My treatment plan calls for 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and 6 3-day sessions of Chemotherapy every 3 weeks. The Chemo is what most people are a little anxious about and I'm not exception. the 1st day of Chemo is my longest day at about 6 hours. I get the IV hookup in my arm (they leave it there for the 3 days), and then they give me a bat of anti-nausea medication, then a bag of Potassium, a bag of Magnesium, and 2 bags of different kinds of Chemo. The individual who mixes my special "Cocktail" is named Igor (I kid you not), who is the bartender and the nurse, Tess, who hooks it up is my cocktail waitress. So you can probably see where I get the title of my blog. It takes Igor about 30 minutes to mix up my cocktail. I keep asking him to put a little more vodka in it for me, so he is still working on the perfect cocktail. One of my doctors told me that people who drink alcohol tolerate chemo better because some of the effects of a little too much are very similar to some of the chemo affects. So, Larry, fix me another Rum & Coke.
Unknown to me was how all this would affect me. Whether I would be sick in bed or unable get out of bed. Golf? Would I be to sick to play. I had no idea. But I was surprised for the 1st two weeks. I felt pretty good. I have some anti-nausea and steroids pills that help minimize the effects. So I was able to keep up with my usual activities which is one of the best things I could do to help me through this. Besides, would I rather not feel so good in bed or on the golf course? Obviously, playing golf alone made me feel better than staying home. First, I get my mind off it, and playing golf with my friends and the trash that goes along with the game, really helped me feel normal. So keep it up guys!! That is very important for my recovery. Please don't treat me any differently now then you did before I was diagnosed. I you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm willing to talk about about my Adventures and don't feel that you may be intruding. Don't treat me with kid gloves. I want to be treated just like you always have. There a couple of notable exceptions. I really enjoy the hugs ladies. And Mary, although we don't need any help with meals, Grace Ann is covering that very well, I really enjoyed your cookies (ate them all in one night) and the wonderful pound cake (GA would not let me eat them all in one night). Although it was not necessary, I really appreciated yours and Pat's thoughts, cards and treats. I was very special!!
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