoxan which takes a little over an hour to dispense through my port. So 2 hours and 45 minutes later, I was on my way home feeling okay or so I thought.

About 4:30p, I started getting a headache and my mouth started tasting very metallic and about an hour later nausea hit full force. There is nothing worse than feeling nauseous and not being able to stop it. I started taking the anti-nausea meds, but it really didn’t get better until this morning. This is definitely going to take some getting used to.

I am so thankful that my Dad is here to help. He has been my rock. I can’t image what he’s thinking having to watch me go through this. I know how I would feel if it was him, and I’m so glad it’s not.

I had a Neulasta shot this morning and I’m praying that the bone pain is a minimal. As I type this I am still nauseated, but the tiredness has not hit yet. I believe that will happen tomorrow or Sunday. Praying the next 3 doses of AC over the next month and half will be somewhat better.

Prayer Points for Today:

• That the nausea and headache would subside
• That I will be able to eat something in spite of the nausea
• That the Neulasta shot will boost my white blood cells without side effects
• That I will not develop an infection or fever after this treatment