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Third Chemo Session

14 December 2001 - My daughter Kerstin asked me about what Chemo was, and since she can't come and be with me during my sessions, we took a camera with us to show more about what happens on 'chemo day'.

It's important to remember that 'chemo day' is just the start of things - the body deals with the chemicals over the following two weeks after the onslaught, and then you feel pretty good the 3rd week. And then you go back in for another round of drugs.

At Flinders, chemo is given in a special 'day ward' of the hospital. Instead of beds, special reclining chairs are used instead. Something that doesn't show in the picture is on the other side of the chair, Rod normally sits and holds my hand, but he's taking the pictures. The tech suits up with gloves, goggles and a special gown as the chemicals in the vials can be caustic. The red drug, described below actually can cause serious burns if it comes in contact with skin. Scary, but it doesn't hurt when it goes in via the vein, and that's a good thing!
1. Chemo Day - Drugs
Chemo Day - Drugs These are the actual chemo drugs used. The type of chemo I'm having is adriamycin and cytoxan (or A/C for short). The adriamycin is the red one, a real heavy duty chemo. The cytoxan is the clear one
2. Chemo Day - Adriamycin
Chemo Day - Adriamycin For AC chemo, they put you on an IV, and then add the chemicals to the IV just before it enters your vein. In this view Tracy is giving me the adriamycin.
3. Chemo Day - Receiving treatment
Chemo Day - Receiving treatment I'm laughing here, not cringing. Tracy and I were chatting about work. Apparently she mainly works in Admin lately and really enjoys being able to work with patients whenever she can.