Radiation ... 2/45

Seems like shorter session, I guess is because Sophia was waiing in the waiting area for me. All the pictures were taken by her. Very greatful for my gaughter and Johnie whom he take me to all of my appointments.

My the other First - Chemotherapy - 1/8

First chemo treatment. October 16, 2009 - The Whole process were very long, the first time last around 7-1/2 hours. To past time were either sleeping or watch TV if I have some energy


First day of Chemtherapy treatment at 2351 Clay 6th floor, rm 88, bed
51, RN Marianna Dugenvy. There has not been a prescription written by
Dr Chan and the nurse has contacted Dr Chan. Ciaplatin is the type of
chemotherapy being introduced. A dose of potassium is also to be added
due to the low potassium count. Nurse asked question about nausea and
Dr Chan prescribed meds but Lulu wishes not to take it due to a past
experience. BP 134/84. Let other doctor know of current meds as they
may offset other perscriptions.

The Nurse informed that th blood count will drop and can cause one to
feel week and also the white count will drop and weaken immune system.
Hydration is being given for about two hours to prep body for the
harshness of the chemotherapy before the chemo starts.

Cancer Navigation is a group similar to a help desk.
A precautionary letter was given to inform care provider means of
protecting themselves from chemotherapy patients. Fluids from patient
are more severe during the 48 hours after treatment. Clothes and
bedding need double washing with hot water. Toilets should no be
shared during the treatment period.

Dr Ed Chan arrived at Lulu's cubicle to check up and to provide the
Nurse with the prescibed dosage.

Central line fed: D5W/0.45 NaCl, 500 ml KCl 20 MEQ/500 ml; Ondansetron
IVPB 16 MG, over 15 min; Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 10 mg D5W 50
ml over 15 min; .9% NaCl 500 ml; Cisplatin 500 ml; rinse with NaCl

Is not over yet, still have to go to my Rediation at 4:30.

Still all right besides very tired.

The Saga Begins..There is always the first time..Radiation - 1/45

After the Dress Rehearsal, the real show time was not that scary, in fact is very quick, the whole session last only 15 minutes.
No pain, just left like being out in the Sun too long.  An hour later, the lump was growing but after taking the Ling Zhi and some rest, it went back to the usual size.
According to My Oncologist, Just like someone slap you on the face, you face will turn red. Same principle.

One down 44 to go..

Dress Rehearsal...10-14-2009

Iinsertion of PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) Line at Davies on Oct 14, 2009. At 8 am, Ken Mauldin, RN, met with me in room #494A and explained about the PICC Line. He took vital signs and measured the length of Line from the insertion point to the main vein above the heart. Ken is filling out
forms: who is designated to make medical decisions; consent form; asked question about current meds and allergic medication; questions about medical history; nasopharngeal carcinoma is the cancer being
treated; contracted hepatitis from Joe when he cleaned sewer but cured through medication; two previous hospitalization; at twelve with stomach problem and vomiting; birth of Sophia; TB positve treated from
visitor to dept but no symptoms; dietary restriction not eating sugars and carbs; this morning weight at 110; Patty at 8:45 am is checking equipment 144875; at 8:57 am Ken prepping eq; cleaning right arm with
three disinfectants;  Johnie sat six feet from the surgery so no mask; sensor to find and monitor vein
encapsulated; injected numbing med which promised to sting for ten seconds; 0913 inserting plastic tube or assy; may have left turnicut n too long; flushing line with saline 0929 with just a little mote tubing; looks scary but was okay; 0930 taping insertion and taping area for xray prep; 0937 ken wheeling Lulu to xray and should return in fifteen or less; 0949 returned from xray; need to insert tube a bit further in; 1002 completed PICC Line; 1015 took blood sample of three tubes for weekly routine count in prep for chemotherapy.

At 3pm same day, I went for my radiology for the last dry run, and Nurse Tina gave me a lot of materials showing me how to take care of my soon will be very dry skin and throat.
I am still all right, I will take it one day at a time.

How do I react...

How do I feel...
At first of course in deny, it is impossible that would happen to me, I seldom get sick. The more Dr. appointments I went to, the more it sink in me.

In acceptance of the fact that " I have Cancer, not only that I have the most populate Asian Cancer. How do I help myself, what would Mom says, how would Sophia reacts... These are the worry I have more than regarding my illness.

Mom is still a mess, there are still ups and down emotions. Sophia is strong and she handle it very well.

How I feel? I have to be positive and try to be as happy as I can. Not to worry too much which is hard for me.

I am OK so far..