Port One, Gemzar 2

Makes me think of the Rain Man. To be said while rocking back and forth: Port One. Gemzar Two. Port One Gemzar Two. Charlie Babbitt made a joke. K-Mart Sucks... I survived my first treatment using the port on Monday. I didn't think it could be done given I still have on bandages but the nurse was able to access Port Authority. She put on a local anesthetic cream called Emla. Great, something else that comes with a warning label. Anyway, it helped to numb the area very quickly. I must say, although I was entirely freaked out by poking a device installed under my skin, it made the treatment go much smoother. We saved at least 15 minutes trying to find a cooperative vein. So that's the good news. 

The not great but bearable news is that I feel like shit from the treatment. I was fine on Monday though extremely tired and irritable to the point of tears. I haven't been sleeping, hence my writing this at 4:00 in the morning. Yesterday I had aches and pains, chills, nausea, and no fever. I was teetering on throwing up every couple of hours but thankfully didn't. I cannot say I'm feeling to great now. This is a typical side effect of the chemo that strangely I didn't experience the first time I had it. Took a bunch of Tylenol Extra Strength, which I'm going to stock up on. By the way, what are you thoughts on the actual name brand vs. say, Walgreens?

Meanwhile, my hair is growing in dark and somewhat thick--still some thinning spots in the back. My insane hairline is back, cowlicks, baby hairs and all. Here's an interesting fact: The word cowlick originates from the domestic bovine's habit of licking its young, which results in a swirling pattern in the hair. I did not know that until I looked up the correct spelling. 

I'm incredibly antsy lying in bed and the bright light of the computer isn't helping. Time to turn on some NPR and attempt to catch more Zzz's...

Thanks again for everyone's supPORT this week. Oh, by the way, my friend Maury came up with a new name: Port CHESTER. How did I not think of that? Good on ya, Maury!

Love to all, 

LB