As the country awaits the transition to a new president, our family begins day one of four months of chemotherapy. I repeat, day 1!
I’ve packed a bag for this long first day of treatment (see my list below) and would love to hear what helped you get through if you’ve experienced this journey too. A friend is kindly watching our kids while we’re away today. Although we love City of Hope and it is a welcoming place, with a warm supportive staff, there’s a sense of fear and uncertainty as we start this new chapter. The unknown is daunting, but we’re ready to learn together. Reid is starting on “Oxaliplatin” chemo, and while there are many types and doses, we’ll take each step one at a time.
For those asking, Reid’s port installation went smoothly. He’s feeling a bit stiff and says he feels like a robot, turning his head carefully, but it’s a relief to know this port allows for aggressive chemo to help shrink the tumor.
Here’s what’s in my bag for today:
- Grounding pad – A cancer diagnosis affects the mind in so many ways, and this mat has helped me sleep and feel more centered at night. Ours was a gift from John and Katie Gresko- thank you!
- Cozy blanket, hat, and gloves
- Protein powder
- Essential oils – I love peppermint oil for headaches and de-stressing.
- Oliveda lip oil – This has been great for the dry hospital air.
- Chargers for phones and iPads and my red-light “LumeBox”
- Healthy snacks – Kale chips, Ezekiel bread with grass-fed butter, pistachios, low-sugar gummies, mushroom hot chocolate, and plenty of teas like dandelion and green tea.
If you’ve gone through this, I’d love to hear your tips or items you found helpful. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and prayed for Reid and our family.
Chat soon,
Shalice
