Update: Chemotherapy #1

Happy, relieved, hot, cold, numb, dizzy, tired, itchy, swollen, bored, hungry, fascinated, educated. These are just some of the things Alexis felt today during her first chemotherapy treatment. There were moments for every feeling it seemed. Leave it up to a day in a medical facility to cover a range of emotions! And often a feeling was revisited again later. But at the end of the day (which did end at about 5pm), it was a day well spent in battle.

Alexis woke up before the sun this morning so she could get all the way to Huntsman by 6:45am. Then she sat. She sat, and she sat, and she sat. Occasionally she got to take her IV pole for a short stroll past the other patients who were sitting around. Everything went through her port today, so it was nice to not have any real "pokes" to deal with. They started with the "R" treatment and it took hours to infuse. At one point Alexis started to have a reaction to the treatment (which is not uncommon these first few times they said) and so they had to stop it, flush it out, give her benadryl, and start again. She did great. Amazing in fact. Then they moved onto the chemotherapy that had to be administered by the nurse. It made her feel a little flushed, but that too went well! Lastly came a final IV chemotherapy medicine, and this went off without a hitch.

Keen, RN giving some chemotherapy (yes, this one was red!)

Some of Alexis' support group

What happens between watching TV & listening to her iPod...

On her way home

And so went the day of a chemotherapy patient. It was pretty text book, according to the wonderful medical staff who helped. Alexis felt a little light headed while trying to leave, but they said the worst of the side effects won't really come about until Friday & Saturday.

It is a good thought to know that at this point in the plan, 1 of 6 treatments is done. That is 20%! It is a definite beginning, and Alexis is very ready to be started!

On the way home Alexis & her parents were touched by the thoughtfulness of their neighbors once again. Sherrie Boxx had tied purple ribbons and balloons all along the street! They were on street signs, trees and in their yard. They were lifted up by this kindness that showed how much people around them are thinking of Alexis as she works through these days of trial. Friendship is a word that seems to by synonymous with comfort now-a-days in the Kaufusi home. So thank you dear friends for all the comfort you give.