Chemotherapy, coming right up!



Last week I met with the OB, the Oncologist and the chemo nurse/coordinator.

The baby is doing well. Heartbeat of 158 bpm. She gave me the referral & set up an appointment with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist (high-risk OB). We see him on Monday, the 5th.

At that time they'll do an ultrasound, complete anatomy scan and if baby cooperates we will learn if it is a SHE or a HE.

The oncologists nurse gave me a shopping list of things I will need to get through chemo. 

SHOPPING LIST
Update
  • Soft toothbrush ** An absolute must! Your gums may bleed, a lot, during chemo.
  • Tape dental floss ** The waxed tape SUCKS, don't get that kind
  • Non-alcohol mouthwash ** I found this site & find the Saltwater Mouth Rinse most helpful
  • Oasis dry mouth spray
  • Biotene (relieves dry mouth) ** It's been great, especially for that really dry mouth & back of the throat feeling. 
  • Soft hair brush - Why? I'm going bald. 😒a soft brush feels nice, even on a bald head.
  • Water-based moisturizer - I found Udderly Smooth to be the most moisturizing. 
  • Lip balm ** Chap Stick is alright. I'm open to better suggestions. 
  • Hand sanitizer ** Regular Purell or anything with alcohol works fine
  • Sunscreen - UVA & UVB SPF 30 or more
  • Tylenol ** - yup, the only pain reliever I can take on chemo because I'm pregnant. 👍  
  • Dulcolax ** - Works like a charm. The ondansetron and steroid cause constipation.
  • Anti-diarrhea medication - HAHA! In case the same meds have the opposite effect? 
  • Oral mineral oil
  • Calcium supplements
  • Iron pills or vitamins with iron I opted not to take them, now I need an iron drip during chemo.
  • Gatorade ** - lots of it. I don't like Green Apple and the pink one I'm tired of.  
  • Boost ** or Ensure shakes - I'm supposed to force one down in the event that I can't make myself eat. Chocolate flavored Boost takes like liquid vitamins. Yuck! 
  • Paper towels (use to dry hands after washing, as towels hold germs) - Well then. 
  • Thermometer - I think a baby's thermometer might work. I'm sure I have one somewhere. 
  • Electric shaver ** - I bought the Remington Women's Foil Shaver
  • Cap, scarf - I found a couple caps in Target. The cancer center also has a box full of stuff you can use.
  • Lightly tinted sunglasses - Wonderful. I wonder if my insurance will cover this as I need prescription lenses to see past 2 feet from my face.
  • Eyebrow pencil - Guess why? 😆  I bought the Benefit Cosmetics Soft & Natural Brow Kit #3
  • Bronzer - So I don't look like a corpse, I guess.
I guess I will be going shopping soon. I'm waiting for a call from the surgeon to schedule the port, the hospital to do the echo & ultrasound, and the infusion center with a time for chemo. 


UPDATE: 12/12 I got a call from the infusion center. They scheduled me for this Wednesday. I told her it wasn't going to happen because I still didn't have the port put in and I specifically requested Thursday because my husband took the day off work to attend my 1st session with me,
This call sent me into panic mode. I went to Publix & the pharmacy to pick up my prescription for Lidocaine & Ondansetron. See list, everything marked with a (**) I bought last night. 

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