First Chemo Treatment

Jenna had a rough start this week. She was feeling very nausea and couldn't really keep anything down, and couldn't handle the very sight of food.

Yesterday she was scheduled for her first chemo treatment. She didn't know if she was going to be able to have the strength to go ahead with it, but she was very determined to do it. They got there and found she had fluid around her abdomen which was causing all of her pain and nausea. They waited to see if the doctor could drain it and then continue on with her chemo. They drained 2.8 liters about 7 lbs of fluid out of her. Jenna had immediate relief.  She was feeling lots better. 

Then they headed over to the infusion area, where she would be for about 6 hours. (She will be doing the chemo every other week for 6 rounds about 6 hours every time.) That is where I was able to join them for a few hours. When I walked in, it was like walking on an Emirates airplane, in first class. There were warm blankets and the employees walk around with a snack cart. Each person with their own little cubicle. Jenna seemed to be in good spirits when I got there. She was ready for something to eat and Darren was so happy to see her eating.

The nurse would come over every once in a while and give her a new bag of meds and tell her a little bit about it each time.  They said that her chemo could wipe her out for 10 days to 2 weeks at first, but with each round it should get shorter. The nurse also said that anyone who comes to see her needs to wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer. Also, she said that if you have a cold or any kind of sickness, it would probably be best to stay away until you are better. She has a pretty weak immune system so she can't risk getting sick.

I stayed and got to chat with Jenna and Darren and learned some things that I suspected but wasn't certain about. Jenna has stage 4 colon cancer. I was so happy that she was feeling so much better and continued to for the rest of the day.
I loved being able to be there with her and talking to her. Love you Jenna! We are all praying, cheering, and there for you every step of the way!