Dear Hodgkin's Lymphoma patients, Do yourself a huge favor...GET A PORT FROM THE BEGINNING. I know surgeries are scary, and if you are like me, going under is worse than the thought of being stuck with a needle over and over again. DO NOT BE STUPID. Get the freaking port! It will save you months … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Seven
British Hospital
First a Port then Chemo Number six
Yesterday was a big and long day. Mom and I woke up at 5:00am to get to the hospital by 6. My surgery was at 7. It was so early that even the main reception wasn't open and we had to go to the emergency reception. I was very apprehensive about the surgery. Anesthesia already gives … Continue reading First a Port then Chemo Number six
Mom Donates Blood
In Uruguay, whenever a person has a surgery, it is expected that blood donations are contributed in your name. Basically, the system is that you have family and friends donate blood to replenish the bank if there is a possibility you will use blood. It is a great way to keep the system free and … Continue reading Mom Donates Blood
Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
It's official. My veins are shot and I am going to need a port for my next chemo. I have had aching pain in my left hand IV site since my last session of chemo. When I went in for blood, the head nurse said it was time for a port. My veins are starting … Continue reading Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Five
On to the third round. Remember, there are six rounds total and two sessions per round. Yesterday was a left-handed day. Therefore, I was already preparing myself for some arm discomfort. My doctor added an anti-allergen before the final chemo drug so that it would minimize my chances of getting another reaction. My bag was … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Five
Results Come Tomorrow so I am Planting Flowers
There are some things that are so uniquely Uruguay. It gets windy so people break out the winter coats. It is summer so people take random vacations and forget that there are patients waiting for lab results. I went to my doctor today to check my blood before chemo (platelets are a little low but … Continue reading Results Come Tomorrow so I am Planting Flowers
Los Trovadores
One of my greatest joys right now is sugar-free ice cream. Before cancer, I didn't really like ice cream. It wasn't my favorite dessert and I didn't crave it. If someone was getting a cone, (Katie) sure, I'd get one. But I never went out of my way for ice cream. But man! As soon … Continue reading Los Trovadores
The Days After Chemo Number Four
This time has been a strange ebb and flow of symptoms and feelings. It could be that my body is trying to release a dead egg at the same time it is being poisoned. Or it could be an after effect from the Neprogen and all of the other antibiotics that were pumped into me … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number Four
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Four
I was so excited for this treatment. I had fought so hard to make it so that this treatment happened on a Friday instead of the following Monday. It was a day later than normal, but at least I am still on my schedule. I woke up ready. Not only was it a right hand … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Four
White Cell Problems Part Free…at Last!
I have finally been sprung from hospital jail! After three and a half days and three nights, I get to finally go out into the world and breathe the humid Uruguayan air. I don't have to walk around with a plastic tube pinching my vein. I don't have to be woken up at 7 for … Continue reading White Cell Problems Part Free…at Last!
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 