Sandy please, Chemo infusion #2 done!

Hurricane Sandy may have added some anxiety to the chemo infusion. My mother picked me up last night so I stayed at their place last night and had a simple ride into the hospital today. Had to drop some things off my desk, had a minor tantrum about work related items and then had to be reminded I am off today. Went down to the Oncology center had my blood drawn, vitals taken (blood pressure, Oxygen levels good, weight down only 1lb [not to worry I will eat that back]).

Rockin' it bald
No scarves, no wigs and hat only when I go outside. Inside buildings I find it much easier/more comfortable to go straight out bald. While waiting for the blood draw one of the women in the waiting room, looks at me and says "Your bald like me, but your not even wearing a hat? I am so cold, how come you are not cold? And there is no way you'll get me in a wig". I just told her that I felt cold outside and periodically will put a hat on inside, but so far my 5 O'Clock shadow I have remaining on my head seems to be keeping it ok. Agreed to with her about the wig. Our conversation was shortened when another woman, clearly wearing a wig came into the waiting room and sat with us. General reaction to my bald head has been great.

Very Stubborn
My oncologist has me pegged quite well. We went over options to avoid the headaches after the neulasta shots (including not having them) and rearranging infusions schedules and such. We reviewed the medication I should/can take for them. And being the human being who doesn't like change that I am, I decided to keep the schedule as is and to continue to get the shots. I just feel like the risks of not having it a much greater than 3 days of headaches. My oncologist also reminded me that her office is 3 doors down for mine and that she runs into me daily and that if I need to take it easy I should. She may have repeated this last part 3 or 4 times. Yup, I am that kid.

Labs look good. Blood sugar is elevated from the steroids (157 mg/dl), but WBCs look good. Everything else is within normal limits just my hematocrit was barely low 36.8% vs normal of 37%. Nothing that needs intervention, just maybe some more meat.

Chemo Infusion #2
A little musical commentary (thanks to my good friend) about chemotherapy. Nothing like intentionally poisoning your body for longterm better outcomes:

I love the continuity of care I am receiving. Today I had the same Nurse as last time, who I love. She got me hooked up early and ready to go. Her mom had breast cancer and she commented on how good my bald head looked. No burning lines this time. IV was placed in my hand and had some achiness but so excited no allergic reactions! They say the 2nd one is really if you are going to have a reaction that this will occur.  Half way done.

The drive home
I fully expected the drive back to my parents to be Hurricane Craziness, but it was ok. Just one really strong gust of wind, one downed tree. The rain wasn't too bad. We made it back safe and sound with car parked in the garage before stronger rain came. Feel good about that and feel pretty good right now.  No Zofran headache this time. No nausea. Drinking my water, doing my baking soda mouth rinses. Pretty happy to have 2 infusions done.