Saturday, March 10, 2007 5:35 PM, EST

Hello,
What a long three days it was. We arrived at the clinic in Worcester on Wednesday for my 48 hour infusion. Unfortunately, there was more confusion than infusion.
Should they start the chemo at clinic and then move me over to the hospital or should they wait until I'm admitted?
Chemo did not start until 5:30-ish on Wednesday. We sat around for eight hours. Aside from the fact that we were able to get food and water and weren't going on a vacation, we now have empathy for Jet Blue passengers who wait for hours on the tarmac.
Now, the entire infusion does not take 48 hours..no, no it's the last drug of the regimen that takes 46 hours!! That is a slooow drip.
As I mentioned, I'm on a Folfox regimen. It consists of three drugs: Oxaliplatin (ox-sally-platin), Leucovorin and Flourouracil (5FU is it's common name). The 5FU is the slow drip.
While I was there I had my port-a-cath installed. It's right below my right collar bone. This will allow me to have the 46 hour drug at home. I'll go to clinic, they'll access my port and infuse the Oxaliplatin and the Leucovorin. They'll start the 5FU and then send me on my way.
Apparently, I'll have a fanny pack. Yes, a fanny pack. Dr. Walsh told me I could go about my business while I'm getting infused with my fanny pack. The IV bag fits right in there. Somehow, I don't see myself jaunting around with a fanny pack. So, if you see me with said fanny pack, try not to laugh too hard.
Once the 5FU is complete, I'll return to clinic and have the needle from the port deaccessed and return the pump/fanny pack.
I will do this every two weeks. As I mentioned, they'll run three cycles and then do more scans to see if it's working.
We didn't get home until 10:00 last night and I was exhausted.
The nurses did a great job of taking care of me. I'm still way out of it today.
Thank you for the posts to my guestbook. I love them!
Kim


Saturday, March 10, 2007 11:35 AM, CST
Kim,
I hope this note finds you feeling well, or at least better than expected, after your first round of chemo. I think of you constantly, and am wishing you much success throughout this ordeal.
I'm looking forward to your next journal entry, to hear how you are doing, and get a hardy chuckle from your wit! Your sense of humor in the face of adversity is inspirational, and you somehow managed to help those of us reading about your cancer diagnosis laugh out loud. Thanks!
Wendy Dionfriskiedixfield@charter.netHolden, MA
Saturday, March 10, 2007 2:08 PM, CST
Hi Kim,
I am not quite sure what to say -- only that you and your family are in our thoughts. Like everyone else just let me know if there is any thing we can do for you, the kids or Greg. Keep up that positive attitude.
Kim, Dave, Andrew and Jeffrey Sabourin
Kim SabourinHolden, MA

Saturday, March 10, 2007 2:22 PM, CST
Greetings Kim -
We just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that we are thinking about you. Hopefully you are home now relaxing with your family - of course, is relaxation possible with three children?
Mackenzie is next to me saying "tell her we love and miss you and send you hugs" - yes, I do what I am told. Your chemo buddy misses you and hopes you are okay. She says that hers is the pussy chemo compared to you since she only had seven hours - she bows down to you who can handle 48+ hours of it!
Anyway, we hope you guys are doing as well.
Love,
Mike & Mackenzie
Michael SullivanNew York, NY
Saturday, March 10, 2007 6:27 PM, CST
Mike Sullivan's sister here - Just wanted to say I'm thinking of and praying for you.
I love the fannypack. Picturing you running errands around Holden - starting a new fashion trend - "The fanny pack - yes, it's back. I swear it is - I saw Kim Abusheery sporting a very stylish one!!"
I'm sorry I haven't met you Kim but you obviously have a great sense of humor and I know that is going to help you and Greg through this ordeal. Please know you have lots of folks thinking of you and wishing you, Greg, and your kids the best.
Tricia (Sullivan) Cotter
Patricia CotterSandwich, MA
Saturday, March 10, 2007 7:17 PM, CST
Hi Kim,
Glad to hear that your first treatment is over. I love the idea of the fanny pack, you could single handedly bring it back in style- will you wear it in the front or the back....decisions,decisions.
I'm thinking of you. Rest up and we all look forward to hearing from you again soon!
love
Alison Vigeant
Alison VigeantWorcester, MA
Saturday, March 10, 2007 7:23 PM, CST
Hey Kim sorry to hear about your illness. I have to say after reading your updates how truly inspired I was and overwhelmed with your unbelievable courage, attitude and sense of humor. I believe and will pray that this outlook will allow you to defeat your cancer. I know that you have heard this before but if there is anything at all that we can do to help please let us know. Do not hesitate to call! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. YOU CAN BEAT THIS!!!
Love,
Joe,Cheryl, Jack & Owen Finnegan
Joe Finnegan
Saturday, March 10, 2007 8:29 PM, CST
Dude- don't lie you are psyced about the fanny pack! Perhaps you could request a preppy pink and green one!! I am glad you got the first treatment down and behind you.
Kerry Berry