3/20 - Day 2, Cycle 1: Chemo

I will start labeling the posts for Kristine's treatment by the day and cycle. As I mentioned in my day 1 posting (3/19) Kristine will receive 3 cycles of treatment with each cycle lasting 3 weeks.

Day 2 of Kristine's chemotherapy was relatively uneventful. Kristine was very groggy and tired the whole day. She awoke feeling more swollen that ever. Since the oncology nurses have been weighing her every day we can keep track of her weigh changes. Since Friday of last week (only 4 days) Kristine had gained nearly 20 lbs just from fluid retention. 9 of the lbs were gained in just 24 hours. This is a factor of both the blood clot and the extra hydration fluids that she is receiving during treatment.

We ended up staying in the cancer center from 9-5. The doctor wanted to reduce some of the extra fluid that Kristine was retaining before she left for home. She received Lasix (a loop diuretic (or water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine. Lasix treats fluid retention (edema)).

She is not eating too much. However, we have discovered the power of the milkshake. No matter how much she refuses to eat, she never refuses a milkshake.

Until tomorrow.