Thanksgiving and Third Treatment

Time is flying. I can't believe Thanksgiving week is over and it's now December 7th. I couldn't be more thankful for my family who traveled from Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, and Florida to have Thanksgiving in New Jersey and for the Kucsans for continuing the tradition of stopping by for dessert at our home! (I will post pictures as soon as I transfer them to my computer.)

Kids table! :)

Monday after Thanksgiving I presented my thesis project in front of the faculty and classmates. It was only a five minute presentation with Powerpoint, but who doesn't get a little bit nervous presenting? I did well and am very proud of myself for not delaying this presentation until the following year. Here is the title page for my PPT:

I'm so excited to start researching more and writing over winter break. After I presented, I had a quick lunch at home, then headed to the hospital for my third treatment. The Lesters arrived shortly after we did for Mr. Lester's treatment, and I was really happy to be able to share that time with them and share our experiences.

I think ABVD (chemotherapy drugs adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazin) may be cumulative, but I'm not sure. I plan to ask my doctor next time. Having treatment on Monday instead of at the end of the week messed up my schedule, because I was feeling tired and "blah" on Tuesday and Wednesday- days I usually work and have class. I did go to class Wednesday night, but chewed on saltines and mint gum the entire time to feel better. I haven't felt nauseous/nauseated (which one is it, Alyssa? :), to the point of getting sick, but the first few days after chemotherapy, I have a funny feeling in my mouth, so chewing gum and crackers really helps! I've also felt a "tightness" of my throat sometime during days 3-4 after the past two treatments. I'm also going to ask my doctor about this. Drinking water and sucking on ice pops has helped alleviate this dry throat feeling. Today, Saturday (5 days after), I feel pretty normal.

So, I'm anxiously awaiting the morning I wake up with a clump of hair on my pillow. It's been about 37 days since my first treatment and I haven't experienced significant loss (and maybe I haven't washed or brushed my hair in a few days...hopeful preventive measures??). I'm trying not to run my fingers through it to see if I'm losing any of it, but I'm curious. It seems that I am losing the "normal" amount of hair that I've always lost after combing or washing my hair. My doctor walked into the office on Monday and said "you still have hair!" which made me laugh. I'm not holding my breath that it will be there for my next treatment and am prepared to lose it (but not really prepared at all). I've been Google searching "hair loss and ABVD" and it seems like everyone reacts differently to the regimen.

3 down, 9 more. 1/3 of the way through! Next treatment: Friday, December 20th.

Love,
Gilly