Shots Along The Way

Following are the traveling chronicles of shots, pills, and surf fishing that took place while camping in the tiny town of Ferndale with my parents on the 4th of July weekend.

Friday, 7-3-09 (Day 3)

Dexamethasone (.75mg, oral pill): My appetite has definitely increased, but I'm still debating whether or not to blame it on the pill, or the fact that I'm on vacation surrounded by high-calorie snacks with dangerously low self-control.

Lupron (10units, subQ injection): Today's injection went much smoother on the right side. I took advantage of the wisdom delivered by some of my blog commenters and numbed the area for a bit with a small ice pack; it made a huge difference. No bruising, no bleeding.

In other news, apparently my ovaries did not get the memo that I am on birth control and therefore should not be having my period until I stop the pills in a few more days; because today I began to bleed like a stuck pig. However, my nurse coordinator doesn't seem too concerned, so I refuse to be. Besides, I should have expected it. Birth control or not, my uterus has hit it's usual 31 day cycle ending date and was ready to do it's thing.

Sometimes you just can't stop nature.

Saturday 7-4-09 (Day 4)

Dexamethasone (.75mg, oral pill): After some quick Internet research, I found that this pill is also given to cancer patients to help reduce the nausea of chemotherapy and increase their appetite.

So that explains why I didn't get carsick on the long, windy mountain drive; and why I'm so hungry all the time.

Good to know.

Lupron (10units, subQ injection): I think I've got the hang of this. Seemingly unfazed by last Thursday's dramatic episode with my left side troubles, I simply stabbed that needle in like it was no body's business. I wasn't taking my chances with multiple stab wounds again.

Mission accomplished.

Today's Tab-ology: If you've never tried to gracefully squat and pee behind a sand dune in 45 degree weather, using flimsy biodegradable toilet paper while on your period...then you haven't lived. I'm just saying.

Sunday, 7-5-09 (Day 5)

Dexamethasone (.75mg, oral pill): Insomnia, no, but increased appetite and weight gain? That's would be a yes.

:::Sigh's and hangs head pitifully:::

Lupron (10units, subQ injection): As my last injection while on vacation, I decided to show off my mad skills and do it in front of my mother. After all, it was my right side, and my only side thus far to have a perfect track record.

Until today.

Apparently my jabbing techniques are the problem. I have some tough skin, and was reminded that slow and steady pressure is what works best. My mom ended up giving me the injection, and I was forced to pick up my wounded pride and move on.

And for some good news; it looks like my troubles with my sharps container have come to an end. I've decided to just leave the darn thing open.

All the time.

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."

-Vincent Van Gogh