Infusion No. 2

Second treatment was boring and uneventful, just how we like it :) I was able to tolerate the new chemo drug to replace the one I couldn’t tolerate from the first session. It’s a relief to have the plan set with meds and 3 week cadence of treatment locked in.

I was at the Cancer Center for 6ish hours today, from 10:15-4:30pm. They were a bit behind from the Monday holiday so, I’m hoping that gets closer to 4/5ish hours at the next one.

Here’s what an infusion day looks like:

30-45 minutes: Follow up Exam. I meet with my Medical Oncologist who is the one establishing and guiding the treatment plan. We review imaging reports, talk through side effects of treatment, any notable changes to the treatment plan, physical exam to check for any changes, and Q&A at the end if we have any questions to chat through.

60 minutes: Bloodwork (aka labs). They take my blood (using the port! which is more cool, less trippy atm). Labs take about an hour to get results back. They look at my red and white blood cell counts, my electrolyte levels, and whatever else that indicates 1) if my body is healthy enough to receive treatment and 2) if there is anything I might need to make sure I don’t end up in the hospital with an infection from treatment making me weaker and immunocompromised. For example, my white blood cell count was low today (chemo kills bad and good cells that multiply quickly so, this is expected). I was able to receive treatment but as a precaution, I am going to get additional blood work next week and may get a shot of something that will give my white blood cells a boost. Thank you bloodwork 🙏🏽.

45-60 minutes: Pre-chemo droogz. Exam and labs done, and on to a big dose of Benadryl! Once the drowsy Benadryl train leaves the station they also give me a 3-day anti nausea med, Pepcid for acid reflux, and a steroid. The benadryl and the steroid help precent any allergic reactions to the chemotherapy meds. 

60 minutes : Chemo #1 (the stronger of the two)

30 minutes : Chemo #2

30 minutes : Immunotherapy

During all of that I’m just sitting in a chair getting all of this pumped into my chest. Jeremy hangs out and we chat, laugh, or do our own things (work, read, listen to music, watch TV). I also get a few visits from folks on my care team - the case worker comes in to see if I need any support and lets me know about services their foundation provides; My nurse navigator, Laurie, comes in to talk through any logistic challenges and helps me sort them out while also talking through treatment and general questions I might have; Sometimes my medical oncologist will stop by if there is something we need to talk through before proceeding.

Some effects/consequences of chemotherapy: 

• I am immunocompromised while on treatment. If we have plans and you feel sick or have been around people who are sick, please let me know and we can reschedule. I need to dust off my pandemic skills and get back in the swing of wearing masks in busy public spaces.
• A fever of 100.4 means I need to go to the ER immediately as I may have an infection that my body can’t mount a defense to (due to low white blood cells) - scary. 
• 90% likelihood of losing all my hair during treatment.
• Chemo can cause some short and long term issues some that could take years to show up. Things like neuropathy in the hands and feet, heart damage, working memory impairment, broken/brittle nails, and probably more. I am going to do my best to care for my mind and body throughout treatment to hopefully avoid as much of that as I can - but it weighs on my mind, for sure.

I am a bit tired from the day, but otherwise feeling good. I finally got both chemo drugs so we will see if the next 2-3 days bring on the fatigue and any nausea.

By the way, I am still in absolute awe of the love and support surrounding me from my family, friends, community, and work. I’m still having a hard time finding the words, but they’ll come. I feel every ounce of the love, care, and generosity. Love you, thank you. 

More next week,
V♥️