I had to attend a “class” to teach me about chemotherapy.

“Chemo Learning”… to teach me about chemotherapy.

To educate me about the poison that will save my life.
While slowly killing parts of me.
Then the “potion” that will help bring me back to life.

I’ll have a port-a-cath surgically implanted – to “safely” deliver the poison to my body. If they delivered it directly into my arm veins, it would (most probably) kill, or severely damage, those veins.  The port-a-cath provides access straight into my large vein for the chemo.  Guess the large veins are stronger…

I’ll get chemo at Northwest Cancer Center, off Fm 1960 and Red Oak in Houston.  I will be on 2 phases of chemo, either 3 or 4 weeks each – I’m not quite sure yet.

I have an appointment with Dr. Casimir on Monday, Mar 16, so I’ll get everything cleared up then…
and will have one round of chemo behind me.  Oh Joy.

I learned that I will be given infusions of:
* Adriamycin and Cytoxan in Phase I
and
* Taxol in Phase II

Each does of chemo will be followed by an injection of Neulasta the next day.
The Neulasta will stimulate the growth of healthy white blood cells that the chemo kills off…  this “potion” will help me to recover quicker.

The Chemo Learning Class went over:
* Generic Name
* Other Name
* Drug Type
* What Drug Is Used For
* How Drug Is Given
* Side Effects Of Drug, Including Delayed Effects
* When To Contact Your Health Care Provider
* Precautions
* Self Care Tips
* Monitoring and Testing
* How Drug Works

Lots of info to remember, but the Dr and Medical Staff do this daily for a living, so I am sure that they will remind me of what I need to remember!