Day Two...

So, I will say that, overall, today has gone much better than yesterday! I was only there for about 2 1/2 hours today. The treatment hit me harder and faster today, though. It starts with a headache... I can feel my head start to throb during the infusion. Then, the body aches and chills start. By the time I left today, I hurt from the top of my head to my toes. The nurse commented today that Intferon was one of the hardest chemos (nice, huh?). It was difficult leaving the hospital today. I was in so much pain. But, I did talk to my doctors about finding ways to better manage the side effects. They wanted to give me narcotics to deal with the headaches and body aches, but I have such a bad reaction (nausea/vomiting) to narcotics that I don't want to use them. They told me I can start taking extra strength Tylenol and Aleve for the headaches. I took these when I got home and they helped tremendously! My pain wasn't totally alleviated, but I wasn't bedridden!!! I even had the energy to pick Avery up from school! My fever has been lower today, too (99-100). I think, as time goes on and I know how my body responds to the treatment, I will hopefully be able to take my medications and stay on top of the pain. The headaches are really the worst side effect so far. My mom found these awesome Migraine cooling strips that stick to your head and they have been my lifesaver. They instantly soothe my headache and last for 8 hours!!! I am SOOO happy someone invented these things! :)

Todd and my mom have been so supportive in helping me cope with all of this. And, of course, the loving and supportive messages from friends and family, too! I know I just need to get through each day and each week! I trick myself by saying, "I'm already half way through the first week tomorrow! Only 3 weeks to go after this one!" Despite the pain, I'm trying to stay positive. Of course, I worry most about how it affects the kids to see Mommy sick. They seem pretty resiliant and unconcerned so far. Avery was really itching to go somewhere after school today and my mom took the kids to Westgate to do some shopping, vist the fossil shop and eat dinner. (I had to call my Mom to let her know that the kids normally go to bed at 7:00!) Drew's 4th birthday is tomorrow and I'm hoping to have a better day tomorrow so we can celebrate his b-day (we had his party last weekend).

Please continue to send lots of positive, healing vibes and prayers our way! Love to all...

Kim