Chemo Diaries

arrived before 0800 to a flurry of activity. Weight first, I know it’s necessary but I’d rather not. Labs are drawn next followed by the usual questions at most medical appointments. While awaiting the lab results the oncology nurse navigator brings in the information regarding my infusion drug cocktail, once again necessary but listening to the words causes me to think of the line, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger“. After she has completed her assignment and I have assured her that no I don’t have any questions now but, at 0300 I will have at least 132. The lab results are in and chemo is a go! The adventure continues when a medium sized gray case is delivered to the room. Ah yes my parting gift for the day. The cooling cap apparatus for which I was fitted. The application was pretty simple, (there will be a video in upcoming posts), and before I knew it I was feeling a cold fluid race through the cap and settling down over my scalp. This is an FDA approved treatment to help me keep and/or help regrow my hair more quickly. Also I’m really not fond of being ice cold. The first course of my cocktail is served via my port. It is a blend of premeds that will help to keep possible side effects of the cancer meds at bay. That runs approximately 30 minutes, next on the menu is the Keytruda, again about 30 minutes run time. The first part of the main course is the Taxol. This main course comes having to add to my cold gear. You see this med can cause hand and foot neuropathy. The good news is that wearing cold pack socks and gloves helps reduce that issue. I did mention that I don’t care for the cold didn’t I? Anyhoo those items are placed and there I am with the latest in chemo attire for 3 more hours. I did look pretty funny, but it’s only weird if it doesn’t work. The last tick of 3 hours goes by and I’m served the last part of the main course, my 2nd chemo med. This one only runs 30 minutes and does not require the use of the socks or gloves. When the infusion pump begins the lovely dings signaling the bag is empty I am so happy. But that is not the end of adventure chemo day 1. The cooling cap remains on for another 90 minutes. I can barely hide my joy as the last seconds go by. And just like, 7-8 hours have gone and the session is officially over. I couldn’t have gotten through this without God running the show and bringing a fantastic medical team into my life. My husband and daughters stayed with me through the day, giving support however I needed it. They are amazing! Even though they weren’t in the room I could feel the love, positivity, and prayers of many family members and friends. Well time to go home and eat things I shouldn’t because I will probably lose my taste in the next couple of weeks.