It was a very long day yesterday. We went to the cancer center in San Luis and they are all very nice there. It is a very busy place. They have nice recliners for you to sit in while you are having your chemotherapy. I think I was there for over almost 4 hours. It takes longer the first time I think because you meet with the doctor and go over tests or procedures and then the chemo nurse goes over everything and answers any questions you have.

They give you a quilt for you to keep that people made and donated by SLO Quilters. I was even thinking that I wish I had finished my quilts at home to use during this time, and just at that moment, the nurse brought one in for me. I didn’t even know they did that. I was just admiring the huge quilt up on the wall that a patient had donated to the center for hanging. It was beautiful and the were colors bright. The center even has little caps to give you for free for when you need it to keep your head warm when the hair goes away.

After the chemo was completed,  we went to Splash Cafe for lunch. I figured it would be the last time I could eat out if my taste buds were going to change, so I wanted to enjoy a favorite food of grilled salmon salad. As we ordered, the friendly counter girl asked if our morning was going great, I responded not even thinking, that it is going alright, I just finished my first chemo treatment. It shocked the girl, and she jumped back and said she was sorry, and was almost emotional. I guess I shouldn’t have said that, but it just came out. Most people just say that everything is great. I turned to go find a seat, and Pete watched her and told me later that she was fanning herself because she was trying to control her emotions. I really didn’t mean to do that to her, but I guess in a way it is a wake up call for people to be aware to do screening. I need to be careful. I was just being honest and spontaneous.

After that, we went to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center to see what it was all about. They provide a lot of free programs for cancer patients such as support groups, exercise classes, art therapy classes, yoga, and many choices. I want to take the “Look Good, Feel Better” class. They help you with cosmetic tips for when the chemo causes its havoc on your body, such as hair loss and such.

After that, I was so wasted, I couldn’t bear to do anything else. I wanted to check out a couple of stores that sell wigs and hats and scarves to use in the coming months. But I couldn’t do anymore.

As we were driving home, I realized I still had a dog walking job I had to do, so we went over and walked the dog (Lance). It was actually very therapeutic for me, and the sun was out and it was beautiful. We ran into a neighbor/friend (she is a breast cancer survivor) that was walking her dog (who is an old buddy with the dog that Pete and I were walking), so we had a very nice short walk. I was the one who pooped out first. Both dogs were old, so they were ok with that.

The rest of the day was rest, and after I woke up at dinner time, I was actually nauseated and dinner really wasn’t something I even wanted to think about. I did settle on some soup and  crackers, and just still struggled with nausea. I went to bed early.

Today, I went in for my day after chemo injection which is supposed to increase the white blood cells. I told the technician about my nausea and that it disturbed my sleep last night and I still felt the same today. So I ended up getting an infusion to help fight the nausea.

I am tired now, and will go rest again. It is amazing how all this makes me so very fatigued. I am not a nap taker, but in these days, I have become one. I think the medication they gave me is helping as we speak. Yeah!