Good evening to all the readers of this blog,

    Well, Karen underwent her first chemotherapy treatment (Taxol) today.  She was given four pre-medications (Aloxi, Decadron, Benadryl and Pepcid) to assist her with any allergic reaction or nausea issues associated with the Taxol.  Although Karen drove her Mom and older sister, Anne, to the infusion center, Anne drove them home as Karen was very tired with the Benadryl.  Karen is not experiencing any negative reactions to the Taxol, which is a good thing.  As always, Karen has blood drawn before the above can occur.  Her blood results were well within the standard ranges.  The nurse, Lucia, who attended to Karen today, is expecting a little girl in June.  She and her husband are so excited but are still deciding on the little girl's name which will begin with the letter "M".  The entire process took just under 2 hours.  
   As you know, Karen always a little a bit humor when she goes for her treatment.  Even though this is her second journey, she was able to make her mom, sister and other people laugh.  When Karen, her mom and her sister entered the elevator to go up one floor, there was an elderly couple who got on also.  Ironically, they too were headed to the infusion center.  As Karen pushed the floor number 2, Karen looked at the elderly man and said, "Oh we're going to the second floor.  Ladies lingerie."  He smiled and said, "Do they also have jewelry?"  Karen smiled and laughed back saying, "Absolutely.  Jewelry goes great with lingerie."   All of them in the elevator had a good laugh. 
After Karen had the pre-medications administered and it was now time for the Taxol.  Lucia, the nurse, asked Karen one of those mentally challenging question.  "Is your date of birth mm/dd/year?"
Because Karen was under the influence of drugs and also only operates with a half of brain cell, she sat there in her chair looking up at the nurse with a blank stare.  After a few seconds, which seemed like eternity, Karen turned to her Mom and asked her, "When was I born?"  Luckily, Karen's mom vouched for Karen's birth.   What a relief that was for all and good laugh.  Ha ha ha.........
Take care everyone and we will let you know how Karen's second treatment (4/25/13) goes.

Tip of the blog:  Keep a happy thought throughout your busy day and smile constantly.