I felt the effects of that IV benadryl ALL day yesterday. Wowsers! Still took my lorazepam before bed (because 100mg/prednisone), and had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. And, when I woke up – my temp was lower than it’s been in ages.
Today, I’m back at Kellogg for some hydration and the second half of my Rituxin. It’s the one drug of the R-CHOP combo most likely to produce side effects (fever, allergic reaction), so to minimize the risk, they split the first dose over two days. First, I’m getting some hydration. Then, I get another batch of pre-meds (Tylenol, Benadryl, Dexamethasone), then the Rituxin over the course of a few hours. The slower the infusion, the less the chance of reaction. I’ll also get a shot of Neulasta which helps reduce the risk of infection by boosting my white blood cell production (which is diminished by the chemo). Interestingly (ha), the main side effect to look forward to is potential bone pain. Anywhere from a little achy to, “Oy! I can’t walk!” We’re going to hope for none.
Today, my dear friend Jori is my escort today (so Adam can avoid the backup at work of taking two days off in a row), with lunch catered by Mom & Panera. 🙂
Too cool for chemo!
Tomorrow, I’ll be back briefly for a blood draw and a shot of Neulasta (to help prevent infection), then I’m attending a Look Good Feel Better makeup class. I’m hoping to learn some good tips for faking eyebrows in a few weeks. Plus, I get free makeup!
Signing off, because Benadryl is on the way in a few minutes, and then I’ll be nearly comatose for a while. 🙂
Original Comments from the CaringBridge Blog:
Make sure you take good notes on how to fake the eyebrows, I could use some tips. My eyebrows have always been light and sparse. 🙂 I hope the bone pain is very minimal for you. I had no idea that benedryl was going to be a big part of your pre-treatment. I’ve learned something already. I hope you feel good and you continue to sleep better. Thinking of you! Rock on!
— Amanda Lehmann,
Great picture! Neither you nor Jori appear to have aged a single day since high school. Thanks for sharing your experience here. You are a great writer, Deb. I see a book in your future, complete with your cool photos!
—Cara Hermacinski, April 14, 2015
Nice that you had a good sleep Deb. Here’s hoping no side effect bone pain for you! Cool shades on both of you. 🙂
—Karen Hemeon, April 14, 2015
You girls look cute. I think you’re faking it & you’re hanging out a bar somewhere!!—I need new eyebrows, can I go too??
—Brenda Moskovic, April 14, 2015
I am loving your hair pulled back like that. I know – you probably don’t, but I think you look beauteous. Love the shades, and your friend is pretty cute, too. Wow. I am so impressed that you can spell all those names…..Thinking the good thoughts for you, Cuz. M
—Margo Barbakow, April 14, 2015
I was just thinking of you and wondering if we were getting an update today. I’m glad you’re feeling well so far. Looking forward to hearing to hearing your eyebrow tips. 🙂 xoxo
—Holly Ruck, April 14, 2015