**Okay I wrote this on 8/7 and had some "technical difficulties" because I was trying to post an video of the elephants that I mention below. I was discouraged because I thought I lost it all and haven't come back until today....
Okay, I've been a total slacker and haven't written a single post since round 2. So, I'm going to start there. It wasn't as eventful as round one - no hospital vacation. I was a good girl and took my meds. I actually found if I took zofran & a vicadin every 12 hours that the days were pretty manageable. I was a little more tired this round but squeezed in a few excursions.
I went to the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park. The Zoo was great. I walked around for about 4 - 5 hours. The Polar Bears were very active and close to the glass. It made for great pictures. We saw the trainers with the cheetah's really close up. The elephant trainers were trying to coax the elephants into the water with a ton of treats but they were only mildly successful.
The following day we went to the Wild Animal Park. I could hardly walk up the hill from the parking lot to the entrance. So, I was wheelchair bound for the day. If you've ever been before you know how hilly the whole park is. We found out that they have a shuttle service for "handicapped" people. I fell into this category and it was a godsend. I've pushed a stroller around with a 30lb kid. I knew that there was no way that I could be pushed around all day!
It turned out to be the most amazing day ever. We were up at one of the overlooks the viewed the elephants. We looked over at their waterhole and there were several elephants rolling around in the water. I jumped out of the wheelchair and we ran through the paths over to an area that was directly in front of the water. There were about 6-7 elephants having a blast in the water including the babies. I have never seen them having so much fun. They were flipping around and playing with each other. The babies were chasing each other back and forth. I'm going to embed a little video that we took. It doesn't show everything but you'll get the jist of things. If I could see this every day in person I would be a happy camper. I've always loved the Wild Animal Park and now I appreciate them even more for providing the animals with a habitat that they can be themselves in. There is a sign posted with the story of this particular group of elephants. It said that elephants can be very destructive to their habitat. The reserve that they were in had too many elephants and were going to have to put some down. The WAP stepped in and took 7. Another zoo in Florida took 4. This enabled for no elephants to be destroyed. Since they came to the WAP there have been 3 babies this year. How amazing is that!
On the hair situation - It grew to about 3/4 of an inch long and was just becoming really uncomfortable. It was like it didn't know where to go when I layed down. It kept pulling on my scalp. It was also falling out if I had an itch too. So, I shaved it. I'm so much more comfortable but now I'm wearing scarves on my head to avoid any sunburn.
I have to admit that I realized that I had my 3rd round coming up about a week prior. I really wasn't looking forward to it - didn't want to do it but now it's done and everything is fine. The benadryl only knocked me out for about 30-45 minutes. I'm a little bummed because I've made one friend on my treatment days. Next round will be her last and I won't have anyone to chat with anymore. I'm hoping to have enough strenghth to make her a little celebration cake...maybe chocolate with chocolate ganache. We'll see if the stars align and it works out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
It's a funny thing in the infusion waiting room. There are usually some cookies on the counter and boy are they popular. Everyone stops by for a nibble. I made a batch before and they received rave reviews. This past Thursday I wasn't able to make them but I'm hoping to bring some in this Monday. Oh yeah, that's one thing I forgot to mention. Since I ended up in the hospital after round one and I'm horrible at getting enough fluid in me...I'm supposed to drink 64 oz./day but water tastes really horrible...my doctor has me on IV hydration 2 days after chemo...Monday and Tuesday. It really helps so I don't mind at all.
That's all I can remember right now...getting a little sleepy. My sister should be here in about an hour to help me cook some meals for the week. Isn't she a doll? Not to mention that I'll get to visit with my beautiful niece with the permanent smile ; ) Okay - nighty, night! I'll try to be better with keeping in touch!
Chemo Round 3
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Posted by Jenn at 2:03 PM
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