Today is the day.
I started my oral chemo meds. See that paper underneath. That’s a listing of all the info the patient needs about the drug. UGH.
The main thing that concerned me at this point was how to take the meds. From what I see, I have to take it one hour after I take food and then I can’t eat for two hours after.
I got that figured out. My doctor had suggested that it might be best to eat a little something right away in the morning, take the pill an hour later, and then I’d have plenty of time until lunch to fit the two-hour wait time in. I’m not a breakfast eater so this is different. Doable…totally doable.
So with one pill in…I’m okay. I can see that they are right about increasing fluid intake. I have a little dry mouth and feel more thirsty. I had a slight headache in the afternoon but that could be from anything including the dry mouth.
As far as childcare goes…my families and I opted to end care until I am done with the oral chemo and testing…and possible treatment.
Right now in our area, Covid is very active. We all personally know several that have it. People at the childcare parents workplaces have it. Kids at school in the classes that I have childcare kids in have it.
We came to a decision that it was best to keep me safe. No one wants to be the one who brought Covid to me. I agreed for both their sake and mine.
It will be tough on them to find childcare but sadly I think it was the right decision.
I am continuing care for my grandkids. They don’t go anywhere except to work…and my house. So I think we’re okay.
I’m glad to get this whole process going…but the thing I’m most happy about…I get to start this… My Floral Motif Sampler. I actually started mine over the weekend as the grandkids were here and my other project involved too much counting.
I’ll show you my progress on Friday. It’s a fun project and I love it already!!
If you remember, my plan is to stitch one flower every day as I go through the process of treating my thyroid cancer that has moved to my lungs.
I’ll let you know how I’m feeling as I go along. For now, I’m good.
Oh, Jo! I wish with all my heart this was not happening to you. But you are a compliant patient. You and your doctors and nurses are all supremely invested in your best outcome. All of us are, too.
Enjoy that beautiful X-Stich, Jo! Here’s hoping that you continue to feel well while on your medicine. Good call on canceling childcare!
I knew today was the day so I started my Floral motif sampler too! I opted for a center start to be sure I will have enough fabric. Excited to get this underway and to be sharing your journey. Prayers are sent your way with every stitch!
Jo, I’m so glad you started your sampler early too! I started Sunday because I’m so new to this and knew I would be very slow. Took me til yesterday to do top border and a little around each corner. So didn’t start a flower until yesterday and only got the leaves done. Think I’m addicted! Or else crazy attempting this huge design as my first 40 count. But every time I pick up the needle, I think of you and your journey and all you do for your family and community and I feel connected. Sending you hugs and positive energy to stay strong and know you aren’t alone.
Wow! 40 ct! I’m just doing 32 and it’s pretty hard to see. But good for you
Speaking for your readers, Jo, we are faithfully cheering you on. My husband had a crazy medication schedule a while back so we made a chart on piece of paper and logged the time he ate or took medication. It was really helpful not to be a constant clock watcher. I recommend it.
Thanking God that the treatment you need has begun, and that so far you are feeling good. You are blessed to have so many prayer warriors. You’ve got this, Jo. Take care of yourself and stitch away!
Bless you Jo, we’re all her for you
Praying for you. Yes being very careful is a good idea. Reading those pages of medical jargon is a pain in the head. Getting straight can be hard.
Keeping written track of what and when you ate and took your meds makes good sense. Keeping on the Fridge will help. Tie a string to apenfasten to fridge with a magnet by your time time paper. Been there done that.
Bless you, Jo! We’re all praying that this is the start of something good, and we’re with you all the way!
Praying for you! Good call on the childcare and will be looking for your progress on your stitching! We’re all in your corner!!
Sending good wishes your way as you start your oral chemotherapy. I think you did the right thing regarding the child care for this time period. Covid has really spiked in our area, too. Stay safe and enjoy your new stitching project!
All the best wishes to you during this journey. Prayers and hugs!
Those pill schedules are insane!
When my daughter was doing chemo we had to just laugh. Empty stomach? She’s taking Prednisone, she never has an empty stomach!
I wish you well. Hang in there. Take the meds as best you can.
My daughter has been cancer free for over 20 years.
Good decision on stopping the childcare for awhile. With Covid and all its variants, it’s best to reduce the risks where one can.
Jo, you can do this. You are strong. Your family is the best support system you could ever desire. We are all praying for you and sending you an avalanche of love. Remember, just like quilting or crosstitch, it’s a journey.
Wishing you all the best. You are really inspiring. I’m hopeful and looking forward to following your progress both with your health and your new floral project
I will be thinking and prayer for you every day, Jo. You have been a bright and shining light to start my mornings and I follow your blog faithfully. You have a good spirit and are always looking on the bright side of things, which is a good way to look when an illness pops up. Take care of yourself.
Praying, Jo.
Wish could count, I would try across stitch too. I have tried all of the suggestions because it is so easy HA.
We’re all with you, Jo. You made the right decision with the childcare, your safety is the priority. Looking forward to seeing your progress with the new cross stitch
With much love I’m praying hard for you Jo❤ I remember my bout with oral chemo(CCNU aka Low Mustine or the plant lesser periwinkle) and having to “dare” myself to take it because after the first dose I became close friends with a 5 gallon bucket. I can laugh at myself now as that 12 yr old sat at the dining room table daring herself…lol and yet through many prayers and a tenacious spirit I survive to tell the tale. Much love and laughter
Prayers go with you as you travel this road again.
Sending you love and prayers for successful treatment
Sending you prayers and good wishes. You got this! Kramer strong!
Praying for you, Jo. Enjoy some time off from childcare, get some rest, stitch a lot! You are loved.
Jo, you are in my prayers. I love that you are stitching a flower a day.
Prayers for you as you take this first step on this journey. I look forward to your cross stitch progress.
We are praying for complete healing and that you will go through this chemo with as much ease as possible.
I am a recent joiner to your blog, but in a very short time, I have become a fan. What wonderful gifts you have! I am grateful that you share yourself and your family with your readers.
Praying for you daily. I am glad you stopped day care, I was concerned about your chance for exposure. You are a strong person and will come through this.
Blessings and prayers for you!
Thinking of you as you start this journey. May it go well. Our little corner of Iowa is ramping up with COVID also! Hubby and I both had it in October and were able to have the infusion and did not get very sick, thankfully. I am trying to stay healthy as I have a Orthopedic surgeon consult at Mayo next week for my back. Not looking forward to back surgery at all, but I can’t live like this either. Stay well, Jo! Look forward to your blog every day!!
Please don’t stress over ALL the information on the paper. Talk to your MD and learn the important information. The following might make you laugh. I was having issues with my eye which could lean to blindness (it did not ). The MD could not figure it out. Doing drops 4 times a day. The MD said we had to increase the drops to 6 times a day. Being a good patient, I did them 6 times a day, evenly spaced, ever 4 hours. EVEN in the MIDDLE of the NIGHT. When I was told I would have to continue the 6 times, I said OH I was looking forward to sleeping through the NIGHT. HE wanted to LAUGH. I was the patient who even got up in the middle of the night to do the drops. He said, 6 times a day and if not it could lead to blindness. What is one to do? I was able to do the last drop at midnight. I am sure he explained things better after that. :-) :-) :-) Prayers are with you and your family.
Praying for the best possible outcome in results and few side effects of your chemo. I’m glad you have some stitching therapy to help you along.
My Christmas wish is for you to live a long and healthy life.
You’ve got a plan for your health battle – Charge!
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that this medication does the trick and the side effects are few.
Your stitching will be gorgeous! You always do such great work.
Love and prayers
Thinking of you and your next “adventure”….and praying that it all goes as easily as possible for you and your family. Also totally support the stopping child care decision….you need to be the priority now! Prayers and hugs!
I’m praying for a successful treatment without any harsh side effects. Kramer strong!
Prayers to you and your family as you work through the chemo. ! am
30 years cancer free
Sending lots of positive, healing thoughts your way…and virtual hugs, whenever you might feel like you need a “you’ve got this” or “I just need a bit of comfort”. So glad you’ve got your family nearby, too.
Sending love and prayers, Jo. Hoping the side effects are minimal. Love your ideas to cross stitch one flower a day. Such a positive activity as you go forward.
Jo, prayers headed your way multiple times a day from here in Green Cove Springs, Fl. I am glad that you have a special stitching project to lift your spirits! Hang in there and take it a day at a time. So many love you and are pulling for you!
I wish you well and pray that you will heal quickly.
Sending you positive vibes from halfway around the world Jo. You are coping so well with this latest cancer blast. May your body heal like a dream!!!