I actually had a really great night sleep. Not sure why. There were some small fires going on at home, requiring some attention on my part. Perhaps that use of mental energy helped me solve not only those issues, but allowed my brain the rest it so desperately needed. Whatever it was, my brain finally “Let it go” and I slept the entire night!
Enter morning and I got a chance to talk to Dan. He had also been trying to problem solve at home as well. We have some things to take care of before I return and we have come up with a plan of attack and I think it is all worked out now. Not much I can do about these things here and now, but between Dan, my sister, and my friends, I think we have it handled. It’s now about 6:00 and it’s time for my little morning snack of the biscuits I i stash away after dinner. I pull them out and munch away. Really takes the edge off until breakfast which usually is at 9:00.
Well there is the morning infusion of steroids. Notice didn’t even turn on the lights. I was going to sleep this one through. Only about 30 minutes anyway.
Its now about 6:30 In rolls a IV stand with a bottle that looked a bit small. I got a text from one of my team who said it must be steroids. Ok, so we had some steroids early on this morning and before you knew it, breakfast had come and gone. It was now time to do the big dance! I saw there was another bottle and a bag that looked very slow it was going to last 5 hours. I was a bit confused. I asked Anastasia about that, and she said they do the drip very slowly so it would actually take about 5 hours. That’s fine by me as long as it sends those little B cells packing. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
Well there it is, the Rituximab. One final piece of the puzzle!
So now what? I had some time on my hands and had some bone pain, so I decided to take a nap. There was actually a lot of naping going on today. Not really much else todo. I could have watched movies, played on the internet or read. But to be honest, I was just plain tired. So I used my time to nap. Apparently I was not alone. Most of my team did the same. I think we all deserve it at this point.
One thing I will say aboutRituximab, This drug really is an ass kicker! Not only did I sleep/nap most of the day, but when I did get up, I was very unsteady on my feet. I was doing the “furniture surfing” thing to keep from falling. Even in the restroom, I had to use the grab bars to pull myself up. Never had to do that before! Made me feel a bit old. But Dr. Federenko came to check on me later and told me it was normal that things like this happen. He just told me to be careful tonight. Perhaps tonight would not be a good night to do laps on the ward. I told him I would save that for tomorrow. Plus I get to go outside tomorrow! Even if it is for just a few minutes, I can’t wait.
So, bottom line, today was a bit of a struggle. But I made it through. I am a fighter and refuse to give up. Remember, I may have only one match. But I can make and explosion! Thats what I intend to do!
On that note, my fight song. Thank you Rachel Platten. It could not be more perfect and I dedicate it to all those fighting something out there. Most importantly I dedicate it to my husband Dan Castaneda who is the strongest man I know. I love you to infinity and beyond!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQhGnNEFtPk
I’ve been thinking of you! I check the blog everyday to keep up with your progress. Sounds as though things are going well (except the food!). Keep napping girl!!